I, Hiroshi Nohara, the star of Japanese cinema

Chapter 265 Backstage at the Studio! Anxiety and Perseverance!
The air seemed to freeze backstage at the Tokyo TV studio. The walls were painted a somber light gray, with only a few emergency lights casting long shadows on the cold floor.

Yoshihiro Shimazu sat on a folding chair against the wall, his hands clasped on his knees. His usually composed back was slightly tense, and his fingertips unconsciously rubbed the fabric of his suit trousers—clothes he had specially prepared for the election, but now a small patch was damp from the sweat on his palms.

Nobuhiko Sakata stood by the window, an unlit cigarette between his fingers, his gaze peering through the gaps in the blinds at the bustling street outside.

Three hours into the election, long lines formed at polling stations throughout Tokyo from early morning until noon. Voters, each with their own expectations and concerns, solemnly cast their ballots.

"The first batch of voting results should be out soon," he said softly, his voice slightly hoarse. "The first batch consists of votes from the three districts in the city center. Although it doesn't represent a large percentage, it's crucial for a good start."

Takada Toshihide paced back and forth, the sound of his leather shoes hitting the ground particularly jarring in the quiet backstage area.

He was usually shrewd and calm, but now he couldn't hide his anxiety. The poll report in his hand was crumpled in his hand: "I'm worried. Tanaka Mikami has been operating in the city center for so many years, and his connections are deeply rooted. The first batch of votes will probably be very difficult to handle."

Asumi sat down next to Shimazu Yoshihiro, holding a cup of warm tea, and handed it to him: "Mr. Shimazu, have some water, don't be too nervous. Our policies are fine, and Hiroshi-kun's publicity efforts have been effective. The citizens all know what's going on."

His tone remained calm, but a hint of trepidation lingered in his eyes—after all, this election was not only about Yoshihiro Shimazu's political career, but also about the future development of TV Tokyo and even the economic trajectory of Tokyo.

Hiroshi Nohara stood in the corner, his gaze calmly sweeping over the crowd.

He could sense the anxiety and unease in the air. The beads of sweat on Yoshihiro Shimazu's temples, Nobuhiko Sakata's tightly pursed lips, and Toshihide Takada's rapid breathing all spoke of the tension at that moment.

But he himself remained unusually calm, as if he had already made a decision.

“We can do it.” He suddenly spoke, his voice not loud, but like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, breaking the silence backstage. “Our philosophy is sound: people’s livelihood is the foundation, and the economy is diversified. This is what Tokyo truly needs.”

Yoshihiro Shimazu looked up at Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with a question and reliance: "Hiroshi-kun, are you really that confident? I'm still worried that people won't let go of the short-term benefits that real estate brings."

“It’s normal to worry, but we can’t doubt our choices.” Hiroshi Nohara walked up to him, his tone firm. “Do you remember those young people we met during our street interviews? They live in capsule apartments, commute two hours to work every day, but they can’t even afford a small house; and there are those traditional craftspeople whose skills were almost lost due to the pressure from the real estate market. It was ‘A Bite of China’ that gave them hope again. These people, and countless ordinary citizens like them, understand that your philosophy is the long-term solution.”

Eiji Kurosawa leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a rare gentleness appearing on his usually stubborn and stern face: "Hiroshi is right. Real estate is like a malignant tumor; it looks glamorous now, but sooner or later it will drag down the entire economy. Tanaka Mikami only knows how to use real estate to boost the economy in the short term, but he can't see the crisis behind it. The citizens aren't fools; they can feel that employment is becoming increasingly difficult and the pressure of life is increasing. Naturally, they will choose a leader who can solve these problems."

“I’m reminded of Ms. Matsumoto Sumie, the owner of Matsusaka plum shop,” Asano Kouta suddenly said, his tone filled with reminiscence. “She told me before that because of rising housing prices, her rent had doubled, and she almost couldn’t keep the business afloat. It was your policy that gave her hope. She took her whole family to vote this morning and even mobilized her regular customers to support you. There are many people like her, and they are our source of strength.”

Takashi Ashikaga chimed in, “That’s right! The prop makers I met while filming period dramas were forced to relocate their workshops three times due to real estate development. They are very grateful to you for your promise to designate a ‘traditional craft protection zone’ so that they won’t be displaced again. These votes are genuine support.”

Looking at the determined eyes of everyone, Yoshihiro Shimazu's anxiety gradually subsided.

