Generation Z Artists

Chapter 135 Explosive Influence

"Your Highness Fang Xinghe!"

A young Japanese man raised his arms and shouted at the top of his lungs, "I will follow you to the death!"

When a single male fan's voice suddenly drowned out that of the female fans, the scene should have been hilarious, but the reporters in the media area in front couldn't laugh at all.

Looking to the left, a group of very young female fans were screaming and making a ruckus.

Looking further to the right, a group of female fans were chanting the same slogan: "Fang Xinghe is the most handsome man in the world."

Needless to say, the vast audience seats behind were filled with tens of thousands of people who stood up and cheered wildly.

This is the impact of this progressively unfolding accusation: it is calm, gentle, and restrained enough, yet also arrogant enough, thus ultimately possessing a power to move people.

Fang Xinghe never became hysterical, never cursed, and never cried. Therefore, he never showed any weakness and stood on both the grounds of reason and strength.

Strength is a more important element than reason.

The Japanese don't believe in tears; they only believe in iron-fisted dictatorship, nobility, and madness—this has been true throughout history.

Fang Xinghe didn't understand Japanese society at that time, but he grasped the core of this large-scale confrontation: I'm not here to beg for justice, I'm here to take you all!

The more arrogant and uncompromising one is, the more support one can gain.

Left-wing leaders Kenzaburo Oe and Hisashi Inoue remained silent for a long time before suddenly sighing in unison.

"It's amazing..."

"The future life is terrible..."

They weren't there in person, but they watched the NHK live broadcast immediately to confirm Fang Xinghe's attitude.

But now, while the attitude is set, a difficult problem has also been presented.

"What should we do?" Inoue Hisashi rubbed his cheeks vigorously. "Should we continue to support him?"

Kenzaburo Oe remained silent for a long time before slowly speaking: "We have no other choice, do we?"

"I disagree!"

Another member of the Nine Articles Society suddenly stood up, waving his hand excitedly: "Our goal in coming together is to advocate for peace and eliminate imperialist ambitions and hateful thoughts, so what are Fang Xinghe's words and actions?! How is he any different from the Red Army faction?"

"There are still some."

Kenzaburo Oe explained calmly, "At least he wouldn't plan any terrorist attacks, but only exert influence on a cultural level. And whether from a legal or moral standpoint, his remarks have irrefutable legitimacy."

Inoue Hisashi added, "Although his beliefs differ from ours, he is, after all, a direct victim. If we stand idly by while the right wing attacks him, what credibility do our years of struggle have?"

This is the problem.

In fact, the left wing also disliked Fang Xinghe, but Fang Xinghe created value for them in the united front.

On a smaller scale, his fans are a force to be reckoned with.

On a grand scale, his personal banner is so prominent that it obscures the sky.

"We are not worthy of his sympathy."

Kenzaburo Oe summarized it this way: "We simply have to respect him."

Inoue Hisashi nodded: "Let's set a time to visit him."

Most of the members nodded silently. They weren't puppets; it was just that Fang Xinghe's impact was too strong, leaving them speechless for a moment.

Praise him? No.

Should I scold him? No.

This sense of powerlessness permeated the entire left-wing cultural sphere.

……

Airi Suzuki in front of the TV was jumping and shouting like a madwoman, and many other seniors and juniors in the club were doing the same.

In Japanese high schools, various activity rooms, lounges, and locker rooms usually have televisions. While the space for each television is not large enough for many people to watch at the same time, the sheer number of televisions is sufficient for most people to watch important news.

Today, Fang Xinghe's autograph session is the most significant press conference in the past few decades.

"Airi-chan, help me up, I'm so dizzy!"

My best friend was so excited that she was trembling all over and clung softly to me, looking like she might faint at any moment.

Meanwhile, the usually quiet and elegant senior student and president of the music club was sitting on the tatami mat with her legs spread wide, hands on the ground, leaning forward, trying to see more details of the male god on the TV.

The hem of her skirt flared up high, revealing a sliver of her panties.

Instead of Fang Fen, the girl, Ma Gonghua, stared wide-eyed and muttered to herself, "He...he...he's crazy...he's really crazy!"

"A madman?" Many disapproving gazes immediately fell upon him. "You can't say that! Apologize!"

Stared at by so many terrifying eyes, Huacai felt a chill run down her spine. She suddenly felt that these classmates had gone mad too...

Just as she was stammering and preparing to apologize, the television screen flickered and suddenly switched to the studio, where the host hurriedly apologized: "Ah, I'm sorry, there seems to be some problem with the signal up front..."

It's not a signal problem; the live stream was cut off.

I don't know which department finally realized what was happening, but they forcibly ordered NHK and several other channels to stop the live broadcast, so the girls couldn't watch it anymore.

But this does not solve the fundamental problem—today's evening paper and evening news are destined to be dominated by Fang Xinghe.

The Japanese government's ability to control Japanese society is far less than the Lee family's control over Leegapoi. Even if some media outlets are willing to follow orders, there will inevitably be a large number of media outlets that value money over their lives.

