Japanese Entertainment: From special effects actor to action superstar

Chapter 457 What does Sony Music do?
Controversial figure? Strange rumors?
These things are certainly of great concern to some people, such as the Sankei Shimbun.

But some people don't care that much.

For example, this time, Gu Ming cooperated with a promotion on TBS television to promote the movie "Violent Man" and also mentioned the soundtrack and so on.

In the evening, shortly after Gu Ming returned home, he received a strange phone call.

"Hello, is this the home of Akira Furuya, Mr. Furuya?"

"Yes," Gu Ming replied. "May I ask who you are?"

"I'm very sorry to disturb Furuya-kun's rest. I am 'Yoshikawa Naoto'."

Gu Ming quickly ran through the list in his mind, but he didn't recognize the person.

He thought about Mango Eiji's list again, but still couldn't find that person.

Fortunately, the other party quickly introduced themselves.

"I currently work for Sony Music as a music producer."

"Ah, is that... ah?!"

For a moment, Gu Ming froze.

What's this "Soni" thing?
Oh, Sony!

Gu Ming knew all too well.

Sony's crimes are heinous, causing widespread public resentment.

Of course, that's a joke.

Seriously speaking, Sony is undoubtedly a behemoth.

If we disregard political influence and consider only the company itself, Sony is to Japan what Samsung is to South Korea.

Sony's reach is astonishing.

Mobile phones, computers, music, movies, entertainment, audio-visual equipment...

While it's true that Sony is utterly wicked, it's also true that Sony is great.

But Gu Ming couldn't understand it.

Why would Sony Music want to talk to him?

"Sony Records, that's quite unexpected. Mr. Yoshikawa, are you referring to the release of music from a certain film? I'd love to discuss that in detail, but I'm currently busy with editing my new film. How about I talk to my assistant, Tanaka?"

"No, this matter cannot be discussed in detail with him. What I want to talk about is the song that appeared in the film 'Violent Man.' If possible, I hope that Mr. Furuya will meet with me. I am willing to cover all the lost work expenses incurred for this."

Gu Ming looked up instantly, and could feel the other party's deep sincerity even through the phone.

The words have come to this point.

Gu Ming could only respond.

Let's go check it out! I just don't know what kind of collaboration he can have with Sony Music.

……

……

The meeting place was chosen by Gu Ming, the same old place, Chicken's Original Flavor.

"Mr. Furuya, it's an honor to meet you! You're a rising star who brings glory to Japan."

"Are you Mr. Yoshikawa from the phone call? I've heard so much about you. I've long admired Sony Music as well."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two took their seats.

Yoshikawa Bunta is a quintessential elite. His well-fitting suit and subtle cologne, along with his gold-rimmed glasses that accentuate his sophisticated air, make him the kind of person who frequents the CBD.

However, Gu Ming was not so restrained, and sat on the side with his legs spread wide open, without any restraint.

Yoshikawa Bunta examined the surrounding furnishings with a hint of curiosity.

That being said, although he frequents the Ginza area, he has never actually been to this particular shop.

The natural flavor of chicken. Sounds like a really unique restaurant.

Gu Ming waved and ordered a classic set meal.

"Bring a lantern, please make sure to give Mr. Yoshikawa a special lantern."

After dismissing the waiter, Gu Ming explained, "This is a specialty dish of this restaurant, and I really like it."

— Akira Shigaya really enjoys watching other people eat.

This is probably the best habit that Narita Toru passed on to Tani Akira.

Yoshikawa Bunta nodded politely.

Lantern? I've never had one before.

Before long, the dishes were served. Yoshikawa Bunta frowned and showed an indescribable expression as he looked at the somewhat sticky food in front of him.

However, under Gu Ming's expectant gaze, he still took a bite.

Ok.

嘛？
what! !

Yoshikawa Bunta silently took off his gold-rimmed glasses and wiped away his tears with a tissue.

It's so painful, so painful!
It's so bad that one bite is enough to make you want to drown in Tokyo Bay.

"Haha, I'm so sorry, I like to make little jokes in fanfiction. Well then, let's just eat some normal food."

Gu Ming ordered another dish and casually cleaned up the unfinished lantern.

Actually, Gu Ming couldn't get used to this food at first, but now he can accept it quite easily.

"Actually, I was quite surprised to receive the call at first. After all, Sony is a very prestigious company. So, you contacted me about the record release for 'Violent Man,' right?"

"Yes and no." Yoshikawa Bunta wiped his mouth and explained to Gu Ming, "It's like this, I went to TBS on business before and, quite unexpectedly, I heard the promotional materials they were using on a videotape."

Gu Ming nodded.

It was the videotape that recorded Hiroko Yakushimaru, Yukiko Shimizu, and the others singing "Little White Boat." Because it was to be used in the post-production editing of the film, Tani Akira took it and played it during a TV interview.

It wasn't the master tape; the master tape was used in the movie. Gu Ming brought a copy.

Yoshikawa Bunta said, "At first, it was a stunning work, but soon I discovered that there was another part to this tape."

Gu Ming suddenly looked up as if something had occurred to him.

"I never expected to hear Furuya-kun's singing. As a rising star, Furuya-kun's every move attracts attention. I never thought he would have such a touching moment."

After Yoshikawa Bunta finished speaking, although he was still sitting there, his upper body had already become respectful.

"Therefore, if possible, we hope that Mr. Furuya can authorize this agreement to Sony Music. We are willing to distribute the soundtrack and songs in the film. The only condition is that Mr. Furuya must collaborate with those girls to sing."

Gu Ming was still holding the lantern in his hand, but he couldn't help but be a little surprised.

Unexpectedly, the other party came to see him for this reason.

"Um, I'm sorry, I don't know how to sing. I only sang in nightclubs in the past." Gu Ming was quite embarrassed. "I don't know anything about those things. I was just recording for fun back then. If you need a singer, I can actually recommend an artist from our agency named Zhen Xialong. He sings quite well..."

“No, that’s not it.” Yoshikawa Bunta kept his head down, being exceptionally humble: “What we need is not some so-called True Summer Dragon, but you, Furuya Akira. It’s okay if you don’t know how to sing, we have a professional vocal coach who can train your breath and technique. The key is that this record must be released. We can discuss the detailed terms with someone else. We just hope that Mr. Furuya can grant us the license.”

Gu Ming short-circuited, then short-circuited again.

But he really can't sing!
Yoshikawa Bunta lowered his head even further, almost pressing it against his crotch.

"Furuya-kun, please reconsider. There's no company in all of Japan stronger than Sony Music. Besides, wouldn't you like to try your luck in America? Our parent company has already partnered with Columbia Pictures. An artist with your unique talent, like Furuya-kun, might have a chance to make a name for himself in America."

No matter what Taniaki said, Yoshikawa Bunta kept repeating the same thing.

When requesting record licensing, please consider Sony Music!

Please be sure to cooperate with us at Sony, because we are the famous Sony!

(End of this chapter)