He recalled looking into countless expectant eyes in front of the camera during his debate, and the promises he made—to solve employment issues, control housing prices, protect traditional crafts, and develop a diversified economy.

Those promises were not empty slogans, but things he genuinely wanted to do for the citizens.

“You’re right.” He took a deep breath and straightened his back. “I can’t let everyone down, and I can’t let down the citizens who are looking forward to change. No matter what the outcome, we have fought for the right ideals.”

Just then, the backstage door was pushed open, and a campaign staff member rushed in, holding a printed slip of paper, his face full of excitement: "Mr. Shimazu! The first batch of voting results are in! In the three wards of the city center, your vote share is 48%, and Tanaka Mikami's is 52%! Although it's still four percentage points behind, it's much better than our previous polls!"

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent for a moment, then smiled with relief. A 48% vote share, while temporarily lagging behind, was a significant improvement compared to the previous 10-percentage-point gap.

"Great!" Takada Toshihide clapped his hands excitedly. "This shows that our publicity campaign worked! The city center is Tanaka's stronghold, and getting 48% of the votes has exceeded our expectations!"

Nobuhiko Sakata breathed a sigh of relief and put the cigarette back in his pocket: "Next are the votes in the suburbs and surrounding counties. Voters in those areas are more concerned about employment and people's livelihoods, so we will have a greater advantage."

Hiroshi Nohara nodded: "Everyone, please be patient. The real battle is yet to come. There are many young people and artisans in the suburbs, and they are the direct beneficiaries of our policies. Their vote share will definitely be higher."

……

Unlike the simple backstage area where Yoshihiro Shimazu's team was located, Mikami Tanaka's lounge was luxurious. Expensive oil paintings hung on the walls, soft Persian carpets covered the floor, and exquisite wagashi and imported red wine were placed on the coffee table. Several secretaries in uniforms served him attentively, and the air was filled with the scent of money and power.

Tanaka Mikami leaned back on the leather sofa, a glass of red wine in his hand, an arrogant smile on his lips.

He is 66 years old this year. His hair is slicked back and shiny. The wrinkles on his face are covered by expensive skin care products. His eyes are full of arrogance and determination.

"How are the results of the first round of voting?" He took a sip of red wine, his tone casual, as if victory was assured. Kazuo Takahashi, the executive vice president of Tokyo Television, quickly stepped forward, his face plastered with a fawning smile: "Mr. Tanaka, the first round of results are in! You lead Yoshihiro Shimazu by four percentage points with 52% of the vote! In the three central wards, you're still as solid as a rock!"

"I knew it! That defeated Shimazu Yoshihiro is no match for me!" Tanaka Mikami laughed loudly, his voice booming with arrogance. "He thinks he can shake my position with a few flashy documentaries and empty slogans about people's livelihood? He's dreaming!"

Sato Tokugawa sat to the side, his obese body taking up most of the sofa. He held a piece of wagashi in his hand and his mouth was full of food. He mumbled, "Mr. Tanaka is wise! Real estate is the pillar of the economy. Citizens are not stupid. Who would want their property to depreciate? Shimazu Yoshihiro's so-called economic transformation is just destroying everyone's wealth. No one will support him!"

Kazuo Takahashi quickly chimed in, "Mr. Sato is right! Yoshihiro Shimazu's policies are too idealistic and impractical. You see, the first batch of votes proves everything; the citizens still trust your leadership more and believe more in the prosperity brought by real estate."

Tanaka Mikami put down his wine glass, his eyes full of disdain: "Shimazu Yoshihiro has been with TV Tokyo for so many years, but he still hasn't learned how to do politics. Does he think that making a few popular films will win people's hearts? How naive! Politics is a game of interests, not making sentimental films. I bring the citizens rising housing prices and urban expansion, so naturally they will support me."

“Exactly!” Sato Tokugawa wiped the crumbs from the corner of his mouth, his tone arrogant. “Shimazu Yoshihiro’s ‘information cocoon’ strategy sounds impressive, but it’s just small-scale stuff. Our real estate ads are everywhere, we have promoters in every community, and every company benefits from us. How can he compare to us?”

Kazuo Takahashi added, “Mr. Tanaka, although Yoshihiro Shimazu may have a slight advantage in the suburban votes, rest assured, we have already made arrangements. When broadcasting the election results, Tokyo TV will highlight your lead to guide public opinion and make those undecided voters feel that you have already won, thus casting their votes for you.”

