Traveling through the Tokyo bubble era

Chapter 877: Iijima Michi is eager for success

Hanyu Hideki has already developed an instinctive filter as to how women look at him. After all, he has experienced so much, and if everyone pays attention to it, then he won't have to do anything else when he goes out.

Therefore, while Naito Haruko was observing the expressions of other women, Hanyu Hideki had already taken Iijima Michi away from the crowd and went to talk aside.

"Teacher Hanyu, what can I do for you?"

Today, Michi Iijima has been at the top of the power circle of the Japanese entertainment industry for many years. While her temperament has become more and more capable, she has also developed her own unique aura of a superior.

But even so, when she faced Hanyu Hideki, she was still instinctively humble and respectful.

"No big deal, I'm just curious why you came here in person today. Are you here to take them with you?"

After Hanyu Hideki finished speaking, he looked not far away.

There were several artists from Yunshang Entertainment who were brought to the stage by Mizuki Iijima herself. In addition to Noriko Sakai who kept looking at her, there was also the Gemini group composed of Takeshi Kaneshiro and Takuya Kimura, who have been neither rising nor falling since their debut.

Last year, with the rise of rock bands, the popularity of idol artists continued to decline.

After the stock market crash, advertisers and sponsors reduced their investments, and major TV stations began to cancel idol performances.

After entering 1990, the industry has clearly felt that idols who follow the traditional route are no longer as popular in the market as their predecessors in the s and s.

Under such circumstances, not to mention the Gemini group, even the extremely popular SHINee group began to see fluctuations in popularity.

Although SHINee is still very popular, with two singles produced by Chage and Aska released after the new year easily taking first place on the Oricon charts, the domineering aura they had during their peak period has gradually been lost under the impact of rock music.

If this is the case with the SHINee group, one can imagine the situation of other idols.

When the times and the market are about to abandon you, any struggle is useless.

At this moment, many people in the industry who had commented that Akina Nakamori was very stupid when she retired, changed their attitude 180 degrees and said that it was a wise decision for Akina Nakamori to retire at the peak of her career.

They believe that Akina Nakamori not only kept her career at its most glorious period, but also successfully started her own agency after retirement and created a super band like "Dreams Come True".

Looking at Seiko Matsuda, who was once on par with Akina Nakamori, her popularity has dropped significantly, and her sales are mediocre. She even went to America again under the arrangement of Sony, trying to transform and open up a new track under the gimmick of learning rock music.

Even within the Yunshang Group, Shizuka Kudo, who was originally regarded as the successor to Akina Nakamori, has now abandoned the traditional idol promotion strategy and begun to transform herself into a mature beauty with a slightly sexy style.

If this is the case for the top artists in the industry, one can imagine how other agencies in the industry will choose.

While agencies in the industry are reducing their investment in idols, they are also betting heavily on the already improving band market. On the "Band's Heaven" program on Yunshang Satellite TV, any band that performs well will be frantically snatched up by agencies.

On the other hand, another program on Cloud Satellite TV, "Star Creation", which once had extremely high ratings and was sought after by agencies every graduation season, has been obviously neglected.

Of course, Yunshang Entertainment will not rashly cancel the "Star Creation" program just because of the indifference of industry firms.

After all, in Hideki Hanyu's view, the Japanese idol market has only cooled down, but it has not disappeared, and consumers who demand idols still exist.

Otherwise, the Johnny's agency in another time and space would not have existed for decades.

In Hideki Hanyu's view, when capital in the industry begins to flee the idol track, it is the best opportunity for the Yunshang Group to seize the opportunity to deepen its roots and dominate this field.

What's more, for the Yunshang system, the role of "Star Creation" is not only to select idols, but also a complete channel for selecting artists.

In recent years, the debut artists selected by Yunshang from "Star Creation" are not only idols, but also singers, actors, even hosts, variety show artists, etc.

Of course, the cold winter period in the idol market is a fact.

Even the cloud system needs to make changes in this regard.

