novelslam Chapters 1382 and 1391: The more you don't want others to see it, the more they want to see it!
Chapters 1382 and 1391: The more you don't want others to see it, the more they want to see it!
Chapters 1382 and 1391: The more you don't want others to see it, the more they want to see it!
Director Masaki Kobayashi of Shochiku received an invitation.
We cordially invite you to attend the preview screening of "Jurassic Park".
He looked at the time and place on the invitation and smiled.
"On March 5th, Naoki actually finished editing the movie without saying a word!"
As a close friend of Naoki Nagayama despite their age difference, they would occasionally call each other to say hello and talk about the movies they were working on. Masaki Kobayashi was naturally aware of Naoki Nagayama's extremely high expectations for "Jurassic Park".
With director Naoki Nagayama himself calling it a "masterpiece," and the stunning impact of the three trailers, Masaki Kobayashi has been eagerly anticipating the film's release!
"This preview screening was surprisingly low-key? No publicity at all in the media?"
Masaki Kobayashi called his friend to ask if he wanted to come along.
"They've even gotten an invitation. Could it be a membership system?!"
Meanwhile, a number of people in the Japanese entertainment industry also received invitations. These included senior reporters from Kinema Junpo, the head of the Tokyo Film Journalists Association, well-known film critics, famous directors and producers, and some big-name actors, among others.
After receiving the invitation, everyone was not only excited to attend the screening, but also very curious about the precautions on the back!
For example, signs might say, "Entry by invitation only, one invitation per person, no extras allowed," or "Receive a small gift with your invitation."
Takeshi Kitano clicked his tongue as he looked at the signs on the back that read "No drinks or snacks allowed" and "No filming equipment allowed."
"I understand not bringing photography equipment. But why can't I bring drinks and snacks?!"
"Not even popcorn?!"
On the back, there was another line of text that requested attendees of the preview screening to keep the film's plot confidential during interviews, and only share their impressions after watching the film.
"Can't I share it with others?!"
"Is this how you do advertising?!"
You have to understand that movies in this era relied on word of mouth and interviews in newspapers and media to reveal their attractive plots and features in order to get more people to go to the cinema!
The marketing campaign by Tree Friends Pictures this time is simply baffling!!
"Could it be that Naoki-san doesn't think highly of his movie? That can't be right. The trailer alone shows that it's a very good movie!"
"I don't understand, I really don't understand."
Although he said that, Takeshi Kitano was becoming increasingly curious about this "Jurassic Park" film.
"You'll find out at the preview screening!"
The fact that so many celebrities received invitations could not be kept secret, and the news quickly spread.
However, there were no reports in the media that Naoki Nagayama was going to hold a preview screening, and he didn't even plan to hold a press conference afterwards!
This instantly angered film industry journalists. They felt this was jeopardizing their livelihoods!
Many media outlets rely on this kind of news to attract readers!
What's more, it's one of the most anticipated movies by audiences recently!!
"What are you doing, Tree Friend?!" "Not going to promote it anymore?!" "Are you kidding me?!" "You want to stop promoting it? I'm going to say it anyway!"
Fueled by this resentment, they leaked the news of the secret test screening of "Jurassic Park" and even claimed that Naoki Nagayama lacked confidence in his own film!
Many reporters familiar with the style of Shuyu Films secretly resolved to go to the "Artistic Seat" in Ikebukuro that day and stake out the audience coming out of the theater.
Some people who hadn't received invitations even started asking around, trying to buy them from others.
As the saying goes, the longer a secret is kept, the more curious people become.
The less people are allowed to see a movie, the more they want to watch it!
This perplexing turn of events has piqued the curiosity of not only journalists but also audiences.
Discussions of various conspiracy theories have emerged continuously, keeping the popularity of "Jurassic Park" going strong!
"What movie has multiple versions? People with invitations see different versions than regular viewers~" "Tree Friends Cinema is screening its audience~" "Actually, the movie is terrible, so they only show it to certain people." "There are special gifts at the preview screening."
In short, the audience members who participated in the discussion were very enthusiastic, and no matter how much they complained, they were secretly envious of those who were able to attend the preview screening.
Some people even secretly resolved to see the movie once it was released, and then come out and say, "As expected, it's just average," or "No wonder the preview screening was so low-key!"
"."
As March begins, the cherry blossoms in Tokyo have started to bloom, and in another week or two, the entire city will be adorned in pink – it will be cherry blossom season!
