Japanese Entertainment: From special effects actor to action superstar

Chapter 516 Securing the Actor and Hiroyuki Sanada

Sometimes, it's really hard to make up your mind.

When Yasuko Sawaguchi finally decided to audition, she only found out on Saturday when she arrived in Osaka.

The audition is over, and Akira Furuya has already left.

So much so that the girl could only sigh in despair.

I'm late!

Although she was able to find out the itinerary for the next stop and knew that Gu Ming's next stop would be Kyoto, after thinking it over, she still felt that she shouldn't continue to go through the trouble.

Running that far is too much trouble! It seems she's just not cut out for acting; let's just forget about it.

Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya.

After touring several important cities in Japan, Gu Ming finally returned to his loyal Tokyo in September. Cheng Long had returned to Hong Kong in August, so he didn't complete the entire trip.

This trip has definitively confirmed his important role in the Satomi Hakkenden series.

In addition to the male and female protagonists, Terada Minoru plays the role of Inuyama Michisetsu.

Born in 1942, Terada Minoru is now forty years old. In middle age, his acting skills have matured, making him a true veteran actor. This role is absolutely no problem for him.

The original actor for the role of Inuyama Michisetsu was supposed to be Shinichi Chiba, but now, of course, Shinichi Chiba is not playing the part.

Other roles have also been filled by other actors. For example, the role of Inu-saka Keno, originally played by Shiho Mieko, has now been taken over by Nishiwaki Michiko. Other main roles have also been played by actors arranged by Tani Akira.

For example, the role of Inuzuka Shino was assigned to Dan by Tani Akira.

This role was originally intended for Masaki Kyomoto, who at the time was a very handsome man and had appeared in many works. He also made a cameo appearance as Captain Hayate in Ultraman Tiga.

But Gu Ming pondered.

Kyomoto Masaki is handsome, and our Dan Ge is no less so! Zhen Zidan was really young when he was young, with rosy lips and white teeth, quite stylish.

Even the actress who was supposed to play the villain Tamako was assigned to Takashi Mio by Gu Ming.

—Actually, Haruki Kadokawa originally planned to find Keiko Matsuzaka. When he mentioned that name, he deliberately gave Tani a look, and only stopped when he saw that Tani was about to beat him up.

Unfortunately, Keiko Matsuzaka's schedule was unavailable, so Akira Tani was given free rein instead.

Throughout the entire process, apart from a very few roles that were secured through auditions, most of the roles were actually filled internally, handled by Gu Ming's agency and people who had connections with Kadokawa Haruki.

This audition tour was really just another publicity campaign.

"Finally back in Tokyo, it was really tough."

Gu Ming, supporting his aching back, was filled with emotion.

Haruki Kadokawa leaked information along the way, saying that what was called a tour was actually just him being chased by fans.

Only now that I'm back in Tokyo can I finally get some rest.

At the Seventh Actors Agency, Gu Ming had just lain down when he saw Zhen Zidan pacing back and forth outside the door.

"If you have something to say, come in and say it. What are you doing sneaking around?"

Gu Ming beckoned Zhen Zidan in and sighed, "I've already arranged a role for you. It's a very handsome character, and there's also a poignant love story."

“Well, that’s good.” Zhen Zidan lowered her voice: “It’s like this, Brother Gu, someone asked me to inquire about JAC. He wants to join your agency.”

Gu Ming: ?
Is there such a thing?
Gu Mingle: "Maybe it's a Trojan horse plot. Tell me, what's that person's name?"

"Hiroyuki Sanada."

"Hiroyuki Sanada?"

Gu Ming was greatly alarmed.

This is Sonny Chiba's own brother, his dearest friend and beloved brother!
After a brief moment of surprise, Gu Ming calmed down again.

If it were Hiroyuki Sanada, then Tani Akira wouldn't be afraid of any scheme.

Chiba Shinichi must be insane to send Sanada Hiroyuki to test him.

"This is probably because he wants to switch jobs himself? That's interesting. Let him wait a bit longer."

Gu Ming stretched.

After a long journey, it's time to get some rest!
……

……

Sanada Hiroyuki waited for a whole month but no one came back, and he was extremely anxious. Now that he heard that Gu Ming had returned, but Zhen Zidan still hadn't come to introduce him, Sanada Hiroyuki was really at his wits' end.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, and without JAC's knowledge, Hiroyuki Sanada also became ruthless.

As a Japanese actor who later broke into the Hollywood market, Hiroyuki Sanada also had an exceptionally decisive side.

After evading JAC, Hiroyuki Sanada went straight to the Seventh Office building.

"Hello, I'm looking for Mr. Furuya."

The receptionist was exceptionally efficient: "Furutani-kun isn't here. You can't see him without an appointment."

Hiroyuki Sanada cried out in alarm, "I have an appointment! I have something very urgent to do!"