Tanaka Mikami nodded in satisfaction: "Well done. Takahashi-kun, once I am successfully re-elected, the budget for Tokyo TV will increase by another 20%, and you will be able to advance even further."

"Thank you, Mr. Tanaka!" Kazuo Takahashi bowed deeply in thanks, his smile growing increasingly obsequious.

Just then, a secretary walked in and handed over a latest voting report: "Mr. Tanaka, the results of the second round of voting are in. In the two suburban districts, Yoshihiro Shimazu received 53% of the vote, while you received 47%. He has overtaken us by six percentage points!"

The laughter in the lounge abruptly stopped. Tanaka Mikami's smile froze instantly. He sat bolt upright, snatched the briefing, and stared intently at the numbers on it, unable to believe his eyes: "What? He's overtaken? How is that possible! How could the suburban voters support him?"

Sato Tokugawa was also stunned. The wagashi in his hand fell to the ground, and he wiped his greasy fingers on the sofa: "Impossible! There are many real estate projects in the suburbs. Everyone should be supporting you! Is there a mistake in the statistics?"

Kazuo Takahashi's expression also turned grim. He took the briefing and looked at it carefully, his tone somewhat flustered: "Mr. Tanaka, the statistics should be correct. Yoshihiro Shimazu's promotion in the suburbs has been very effective, especially among young people and artisans, who are very supportive of his policies."

"A bunch of short-sighted fools!" Tanaka Mikami angrily threw the briefing on the ground, his tone flaring. "They think Shimazu Yoshihiro's policies will benefit them? They're dreaming! Without real estate, how can the economy develop? How can jobs be created? When I'm re-elected, I'll make them pay!"

Sato Tokugawa chimed in, "Mr. Tanaka, please don't be angry. There's still one last batch of votes that haven't come out yet. Those are from remote districts and counties, where voters are older and value stability more. They'll definitely support you."

Kazuo Takahashi quickly reassured him, "Yes, Mr. Tanaka, the last batch of votes has the highest percentage. As long as you can win, you can still win. We'll make arrangements now to emphasize in the broadcast that 'the final result is still unknown,' and at the same time, we'll contact our publicists to call voters in remote districts and counties to emphasize the importance of real estate."

Tanaka Mikami took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. He couldn't panic; if he did, he would truly lose.

"Fine!" he said firmly, his eyes blazing with renewed arrogance. "Shimazu Yoshihiro thinks he can beat me? Not so easy! I'm determined to get the last batch of votes!"

The atmosphere in the lounge became heavy again, with everyone preoccupied with their own thoughts.

Tanaka Mikami leaned back on the sofa, tapping his fingers on the armrest, mentally calculating various countermeasures; Sato Tokugawa frowned, worried that his real estate project would be affected; Takahashi Kazuo strode out of the lounge to arrange subsequent public opinion guidance. They all knew that the results of the final batch of votes would determine the ultimate outcome of this election.

Backstage at Shimazu Yoshihiro's place, everyone's morale soared after learning that the second batch of votes had surpassed the previous ones.

"Great! We've overtaken them by six percentage points!" Takada Toshihide exclaimed excitedly, his previous anxiety completely gone. "I knew the suburban voters would support us!"

A long-lost smile appeared on Yoshihiro Shimazu's face. He stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the still bustling streets outside: "This is the citizens' recognition of our policies. They want change, they want a better life, and we are here to bring them hope."

Hiroshi Nohara looked at the scrolling voting data on the screen and said calmly, "Now is not the time to celebrate. The last batch of votes came from remote prefectures, where voters are older and many own property, so they might be more inclined to vote for Tanaka Mikami. We need to continue waiting and not let our guard down."

Nobuhiko Sakata nodded: "Hiroshi is right. Tanaka Mikami will definitely not let this go. He is probably trying to influence the outcome of the last round of voting. We need to be prepared and remain calm no matter what the result is."

Ming Rihai added, "I have contacted our campaign staff in remote districts and counties to get real-time updates on the voting situation. If any abnormalities occur, we will report them to the election commission immediately."

The atmosphere backstage became tense again, but unlike the previous anxiety, there was more determination and anticipation at this moment.

The group sat together, occasionally exchanging a few words in hushed tones, but their eyes were all fixed on the clock on the wall and their phones—where they would receive notifications of the final batch of voting results.

(End of this chapter)