On that day, all five core bureaus produced related special programs.

The next morning, 40% of newspapers across Japan published related reports.

……

"How dare he?!"

"Give him his wish! Deport him immediately, right now!"

"Baka! He should be killed!"

"Deportation is too lenient on him; he should atone with blood!"

These are extreme voices on the internet, and they immediately filled the comment sections of major news websites.

This time, however, Fang's fans did not back down; instead, they fought fiercely with the trolls.

"As expected, a leopard can't change its spots; you're trying to abuse an innocent child again."

"I don't understand what Fang Xinghe did wrong. Aren't the things he said things that our ancestors actually did?"

"What a disgusting bunch of people. Even now, they still don't want to apologize and are even trying to rewrite history. Sure enough, the remnants of militarism should all die."

"Japan is beyond saving. I feel sad to be born in this country."

"He cried uncontrollably. How much pain he must be in! Isn't his paranoia and madness caused by us?"

"A divinely bestowed treasure, yet riddled with cracks within. Prince Fang Xinghe is a stronger Chen Cang, but their essence is the same."

"What kind of shameless person would question the legitimacy of Fang Xinghe's anger? He has the right to hate all Japanese people, but no Japanese person has the right to insult him!"

"I love him, I feel sorry for him, that's all."

The voices of support were enthusiastic and focused, standing on the front lines against the right-wing elements. Japanese society has always been divided, but on historical issues, this is the first time that such a fierce conflict has erupted between young people and traditionalists.

Its scale far surpasses the remaining Red Army ideology.

Fang Xinghe single-handedly tore a chasm between the left and right sides of Japan, and the impact extended to all related parties.

……

SMAP's backstage studio.

After watching the morning news, Takuya Kimura stared in disbelief at Masahiro Nakai and asked, "Brother, you hosted the whole show for someone like that?"

"Ah."

Masahiro Nakai smiled smugly and boasted, "Isn't that guy handsome?"

Shingo Katori nodded vigorously: "Indeed, it's truly unbelievable!"

Kusanagi Tsuyoshi calmly said, "Although it's impressive, it's too naive."

"exactly!"

Goro Inagaki slammed his fist on the table: "I don't understand what that guy is thinking at all! That's over 10 billion yen a year! Is he crazy?!"

As national idols, they understand best what Fang Xinghe's current popularity means.

Countless endorsements, a constant stream of commercial performances, and a situation of both fame and fortune were all destroyed by Fang Xinghe himself.

"Do companies still dare to hire him as a spokesperson?" "It's probably difficult, right? They'd get criticized."

"The anger of the Japanese people is hard to bear!"

Masahiro Nakai, however, had a different opinion: "Not necessarily. After all, he is a writer, not an idol. His fans seem very resilient. Perhaps the losses won't be that great."

As the group was engaged in a lively discussion, their manager, Michi Iijima, walked into the dressing room with a gloomy face and waved to Masahiro Nakai.

"Zhengguang, get ready, we're adding a segment to today's program..."

"What part?"

Katori Shingo, the youngest, is the most curious.

"Apologize." Amidst everyone's bewildered gazes, Iijima Sanchi said angrily, "Fang Xinghe's matter has blown up. Now the attacks on him by the public are overflowing uncontrollably, and Masahiro has also been implicated... Many people online are cursing us."

"what?!"

The members were all stunned and incredulous.

"I only served as the host once..."

"What's the point of explaining to me?" Iijima Sanchi was extremely annoyed. "Those lunatics are practically making Masahiro commit seppuku to atone for their sins!"

Like a bolt from the blue, Nakai Masahiro was stunned.

Goro Inagaki rushed over and opened his laptop: "Look, quick, look what's going on!"

As they opened the news and forums, all five heads crowded around, and gradually, everyone's mouths dropped open—everyone and everything related to Fang Xinghe was being viciously insulted.

Masahiro Nakai has been branded a traitor for hosting the Tokyo fan signing event, which has led to criticism and cyberbullying of the entire SMAP group.

The turn of events was so unpredictable that even the well-informed SMAP members felt bewildered.

Damn it, what does this have to do with us?!

Masahiro Nakai rubbed his temples hard, sighing.

"Oh no, I really have to apologize to the people..."

In Japan, idols are meant to be criticized, but the intensity of the criticism is truly unexpected.

And it wasn't just them; Morning Musume, Mai Kuraki, Kyoko Fukada, and even Nanako Matsushima, who only had a vague rumor about her, were all subjected to a lot of attacks.

……

Shouldn't you explain this to me?

Sorimachi Takashi looked unhappy.

Nanako Matsushima found it utterly absurd: "Explain what? What does it have to do with me?"

The two started dating in 98 and have been frequently photographed by the media this year, so they are considering going public with their relationship.

However, a few days ago, all five of the top five "most beautiful actresses" in the Weekly Bunshun readers' poll were rumored to be dating Fang Xinghe. Entertainment news outlets tried their best to link them together and fabricated some ambiguous stories.