For example, the current SHINee group, in addition to group activities, members have begun to try to release albums individually or as a small group, and have also started working in different fields such as acting.

The Gemini group, which debuted later, directly abandoned the image burden, settled down in variety shows, and continuously honed their professional capabilities, continuing to grow before breaking out of their cocoons and emerging as butterflies.

But this alone is not enough for Hideki Hanyu.

When it comes to idols, especially male idols, Hideki Hanyu has huge ambitions and a complete development plan.

In another time and space, Japan's boy groups can be roughly divided into migrant worker groups and Johnny's idol groups based on their positioning, style and audience.

The former focuses more on live performances and the music itself, with diverse styles covering elements such as hip-hop and street dance. Members usually have superb dancing and rap skills.

Johnny's idols, on the other hand, focus more on idol feeling and diversified development, mainly involving variety shows, singing, stage plays and other fields.

In this time and space, taking advantage of the overthrow of Johnny's Office and the rare low period of idols, Hanyu Hideki expressed that he wants both factions.

At this time, Iijima Michi replied, "Bringing them is just a side job. I mainly want to meet the director and actors of the movie that will be released today."

Hanyu Hideki asked with a smile, "Does Iijima-san want to sign them?"

In Hideki Hanyu's opinion, it doesn't matter whether Zhang Guoshi signs the contract or not in the main creative lineup of the movie "Ju Dou", but it is indeed a good idea to win Gong Li's overseas business.

As expected, Iijima Michi replied, "When Director Zhang came to the group before, I met the female lead. I think she has great potential and is worth our investment and promotion overseas."

"You have a good eye."

Hanyu Hideki made a comment, but then said, "But this matter is not suitable for the Japanese headquarters, so let the Asian branch do it. Overseas business should be left to overseas."

"Okay." Iijima Michi looked regretful.

Hideki Hanyu can understand Iijima Michi's feelings. Now, Yunshang Entertainment's business in Japan, no matter which aspect, has basically reached the ceiling of Japan's entertainment industry.

It’s not that Yunshang Entertainment doesn’t want to work hard, but the Japanese market is only so big.

Yunshang Entertainment has achieved perfection in almost every industry it has been involved in.

In this situation, if ambitious companies want to make a breakthrough, they can only consider external factors.

The Asian investment expansion plan that Hideki Hanyu set early on was a precautionary measure for Cloud Entertainment.

The previous acquisition of MCA Global was a key springboard to break through the ceiling.

Similar to enterprises, the management and career of Neon Headquarters naturally have a ceiling.

Needless to say, those who are content with the status quo.

It is even more difficult for ambitious executives like Michiru Iijima to break through the ceiling.

Today, Michihiro Iijima is already the most powerful executive in Yunshang Entertainment. If he is promoted again, he will only be able to lead the overall situation in the group, but he still cannot escape his own territory in Japan.

What's more, when Hirohashi Asako is still young and strong, even if Iijima Michi joins the group, the power she will have is not necessarily more than that in Yunshang Entertainment.

Besides, the group is now vigorously promoting its globalization pace. After acquiring MCA Global, Asia, Europe, the United States, and other markets have entered a period of comprehensive expansion.

It seems that there are more opportunities, but the problem is that not everyone is suitable for developing overseas.

After Yasui Yosuke was poached by Hanyu Hideki, Kobayashi Masatsugu was able to rise rapidly in the group thanks to his excellent overseas work capabilities.

But to be fair, even if Hanyu Hideki and Hirohashi Asako put Iijima Michi in Kobayashi Masao's position, she would not be able to do better than Kobayashi Masao.

After all, a person's ability has its limits.

Michiko Iijima, who came from a low-income family, has solid business skills and front-line work experience, especially in the field of artist management.

But going further up, her biggest shortcoming is her lack of a big picture view of the entire industry and a good international perspective.

In terms of cultural literacy alone, Kobayashi Masashi graduated from a prestigious university, is fluent in seven foreign languages, and has a knowledge of the social customs and humanistic culture of various countries overseas that Iijima Michi can never compare to.