The receptionist was more efficient than him: "You still need to make an appointment."

Hiroyuki Sanada was momentarily speechless.

But he quickly gritted his teeth and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Dan! Dan!"

"Dan, come out here!"

"Don't hide inside and stay silent. I know you're at the office. I saw your motorcycle parked outside!"

"Dan!!"

Hiroyuki Sanada took a deep breath and shouted, "Dan, I miss you! I miss you so much I can't sleep! I don't know how I'd live without you!"

The receptionist was shocked.

Wow, Nantong!
After a few words, Zhen Zidan hurriedly ran out of the office.

He was really scared!

Zhen Zidan looked at Sanada Hiroyuki shouting outside the door and was furious.

Bro, I'm really going to mess with you!

"Stop shouting! Brother Gu is really not here. He just finished his audition work and is resting at home now."

Hiroyuki Sanada was exceptionally sorrowful, almost like a woman confined to her boudoir, filled with resentment.

"Dan, what exactly did you promise me? You haven't forgotten, have you?"

"How could I forget! Hey, don't say I didn't take care of you, brother. I'll call Brother Gu right now, but he's still resting. If he gets angry, I'll just say it was all your doing!"

In fact, Zhen Zidan had already received instructions, and now she was just going with the flow.

Under Hiroyuki Sanada's watchful gaze, Zhen Zidan dialed the number that could decide her fate.

……

……

In the office's meeting room, Gu Ming sat down, while Sanada Hiroyuki sat properly opposite him.

Gu Mingming asked knowingly, "As far as I know, you are Chiba-kun's beloved disciple, so why would you think of coming here to me?"

Hiroyuki Sanada bowed deeply: "Although I am your disciple, my contract has expired. JAC is good, but its development direction does not align with my own. I hope to have a better future."

Gu Ming understood this perfectly.

When the contract expires, it means there is no need to pay a penalty for breach of contract.

This is good news.

Otherwise, although Hiroyuki Sanada is doing well, Akira Tani is unwilling to pay the breach of contract penalty for him.

Extremely expensive!
Now that Hiroyuki Sanada has come to you, Gu Ming took the opportunity to speak: "You want a better career path, but have you considered that the agency's direction may not align with yours? What advantages or abilities do you have that would allow the agency to invest resources in you?"

"Yes, I understand all of this. I'm willing to start from scratch, from an unknown newcomer. I have my strengths: I'm reasonably good-looking, I've been trained and have the ability to perform action scenes, I'm working hard to learn various languages ​​so I can handle different situations, I'm obedient, hardworking, and most importantly, I..."

Hiroyuki Sanada took a deep breath.

I've heard that Akira Furuya likes to pat people's thighs, especially men's.

Hiroyuki Sanada muttered to himself, "Hook."

Gu Ming was shocked: "Stop, halt! There's no need to say that."

Gu Ming quickly went through the characters in his mind.

Come to think of it, he could actually think of a role, but it would be a supporting one.

In Satomi Hakkenden, all the Hakkenshi except the protagonist died in the end. The villainous samurai who teamed up with Inusaka Keno, however, has yet to be recast.

However, Hiroyuki Sanada has already appeared in quite a few works and is considered a somewhat well-known actor. He can't be treated as a newcomer, so he might not agree.

Gu Mingdao: "You should know that I'm working with Toei and Kadokawa Group to prepare this film, 'The Eight Dogs of Satomi,' which includes a villainous supporting role. If you'd like to play the part, I..."

Gu Ming was about to say something more when Sanada Hiroyuki suddenly bowed deeply, his bow almost reaching his feet.

"I'm willing to take the role! I haven't watched Satomi Hakkenden yet, but I'm willing to watch it carefully and portray this character well. I'm sure you won't be disappointed!"

Gu Ming couldn't help but hiss.

This kid...

You're quite career-driven!
Sanada Hiroyuki was practically banging his head on the ground in front of him. Tani Akira tapped the table for a moment before finally making up his mind.

"Since your contract has expired, changing places isn't out of the question. Here's Tanaka's phone number. Go talk to Tanaka's assistant; he'll arrange for discussions with JAC regarding the transfer."

Hiroyuki Sanada thanked him profusely, held the business card in both hands, and backed out of the meeting room.

After seeing Sanada Hiroyuki off, Tani Akira pondered to himself.

Hiroyuki Sanada was, after all, a very popular actor in Japan and also successful overseas. Gu Ming felt that since he had taken the initiative to come to him, it wasn't impossible for him to stay.

However, the conditions cannot be that simple.

After a moment's thought, Gu Ming dialed the number to notify Tanaka.

"Tanaka, someone named Hiroyuki Sanada will contact you around this time to discuss a transfer. The terms will be a bit stricter. A minimum of ten years!"

No matter what, we have to keep this person under control.

(End of this chapter)