Japanese Entertainment: From special effects actor to action superstar

Chapter 517 Let’s unite
Hiroyuki Sanada has not renewed his contract yet, but Shinichi Chiba is not in a hurry at all.

He personally discovered and trained Sanada Hiroyuki. Although he was initially trained as an action actor, he quickly discovered that Sanada Hiroyuki also had a special talent for acting. Moreover, Sanada Hiroyuki was extremely ambitious. Chiba Shinichi was very satisfied with this disciple.

At JAC Studio, Shinichi Chiba summoned his assistant.

"Has Sanada not replied yet?"

"Yes, Sanada-kun said he's currently traveling with his family and will contact us when he gets back."

Shinichi Chiba made a nasal sound as a sign of approval.

He's not in a hurry, of course, since he's not the one who needs to renew his contract.

The terms of the contract renewal were quite generous for Shinichi Chiba. Not only did he improve his treatment, but he also specially arranged a play, namely the famous "Kouga Ninja Scrolls".

Koga Ninja Scrolls was released in the winter of 1982 and was considered one of the most outstanding supernatural action films in Japan at the time.

Jackie Chan also had a martial arts choreography segment in the film. At the time, Jackie Chan went to Japan to scout locations and prepare for the filming of Project A. At the invitation of Toei Company, he directed a few scenes in Koga Ninja Scroll. He was originally supposed to be credited as a special action choreography director.

However, due to a request from his godfather, Ho Koon-cheung, the action choreography work was abandoned, and all the completed shots were scrapped, so that Jackie Chan's name was not mentioned after the film was released.

This time, of course, there weren't as many connections, but Shinichi Chiba still received an invitation to Koga Ninja Scrolls, and he planned to put Hiroyuki Sanada in the lead role.

Shinichi Chiba doesn't have much free time. He has two TV dramas and a movie offers to work on this year, and he has to finish them all.

Moreover, Shinichi Chiba has new plans.

He's had his eye on Zhen Zidan for a long time and has been trying to win her over by offering her very high terms.

Shinichi Chiba believed he had excellent judgment. He was convinced that this person had the potential to become a huge star, and with a little nurturing and investment of resources, he would definitely become a sensation in Japan.

"That guy, Akira Furuya, is very guarded, but being able to poach one of his people is enough to make him suffer once."

As Shinichi Chiba was pondering this plan, his assistant rushed in.

"Sir, sir, something terrible has happened! Look at this!"

"Don't worry, there's nothing dangerous. I've seen it all."

Chiba Shinji stared intently, and couldn't help but blurt out "Baka!"

How could this be! How is this possible!

He had never seen anything like this before!

The newspaper headline was clearly striking.

Hiroyuki Sanada confesses his love in a building, but Donnie coldly rejects a same-sex relationship.

Downey is Zhen Zidan's English name. He's been called that since he was a child, and Zhen Zidan was the name he was given later.

Although this name isn't exactly famous in Japan right now, he has quite a few fans because he has appeared in several works, has a cool appearance, and is quite skilled in martial arts. Sonny Chiba is also very interested in this kid.

but……

Shinichi Chiba rubbed his eyes, trying to see the contents of the newspaper again.

But the title remained unchanged.

In the cover image, Zhen Zidan is shirtless and raises her hand to politely decline, while on the other side is Sanada Hiroyuki with a face full of eager anticipation.

Shinichi Chiba didn't want to read the news in the newspaper carefully. He just quickly flipped through a few pages and searched for the key information. He soon found that the location was an office building on the border of Shibuya, which was the location of the actors' agency in Taniguchi's area.

It was no coincidence that Hiroyuki Sanada appeared there at that time!

"You little rascal...you're not planning to go over there, are you?! I'm the one who made you famous!"

Shinichi Chiba gritted his teeth.

Looking at other entertainment newspapers, Sonny Chiba quickly found the news he needed to see most.

Hiroyuki Sanada has announced his participation in "Satomi Hakkenden".

"Hey!"

Shinichi Chiba slammed his fist heavily on the table.

There's no need to mention contract renewal anymore; Hiroyuki Sanada is gone, and there's no going back.

Moreover, this is a normal transfer after the contract expired, so it's impossible to claim a breach of contract penalty.

Shinichi Chiba could not possibly know Hiroyuki Sanada's true thoughts. Given that this happened at such a moment, he could only think of one possibility.