This is also why, although Iijima Michi has always regarded Hirohashi Asako as her goal and worked hard for her, she was also once regarded as a successor to be trained within the group.

But in the past few years, he was overshadowed by Kobayashi Masashi, who came from behind.

The development direction of the enterprise determines the positioning of the manager.

As Cloud Entertainment gradually becomes an international entertainment and media group, it also needs a helmsman with an international vision.

After the acquisition of MCA Global, the direction of the group's business line has become clearer and clearer. In this situation, Iijima Michi felt the crisis and wanted to perform well in overseas business, so he signed Gong Huang in desperation. Hanyu Hideki can actually understand this behavior of being eager for success.

Looking at the regretful expression on Iijima Michi's face, and thinking that the other party was, after all, a "secret servant in the palace" who came from his assistant's office, Hanyu Hideki reached out and patted the other party's shoulder.

Then he said earnestly, “I know what you are thinking, but some things cannot be rushed.

And in my opinion, the direction you are working in is completely wrong. You should do what you are good at, not what others are good at. "

"Hanyu-sensei..."

Being comforted by the "teacher" of such a high status, Iijima Michi was immediately moved, as if when she was struggling alone and moving forward in confusion, finally someone who could comfort her appeared.

Hanyu Hideki smiled warmly and soothed, "Okay, if the artists see you like this, how are you going to manage them in the future?"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Hanyu." Knowing that she had lost her composure, Iijima Michi hurriedly apologized.

"Today's occasion is not suitable for discussing matters. It just so happens that I have some ideas about the development of Yunshang Arts. I will have a good chat with you some other day. Maybe I can help you."

What Hanyu Hideki wanted to talk to Iijima Michi was naturally the agency's future layout in the male idol field.

However, when his words fell into the ears of Iijima Michi, a glimmer of hope immediately appeared in Iijima Michi's eyes.

After all, in the past, the omnipotent "teacher" could always help her solve all her problems and worries.

So she immediately asked, "Teacher Hanyu, can I come to see you tomorrow?"

Hanyu Hideki replied, "I don't think so in the short term. Rie-chan's birthday is the day after tomorrow, and I'm going to take her and Saori-chan to Hawaii, so we're leaving tomorrow.

Of course, the main purpose is to avoid the media.

You saw it, I said everything I should have said at the press conference, but those guys were still like crazy, and they were almost blocked outside when they entered the door just now."

Upon hearing this, Iijima Michi couldn't wait to ask, "Can I go to Hawaii with my teacher Hanyu?

A group of artists from the agency were originally going to Los Angeles to shoot on location, and it just so happened that I was leading the team myself, and changed the destination to Hawaii. "

At this point, Iijima Michi asked cautiously, "Can I take the teacher's plane and borrow the teacher's manor?"

Hanyu Hideki pretended to be helpless and said, "My agency president works so hard, how could I refuse?"

"Thank you, Mr. Hanyu!"

Iijima Michi immediately bowed deeply.

"Okay, now that we've agreed, let's go see the protagonist of tonight's press conference."

The protagonists mentioned by Hideki Hanyu are naturally the main creative staff of "Kikudou".

Iijima Michi pointed to the interior of the movie theater and said, "Mr. Hanyu, please follow me. Director Zhang and his team are with Director Ito."

"Huh? Ito-san is here too? When did he get to know Director Zhang?"

Hideki Hanyu was very surprised to hear that Shinsuke Ito was also there.

Iijima Michi replied, "I'm not sure about that, but Director Ito came earlier than me today."

"Then go meet them."

After Hanyu Hideki finished speaking, he called on the other people who were accompanying him and walked towards the interior of the movie theater together.

Soon, in the large theater where the premiere was held, Hanyu Hideki met Zhang Guoshi, Gong Li and other main creative staff of "Ju Dou" standing with Ito Shinsuke.

If it were an ordinary film investor, even if he would help "Ju Dou" hold its premiere in Neon, he would not spend money to invite all the important creative staff.

But who can blame Hideki Hanyu for being rich?

