Tokyo Bubble Life

Chapters 1432 and 1441: Isn't the basic function of a luxury car to drive it?!
The fact that Naoki Nagayama has already started casting is naturally impossible to keep secret!

The bigwigs in the industry all slammed their fists on the table. Several film studios and directors who had already reached agreements with automakers like GM and Toyota were all both anxious and angry.

"So fast?!" "How could it be so fast?!" "Naoki Nagayama, are you trying to kill everyone else?!"

For them, it seems like they've just chosen a director and reached a basic investment agreement, while their competitors have already started casting and preparing to film!

This isn't competition; it's clearly a tortoise and the hare race!

And these are the kind of rabbits that never rest!

Is making a movie such a simple thing?! Not to mention that Naoki Nagayama is still filming "Black Monday"!

"Naoki Nagayama, can't you just focus on one movie first?!"

"Aren't you worried about failing on both sides?!"

"."

Upon hearing this news, Kinji Fukasaku was visibly surprised. He had already reached an agreement with Toyota to make his next film a racing blockbuster.
The initial production team is expected to be assembled this year to polish the script, with filming taking a full year next year, editing for six months, and the film released in the second half of the year after next!

However, just as he was preparing to find top screenwriters in the industry to work on the script, you're telling me that Naoki Nagayama is already casting actors?!
"Naoki Nagayama. Isn't he still filming 'Black Monday'?!"

Kinji Fukasaku asked Toshitaka Yamamura of Toei with some disbelief, "He's joined the production committee as a producer from the investor's side."
"Besides, didn't they say he just had a son recently and is currently at home celebrating?!"

"The son wasn't his biological child! What does he have to do with him!"

Yamamura Toshitaka waved his hand. As a man from the early Showa era, he always believed that housework and children were the wife's responsibility, and that men only needed to go out and earn money.
As for "Black Monday," I heard it's almost finished filming.

"The news that Toyota, GM and other automakers wanted to make racing movies but didn't hire Naoki Nagayama, and that he wanted to prove them wrong by making one, has only been circulating for a little over a month!"

Kinji Fukasaku still couldn't believe it.

"Even if Naoki Nagayama is the chairman of the board of directors of Shuyu, how could he start the project so quickly? Where's the funding? Where's the script? How did he suddenly start casting actors?!"

"Funds. They're extremely wealthy."

Yamamura Toshitaka sighed.

"The script... was probably written by Naoki Nagayama himself, wasn't it?"

"."

Kinji Fukasaku's facial muscles twitched slightly.

Good heavens! Have they forgotten that Naoki Nagayama is a literary giant?!

"Haha, how can you compare when someone invests in their own projects, writes their own scripts, and directs their own films?"

He's rich, cultured, a director, and incredibly driven—how can other producers in Japan compete with him?!
In the past, there was no competition in filmmaking. Everyone made their own film projects. Even if Tree Friends Pictures was a little faster, we could just adjust our release schedules to avoid competing with them. We could still make money!
However, when they were filming a movie on the same theme at the same time, Kinji Fukasaku realized that Naoki Nagayama was from a completely different dimension!
It feels like I just left the fountain, and the enemy already has full red and blue buffs, max level, and fully equipped, ready to push lanes and towers!
"Cough cough."

Sensing that his main DPS was losing confidence, Toshitaka Yamamura quickly offered some words of encouragement.

"Director Fukasaku, don't be discouraged! Compared to Naoki Nagayama, we still have advantages!"

Kinji Fukasaku immediately asked:

"What advantage?"

"We have the strong support of Toyota!"

Yamamura Toshitaka immediately said,

"President Eiji Toyoda promised that a vehicle can be provided at any time if needed, and it won't matter if it's damaged in an accident!"

After all, it's an international car company; there's not much else, but plenty of cars!
Every year, defective products from the factory are destroyed, and testing also incurs losses. How many cars can be damaged in a single movie?!
"Well, that's definitely an advantage!"

Fukasaku Kinji nodded in agreement.
However, at this point, Toshitaka Yamamura began to feel the pressure:
"But since President Toyota is so supportive of Director Fukasaku, don't you think we should speed up our progress?"

"We can't really wait until the year after next to release it, can we?! We can wait, but President Toyota definitely can't!"

"."

Kinji Fukasaku was just thinking that time was a must to make a good movie, when he then thought of Naoki Nagayama.
"Okay. I'll try my best to speed up!"

Meanwhile, on the other side, General Motors' representative, Hideo Ohashi, was also complaining to Takeshi Kitano.
"Kitano-san, could you speed up the movie a bit?"

Hideo Ohashi pleaded, but he didn't have the confidence of a Toei department head; he could only serve as an assistant to the investor's representative.