Now, the backlash from blindly chasing trends has begun.

Anyone who gets even remotely involved is subjected to abuse, and all sorts of inexplicable slut-shaming explodes out of control. Coupled with rivals taking the opportunity to stir up trouble, half of the entertainment industry is caught up in it.

"Let's issue a statement." Nanako Matsushima waved her hand wearily. "I haven't done anything, I shouldn't have to bear this."

As soon as the statement was released, reporters flocked to the scene.

"I really don't know him..."

"But now you know his stance." The reporter's eyes lit up. "What do you think of his remarks?"

Nanako Matsushima, on the verge of tears, tightly shut her mouth and struggled to walk into the van through the dense forest of microphones.

Then, that same day, a tabloid wrote: "Nanako Matsushima choked up upon hearing about Fang Xinghe's difficult situation, her expression filled with sorrow."

Takashi Sorimachi: Damn!

If a female celebrity happens to be in Osaka, that would be even better; she must have come specifically to comfort Fang Dian out of love.

Hong Kong paparazzi learned their tricks from Japan; they are the originators of taking things out of context.

For the next week, more than 30 female celebrities had to come forward to deny the rumors, and various public statements filled the entertainment news every day, turning the entertainment industry into a complete mess.

Japan's entertainment fan groups were forced to participate, and those drama fans, movie fans, and body fans who neither read books nor pay attention to literature and politics created a lot of entertainment buzz in the already chaotic situation.

This inexplicable surge in popularity may seem like a nuisance at first glance, but in reality, when fans spontaneously defend their idols, they are actually relieving a lot of pressure on Fang Xinghe.

Moreover, as the buzz spread, a major issue that would not normally be of concern to teenagers suddenly became a social focus.

The distortion of history in junior and senior high school textbooks.

……

"Is this true? Did we really do that?"

Long Er was somewhat bewildered. The history he had studied did not contain anything that Fang Xinghe had accused him of. On the contrary, the textbooks they used in high school came from the right wing and completely denied the invasion and massacre.

Although this version of the textbook is not widely adopted, public opinion on that period of history remains very vague.

A large number of people believed that the war was "unavoidable," and they were not considered right-wing, because the right wing was far more outrageous—believing that the war was necessary and should continue to be attempted.

Now, Fang Xinghe has broken down this ambiguity in popular discourse, leading to a great deal of debate and reflection.

This is something the cultural left failed to achieve, but Fang Xinghe accomplished it.

……

"idiot!"

Tadashi Kawata, the vice chairman of the core committee for textbook review at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, smashed a porcelain cup.

"What is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs doing?! What is the Ministry of Public Information doing?! What is the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications doing?!"

The Chairman waved his hand: "Don't be so anxious, everyone is busy."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in urgent communication with the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo.

The press department is holding a meeting to discuss who is in charge of this matter, who should take the lead, and which legal provisions should apply.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, through its Broadcast Ethics Committee, immediately halted the live broadcast and summoned NHK for a meeting, but the results were predictable.

"Gentlemen, prepare to issue a public statement!"

The chairman slammed his hand on the table and said solemnly, "Our work is beginning to be of great concern to the people!"

……

Chinese Consulate General in Tokyo

The ambassador smiled and asked the Deputy Foreign Minister, "So how would you like us to handle this?"

The deputy minister replied, "At the very least, we must properly restrain his words and actions and ensure that similar incidents do not happen again..."

The ambassador replied slowly, “From a legal perspective, he has not violated any laws of our country or your country; from a moral perspective, talking about morality with a 15-year-old is the greatest immorality; even putting aside these two aspects, from the perspective of binding force, he is just a minor in our country without any official status, not even a class monitor... So please tell me clearly, what means do you want me to use to restrain him?”

"Ah? This..."

The deputy minister started scratching his head.

My teeth are failing, and my brain isn't working properly!

……

Fang Xinghe's influence spread explosively, impacting education, diplomacy, culture, entertainment... left-right confrontation, youth overthrowing the government, teenage girls defecting, international attention...

More and more external attention is being drawn to island nations.

South Korean broadcaster KBS aired a special program about it.

The entire island of Taiwan was shaken, and it made headlines twenty times in three days.

Hong Kong media: Mainland guy raves about the Japanese entertainment industry.

Southeast Asia: Cultural icon Fang Xinghe fights desperately and has been assassinated several times.

Singaporean media continue to play dead, but the Singaporean internet has exploded.

When the news reached China, nobody dared to believe it.

Don't be ridiculous. You're saying Fang Xinghe pointed at the Japanese soldiers and cursed them on their own turf, causing internal divisions among them?

Although it certainly seems like something he would do, I still can't believe it.

At that time, the Chinese people were indeed hesitant to believe such a thing until the news broadcast released a short segment in a vague and evasive manner, at which point the public finally began to have some doubts.

(End of this chapter)