Akira Furuya had been plotting for a long time to poach his trusted and beloved general!
After a long while, Chiba Shinichi finally looked up.

We need to find someone! Otherwise, things will get really bad!
"Find a time to arrange a meeting for me with Mr. Cangtian. I can go to Hong Kong to meet him myself."

Now, he has to find someone to join forces with! ...

……

Tokyo Garment Factory.

Gu Ming is shopping for clothes with Kadokawa Haruki.

The actual situation was, of course, not so ambiguous. It was mainly for custom-made costumes, both for men and women.

"I say," Gu Ming said, looking at the clothes in front of him, his feelings somewhat complicated. "Isn't this too much like a photo studio outfit?"

"Studio style?" Kadokawa Haruki understood the term in an instant.

"You think the colors are too bright and the makeup is too exaggerated, like clothes you'd wear in real life? Please, Furuya-kun, this movie isn't a real movie! There are no real Satomi Hakkenshi or Satomi Princess in real life."

"That's what I said."

Gu Ming, holding the clothes in his hands, still felt that this thing was not suitable for filming.

Bright colors are fine, but the contrast in this outfit is too stark.

It's like wearing red on top and purple on the bottom; the most striking thing is the exaggerated style.

Intentionally or unintentionally, Haruki Kadokawa asked, "I heard you're planning to sign that Hiroyuki Sanada."

“He approached me on his own initiative, and I have some thoughts about it.”

“This person is very career-oriented, which is not a bad thing, but wouldn’t this offend Chiba-kun to death? This is not how you usually do things.”

Gu Ming shrugged.

What's there to be afraid of!
Although Shinichi Chiba's status is equivalent to that of Jackie Chan in Japan, the term "Jackie Chan in Japan" is only used to describe his status in action films.

Overall, Shinichi Chiba's career development and fame are not as good as those of Toei stars such as Kenji Takakura and Kagami.

Many people in Zhouguo have heard of Ken Takakura, but if they haven't watched The Storm Riders, they certainly wouldn't know Sonny Chiba.

Haruki Kadokawa then stopped trying to persuade him.

"Giving him a role is fine, but I need to give him a little nudge. I need to make sure he's grateful."

As he spoke, he urged Gu Ming to go inside and change his clothes.

As for Hiroyuki Sanada, he'll talk to him when he has time; the important thing right now is trying on clothes.

As the protagonist, Gu Ming's costume design is also unique.

The most important feature is that this outfit doesn't have pants...

Chigusa, the fashion designer from the Tokyo Garment Works who accompanied us, said in a passionate tone: "According to historical research on the Warring States period, people at that time did not have trousers to wear. So in our design, we used a top that draped down, and at the same time used an open-front linen garment to show off your well-developed figure."

After trying on several outfits, Gu Ming felt an urge to punch someone.

Tokyo Garments, as a long-established Japanese state-owned apparel company, seems to have considerable strength.

However, the design aesthetics are really terrible!
The feeling was something he could imagine but couldn't quite describe; after all, he wasn't a professional designer.

"It wasn't until the afternoon, when the two left the Tokyo Garment Factory, that Akira Uetani called out to Haruki Kadokawa in the parking lot."

"Kadokawa-kun, are we really not going to consider other companies? I still feel that these clothes are not quite right."

“Isn’t Tokyo Garment Manufacturing related to you? And they’re offering very favorable prices.” Before Kadokawa Haruki could say anything more, a van with red and white lettering suddenly rang out beside them.

Gu Ming looked up in surprise and saw a man jump out of the cockpit and rush over in a few steps.

Although this person was dressed in a suit and tie, his hairstyle was quite flamboyant, looking as if he had been hiding under a hat for several days.

"Mr. Akira Furuya! Mr. Haruki Kadokawa! We've finally waited for you!" The man practically slid right up to Akira Furuya.

"My name is Tadashi Yanai! I heard that you two are making costumes. I own a costume factory and would be willing to take full responsibility for the costumes of the main characters in the film!"

Haruki Kadokawa stared at the man and smiled knowingly.

Gu Ming then repeated the name.

Yanai Masaru.

Ok……

Gu Ming suddenly raised an eyebrow.

Tadashi Yanai, isn't that the president of Uniqlo?

(End of this chapter)