"I heard that the casting process has already started at the tree-growing area! If we wait any longer, there won't be any good actors left!"

"Haha, they're already choosing people, as expected of Naoki-san!"

Takeshi Kitano greatly admires Naoki Nagayama. While filming "Kikujiro's Summer," he noticed the difference between Nagayama's approach to filmmaking and that of other actors.

At this moment, he spoke to Hideo Ohashi as if sharing gossip:
"Ohashi-kun, do you know?"

"When Naoki was directing, he would pre-edit the entire film in his mind and then shoot it according to the camera's direction."

"So when he makes movies, he's incredibly fast. He can basically edit them in one take, and he's also very quick."

Hideo Ohashi still couldn't understand:
"Aren't all directors like that?"

"Are you an idiot?!"

Takeshi Kitano couldn't control his verbal tics for a moment, but then he remembered that he was an outsider and Hideo Ohashi looked completely bewildered, so Kitano had to explain himself again:
"We directors read the script; text and storyboards are completely different things!"

"Not everyone can directly transform a script into storyboard images! And to achieve the best possible result from the script in one take is even more difficult!"

"Even excellent directors need to shoot and refine their work repeatedly, and then polish it again and again during the final editing!"

"Naoki-san is an exception. He has the best storyboard in mind beforehand, just like reading a manga, and he can just shoot it directly!"

"This is talent! Monster talent!"

"."

Even with such specialized knowledge, Hideo Ohashi couldn't truly empathize; he only cared about one thing:

"Kitano-san, when can we start filming?!"

"."

Takeshi Kitano sighed and decided to let it go for the sake of the investors.

"I estimate the script will be ready by autumn. We'll be casting actors simultaneously, and if we can expedite the process, filming could begin in autumn!"

"autumn?!"

"What? You don't believe me? You're not satisfied?"

Takeshi Kitano revealed a somewhat ferocious and mocking smile.

"I have a better idea!"

"Let's just make an adult film, using GM's top-of-the-line luxury cars as the setting. That would only take a week!"

"It can showcase the car's spacious interior, luxurious decor, and suitability for various body poses, highlighting the basic functions of a luxury car!"

Hideo Ohashi subconsciously interrupted:

"Basic functions? Isn't driving the car?!"

"Hehehe, you're young! The capabilities of luxury cars are beyond your imagination!"

Takeshi Kitano chuckled and continued:

"Just like in 'Ginza no Tora,' add some sexy shots during highway car chases and shots of cars in the wild to show the speed of the cars!"

Luxury cars and beautiful women—adult films like this are sure to be huge hits!

Upon hearing Takeshi Kitano's novel idea, Hideo Ohashi was momentarily tempted by the film and decided he would definitely buy it to watch!

And it truly embodies the basic functions of a luxury car!

It can even boost car sales!
Not to mention the ability to control costs and produce films quickly.
Thinking about it that way, this idea seems pretty good!
"Ah bah bah bah!"

Ultimately, it was the image of his boss, Deborah, that brought Hideo Ohashi back to his senses.

"Kitano-san, you must be joking!!!"

"Ms. Deborah will kill me!"

"Hahaha~"

Takeshi Kitano couldn't stop smiling.
"You rascal, you were thinking that just now, weren't you?!"

"I don't!"

"Stop lying. That sleazy, bent-over look you just did..."

"You...you're slandering someone's innocence for no reason!!"

"Hahaha~"

The directors and producers feel like they're in competition, but for the actors in the entertainment industry, it's practically a carnival!
Many artists with available time quickly contacted their agents, hoping to join Shuyou's new movie. Various agencies also began to get anxious and started screening relevant personnel according to the criteria circulated by Shuyou.
"A young, unrestrained, and handsome male artist with a kind heart and captivating charm."

"A character skilled at modifying cars" "A comedic character"

The agency is quite understanding of the requirements for these male roles and is very targeted in their approach.

However, the requirements for female roles
"Tall, sexy, and outgoing female celebrities, preferably those seeking thrills."

"Is this a vase?"

"Still seeking thrills? Isn't this some kind of metaphor? Does the author want actresses who are 'open-minded'?!"

"Are they planning to start a pillow business?!"

"Has Naoki Nagayama finally lost his temper?!"

"."

However, this requirement is much easier than for male actors; you can just look for them based on height and build!

And to be honest, even if it were a business involving sleeping with someone, many female celebrities would still flock to him!
That's a Naoki Nagayama movie; it might just be their chance to soar to new heights!

The outside noise didn't reach Naoki Nagayama's ears. At that moment, in Melody KTV, Naoki Nagayama was talking to his cousin, Kaede Nagayama.

"I've already spoken to Ken Takakura about his current situation at the Kobe talent agency."