The cherry blossoms in the Yama-oka-in are covered with buds, but only a few flowers have shyly opened, as if waiting for the right time to show their beauty!
"Dad, higher!"
Xiaoxia stretched out her little hands, trying to reach the cherry blossom that was blooming on the branch, urging it on. Naoki Nagayama, somewhat helplessly, lifted the little one above his head so she could grab the flower.
Eitaro, standing at their feet, was wagging its tail and circling around them, occasionally looking up at them.
"Naoki-san, be careful."
Akina, leaning against the door with her hands supporting her waist and her pregnant belly sticking out with some difficulty, was still concerned about the safety of the father and daughter.
In the end, Xiaoxia Hua still managed to pick that cherry blossom. She smiled happily, clutching it tightly in her hand, not showing it to anyone. Once it fell to the ground, she planned to find a place to hide it.
"Is Naoki-san not going out today?"
Akina watched her daughter running around happily and asked Naoki Nagayama with a smile.
"Didn't they say they were going to start test screenings?"
"Yes, they've already extended the invitation!"
Naoki Nagayama helped Akina into the living room and sat her down, then he himself lay down comfortably.
"The editing is finished, and I've also taken care of some things in the financial world. I can finally take a short break!"
"But isn't Naoki-san supposed to go to the preview screening?"
"Haha, that's a few days from now!"
Naoki Nagayama gently stroked Akina's belly.
"I can spend some quality time with you guys these next few days~"
Okay~
Akina smiled. Late pregnancy is a time of anxiety, and having Naoki Nagayama by her side is naturally very helpful!
The two cuddled on the sofa for a while, then Akina suddenly asked:
"By the way, Naoki-san, can I go see the preview screening?"
"This"
Naoki Nagayama shook his head.
"The scene was too dangerous. It might not be suitable for pregnant women to watch."
What if I get so scared that I give birth prematurely?!
"Sigh..." Akina sighed, "Well, there's nothing we can do then. By the time the baby is born, the movie should be off the screens by then."
"Don't worry, I'll put it in a separate place for you after the baby is born!"
The master tape is on my side! I can show it whenever I want, just go to the cinema and book the whole theater!
However, Akina's words also reminded Naoki Nagayama that there should be some restrictions on how people watch this movie. Pregnant women and people with heart conditions or other conditions that cannot be stimulated should not watch it!
"I need to talk to Eiichiro about this."
Rumors suddenly began to circulate within Tokyo's financial circles.
Statements such as "Be careful when going to the United States," "The beacon of democracy is not so free," and "You will be placed under house arrest if you make money" have appeared frequently!
Of course, those in the industry know that this refers to the US branch of Tree Friends Capital. After making money, Nakai Genta was placed under house arrest in the US, which almost became a cautionary tale!
These rumors were, of course, spread by people who attended Naoki Nagayama's tea party. Those venture capital heavyweights are already quite famous in the industry, each with their own following. So, their words, once they got out, became a significant voice in the financial world.
It has indeed affected some investment intentions in the Japanese capital circle, and even heavyweight groups like Sony have been affected!
Shiro Koriyama, head of Sony's Business Strategy Division, expressed some of his concerns at an internal meeting.
"The original intention of acquiring Columbia Pictures was to better communicate with the political and financial circles in the United States, but after seeing the current situation of Tree Friends Capital, I am considering the risks of this acquisition."
"We at Sony are a hardware company. As outsiders, we probably won't make money in the film industry, but film companies have a huge influence."
"However, if the US itself is so resistant to Japanese capital, what if we can't sell our other products after acquiring Columbia Pictures?!"
"."
From a business perspective, Sony's acquisition of Columbia Pictures was completely unprofitable.
However, Sony's CEO Akio Morita believed that acquiring a film company would help Sony integrate into the upper echelons of the American economy, and Japan's current booming economy gave him confidence, which led to this outlandish acquisition.
However, the fact that Tree Friends Capital was detained simply because it made money in the stock market has caused major Japanese capital firms to worry about their investment practices in the United States.
Such internal conversations naturally spread rapidly throughout the financial world and even the entertainment industry. They were also reported in the media.
Just as streams converge to form rivers, seemingly insignificant rumors can also coalesce into a torrent of public opinion.
With the intentional or unintentional encouragement of the public, this situation easily reached the ears of Tagako Doi, who was visiting the White House.