His idea of ​​investing in Master Zhang's movies was different from that of other investors. Others were thinking about how to make money, but he was investing in the future without even considering how to get his money back.

So it’s no big deal to spend money to invite a few people to come to Neon for the premiere.

When "Ju Dou" is nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar next year, he will bring everyone to Hollywood to walk the red carpet.

You have to know that in another time and space, this movie was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars, but not only did they spend money on lobbying and organizing the awards, they didn't even have the funds for the main creative staff to attend the awards ceremony.

Now that he has become the investor, he has handed over the work of lobbying and operating the awards to Miramax Films, with which they have always had good cooperation.

Although he had no good feelings towards Harvey Weinstein, he had to admit his public relations and lobbying abilities.

With this guy's help, maybe Master Zhang can realize his dream of winning an Olympic medal ahead of time.

After all, the competitors for the Best Foreign Language Film nomination at the 63rd Academy Awards next year are not too strong, at least there is no such strong competitor as "Cinema Paradiso" which is one of the foreign language film nominees this year.

The Best Foreign Language Film is not an important award.

If you spend some money on lobbying, your chances of winning are still very good.

Hideki Hanyu and Master Zhang are acquaintances, and Hanyu has been investing in Master Zhang's films. Although the two have not met many times, their relationship is not bad.

After chatting lively for a while, Hanyu Hideki finally understood why Master Zhang knew Ito Shinsuke.

It turned out that at last year's Tokyo International Film Festival, Shinsuke Ito, as one of the organizing committee members, proposed inviting Master Zhang to serve as a member of the jury.

Then at the film festival, the two got to know each other after a few exchanges.

The three of them talked about this and that for a while, and then Master Zhang began to introduce the big sponsor Hideki Hanyu to the main creative staff of the crew.

There is no need to elaborate on the other people in front of and behind the scenes. When Master Zhang introduced Gong Huang, Hanyu Hideki observed him closely and thought that even when he was young, his unique, majestic appearance and temperament were already very distinct.

"Nice to meet you, Miss Gong Li."

Hideki Hanyu shook hands lightly, just a touch.

Although he was a celebrity in his previous life, the other person's appearance was not the type he liked.

Of course, even if he had some thoughts, he still understood that a friend’s wife should not be bullied.

If I remember correctly, he and Zhang Guoshi were having a hot relationship at that time, and they only parted ways after the filming of "To Live" a few years later.

However, although Hanyu Hideki had no idea, the scumbag's outstanding and almost perfect appearance and the standard Mandarin spoken in his pleasant voice still stunned Gong Li who was in close contact with him.

After Mr. Hanyu finished greeting, he finally responded in a somewhat awkward manner, "Hello... Hello, Mr. Hanyu, it's an honor to meet you."

"hehe."

Hideki Hanyu smiled kindly, which made Gong Li feel dazed again.

Others were not surprised by her behavior, but were somewhat used to it.

Who made Hideki Hanyu so famous? Without a bit of financial strength, how could he become known as a playboy all over the world?

Just look at the media reports and you will know. From Japan to Asia, from Europe to America, countless women have fallen for these scumbag men.

For example, the new French Rose, who was deeply in love with Hideki Hanyu, after dumping her original boyfriend, she often expressed her love for the scumbag in public.

As for Japan, when female artists are asked about their ideal type by the host on a show and don't know how to answer, directly using Hideki Hanyu's name as a shield has become a must-learn part of public relations classes for female artists in the circle.

After the meeting with the main creative staff, there was nothing much to say about the premiere ceremony that followed.

After all, it is a Chinese movie. Half of the media present came to support the Japanese artists, and the other half came because they heard the news of Hideki Hanyu's appearance and came to join in the fun.

But to the disappointment of these guys, although Hideki Hanyu was at the premiere, he did not go on stage to accept media interviews.

After the movie was over, he left the theater from the side door in a low-key manner. He did not participate in any post-screening interviews and did not give the media on site any chance to interview him.

(End of this chapter)