Naoki Nagayama said,

"Although Ken Takakura has a good relationship with the Yamaguchi-gumi bosses, relationships are relationships and money is money. Money isn't really the issue, but I'm worried they'll demand more!"

If you take the opportunity to propose more conditions, such as having artists join other Kobe talent agencies or cooperating with the agency's other promotional activities during filming, etc.
Although the fifth generation is still undecided, this era was the peak of the Yamaguchi-gumi, with its various local branches having power comparable to other gangs.

Moreover, Kobe is quite far away, and Shuyu's influence is mainly in Tokyo, so Naoki Nagayama is worried that something might go wrong.
"Naoki!"

Nagayama Kaede laughed heartily.
"Aren't you underestimating yourself?! Hahaha~"

"You know, you're now an idol to many yakuza figures. After 'Hayato' came out, how many big shots hoped that one day you could make them legends!"

He stood up and patted Naoki Nagayama on the shoulder:

"Besides, we're not afraid of the Yamaguchi-gumi just based on our strength!"

Although the Nagayama Group has disbanded, the core members are still there. Melody KTV has branches all over Japan, and each one can be considered part of the Nagayama family.
They joined the underworld just to make a living, but now Melody KTV is giving them way more than they used to!

As for Naoki Nagayama, he was even more remarkable, thanks to his own reputation, the immense influence of the Shuyu Group, and his connections in the financial and political circles.
There's absolutely no need to worry about a violent organization!
"If they dare to offend you, the consequences will be severe!"

If they really clash, Nagayama Kaede can directly contact a friendly club to handle it!
The Tree Friends Group can directly pressure the police system to crack down on organized crime, and even push for policy bills against organized crime in Congress!

This is exactly the kind of tactic Japanese conglomerates often use!
"So Naoki-san, don't worry about the Yamaguchi-gumi! They won't stop us! And they wouldn't dare to make any unreasonable demands!"

Nagayama Kaede said directly.
"If you're really worried, you can have your father contact a friend and ask them to put in a good word for you!"

"Well"

In truth, Naoki Nagayama is still influenced by his past memories.
In his past life, he was born in the 90s. After he grew up, the public security was very good, and most of the people involved were in legitimate businesses.
However, movies often portray the arrogance of gangsters, especially the notorious Yamaguchi-gumi in Japan, so it has always been thought that they are difficult to deal with.

But this is Japan! In capitalist society, the chaebols really can make the underworld bow their heads and behave like slaves; if they don't, they lose their heads!
"Since Brother Feng has said so..."

Naoki Nagayama nodded.
"Then I can rest assured!"

In Yongshan Feng's opinion, his cousin was worrying unnecessarily; there was no need to worry about such a small matter!

"So, you're really going to make a racing movie?"

Nagayama Kaede was a little curious.
"Isn't this a scene from 'Black Monday'?"

"This film is basically finished, and Matsuo-kun is helping to shoot some additional scenes overseas."

Naoki Nagayama explained,
"And director Nishimoto is helping with the editing!"

"Oh? When will it be released?"

Hearing this, Nagayama Kaede became even more curious.
"I really want to see how Naoki-san managed things back then! Maybe I can learn a thing or two!"

Now that Yongshan Feng is wealthy, he's naturally become interested in investing. Although most of his funds were invested in expanding his KTV business, the expansion is now essentially complete.
"Hahaha, that kind of trading manipulation...you don't see it even once in over a decade!"

Naoki Nagayama smiled and said,

"However, the stock market is risky. If Brother Feng wants to invest in stocks, he should leave it to Shuyou Capital! Let the professionals handle the professional matters."

"Okay~"

Since the company was handed over to Naoki Nagayama, he naturally wasn't worried that his cousin would make money without including him. The conversation then naturally turned to Naoki Nagayama's family affairs:

"By the way, how's Lian doing lately? Has Hua Jiang been bullying her little brother?"

"Did Huajiang bully her younger brother?"

Naoki Nagayama shook his head repeatedly.

"Her most precious thing right now is her little brother. She wants to give him all the good food she can get!"

"Hahaha, is that really the case?!"

Nagayama Kaede became curious.
"Isn't it said that older sisters always bully their younger brothers?"

"That will have to wait until my younger brother's 'shelf life' is over!"

Upon hearing this, Naoki Nagayama wanted to laugh.
"When he's two or three years old, and boys start to rebel, he'll probably start hitting his younger brother then."

"Best before" period

Nagayama Kaede laughed.
"Naoki, what kind of statement is that?!"

"Haha. Such a cute, fair-skinned baby makes you want to take a bite, so it's still within its shelf life!"

"Ugh, Naoki is like a monster!"

"."

(End of this chapter)