Watching the American celebrities raising their glasses and chatting and laughing at the social dinner, Doi Tagako knew that the time had come to speak!
"Treasurer Baker."
Doi Tagako, holding a sake glass, approached Finance Minister Beck.
"We very much look forward to taking our economic cooperation between Japan and the United States to a new level."
"of course!"
Finance Minister Baker nodded with a smile.
"Japan's economy is booming, and the United States has unlimited market potential. I hope that both sides can complement each other and become even closer!"
After a few polite words, Doi Tagako said, seemingly somewhat embarrassed:
"Treasurer Baker, there are some rumors circulating in the Japanese investment community lately that have me concerned!"
"??"
Treasurer Baker was somewhat surprised.
What's wrong?
"Some investment companies feel uneasy and uncertain about investing in the United States! This sentiment seems to have even spread to ongoing business negotiations."
"oh?!"
Finance Minister Baker's expression turned somewhat serious. In social situations, some words themselves represent underlying needs.
"Prime Minister Doi, such a thing actually happened?"
".yes"
Doi Tagako played to her strengths as a woman, speaking in a gentle tone with a hint of vulnerability.
"They're worried about what would happen if they made money in the US and were detained?"
"This is impossible!!!"
Treasurer Baker spoke with righteous indignation.
"The United States has always been a democratic and free country, and our judicial system will certainly guarantee the rights of all Japanese investors!"
"That would be best!"
Doi Tagako smiled.
"Secretary of the Treasury's words have put my mind at ease. Now I can make the same promises to people in the financial sector when I get back!"
"Of course!"
The two clinked glasses lightly, smiled at each other, and then went to visit other guests, seemingly without saying anything or achieving anything!
However, after Doi Tagako left, Finance Minister Baker went directly to the members of the stock market management team and asked them with great concern:
"What? Hasn't the issue with Tree Friends Capital been resolved yet?!"
"??"
Securities Commission Chairman David Ludd, somewhat embarrassed, still spoke up.
"We've already tried to reach a settlement with the people at Tree Friends Capital, but that guy named Nakai Genta is so stubborn and inflexible. He refuses to sign the settlement agreement!"
"He even said that this was an insult to Japan, and that if he went back with this stain on his reputation, he would commit seppuku!"
"Mr. Baker, what's wrong?"
"Fuck your so-called Bushido spirit!"
Finance Minister Baker, who knew Japan quite well and had this stereotype about the country, downed a glass of champagne and then said to David Ludd:
"The new Japanese prime minister just told me that Japanese capital feels insecure about investing in the United States, and that there's such a sentiment circulating in Japanese financial circles."
"She's referring to this indirectly!!!"
David Ludger's expression was also unpleasant. As the master of Japan, he had always felt superior to Japan since he became a five-star general.
"Is she trying to challenge the American legal system?! Does she think we'll back down?!"
"Fuck!! Of course we'll compromise!"
Treasurer Baker glared at David Ludger.
"The US economy needs investment from Japan now! The Republican Party needs Japan's economic recovery for the midterm elections!!!"
"Oh, sorry, because we sued a Japanese investment company, the economy failed to recover, the Republican Party's approval rating dropped, and you lost the presidency!"
Treasurer Baker's tone was somewhat harsh.
"Do you want me to report to the president like this?!"
"Of course not."
"So, you know what to do, right?!"
"."
David Ludger was filled with resentment as he listened to his boss's words.
When you sued TreeFriend Capital to try and get a piece of the pie, why weren't you acting like this?! What, am I not your sweetheart anymore?!
"Okay, I understand!"
Ultimately, David Ludger assured Treasurer Baker that he would resolve the matter as soon as possible.
"However, it seems that Nakai Genta of Shuyou Capital is currently on vacation in Hollywood and not in New York."
"I don't care where he is, as long as this matter is resolved as soon as possible!"
Treasurer Baker ignored him, grabbed another glass of champagne, and walked over to the other bigwigs.
"."
David Ludger sighed, put down his glass, and prepared to head to Los Angeles.
"Let's find that guy Nakai Genta first!"
"Then, get him to sign the non-prosecution agreement as soon as possible. Let's just forget about the settlement."
"Finally, let him go back to Japan! To spread the word about the freedom and democracy of America!"
"."
David Ludger left the dinner party rambling on and on!
(End of this chapter)