Japanese Entertainment: From special effects actor to action superstar

Chapter 616 I'm your fan!

The university that Hiroko Yakushimaru attends is called Tamagawa University.

What is the standard of Tamagawa University?

It can be said that Yuchuan University is equivalent to 'Tongji Medical University of Beijing,' 'Huayi Medical University of Beijing,' 'The First Affiliated University of Sun Yat-sen University,' and 'Guangdong Light Industry Vocational and Technical University.'

Regardless of the actual level, it sounds pretty reliable.

It's one of those diploma mills where you can get in just by paying money.

The only special thing is that Tamagawa University is not too bad; it at least has some prestige. After all, it is a university located in Tokyo, so it can't be too bad.

The Japanese entertainment industry also places great importance on academic qualifications. Apart from older artists, many young artists will do anything to get a degree, even if it means donating money.

Talented individuals like Gu Ming, who only graduated from primary school, are extremely rare.

Hiroko Yakushimaru didn't even have to pay tuition to study at Tamagawa University. The enrollment of a celebrity can bring a considerable number of students to the university.

"So you made another movie that's neither here nor there."

Just as Hiroko Yakushimaru reached the central courtyard, she suddenly heard someone shouting behind her.

"Ayako-chan! Ayako-chan! Ayako..."

Hiroko Yakushimaru sighed.

What a happy problem! I got recognized by fans again!
The last time I went to Osaka to film a movie, I heard that some celebrities were visiting, and Osaka Station was completely jammed. In the end, the local police had to be called in to get them out.

Yes, this is a true story, recorded in Hiroko Yakushimaru's own interview.

Hiroko Yakushimaru stopped and turned to look at the female classmate.

"Wow, that's great, it really is you!" The little girl held Yakushimaru Hiroko's hand as if she were touching a little golden statue that would chip off the paint if she touched it.

"I really love your movies! I'm a huge fan! I absolutely adore this film!"

Although his rambling manner was somewhat annoying, it was difficult to say anything to drive him away, so Hiroko Yakushimaru could only remain in that position and listen to him talk.

This film was distributed directly through Kadokawa Group's channels, bypassing Toei's theatrical releases. The videotapes were distributed by 91Video. They included Easter eggs from the film's production, as well as behind-the-scenes footage of special scenes.

Hiroko Yakushimaru only spoke after the other person had finished speaking.

"Actually, there are many sequels to the film. You can buy them at video stores, and they are very interesting."

"Oh, that's wonderful!"

The little fan ran off happily.

Hiroko Yakushimaru gathered her hair, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping herself.

Have no idea.

Ayako is indeed Ayako, but Team Leader Muto is not Team Leader Muto.

……

……

Professional things need to be shown to professionals so that they can be appreciated.

For ordinary fans, the videotape only contains behind-the-scenes footage from the filming.

But for someone like Hideaki Anno, who dedicated himself to the animation industry and aspired to become a director, this film has a different meaning.

He really loved the message contained in this movie!

Especially the camera work during the confrontation between the two.

"This shot could easily be a contender for Japan's best shot of the year!"

Hideaki Anno sat cross-legged on the floor, inserted the videotape into the machine, and played the behind-the-scenes footage, which was the part about Takeshi Kitano chasing and filming with a handheld camera, including the part where Kitano was knocked to the ground at the end, and then the camera started filming again.

Considering the meaning behind these two shots, Hideaki Anno was even more amazed.

I heard that the movie has already earned nearly 3 billion yen in distribution revenue, and Hideaki Anno still feels a little regretful.

They should have received 5 billion!
Hideaki Anno suddenly jumped up.

Grandma!
Takeshi Kitano is a director, and so is Hideaki Anno! He wants to discuss the meaning of this shot with Kitano in person!

Hideaki Anno was extremely proactive; he picked up his pen and started writing, quickly putting down all his thoughts and sending them out.

He didn't know where Takeshi Kitano was, but Hideaki Anno knew all too well where Taniguchi's acting agency was!

……

……

There are some things that will probably disappoint Hideaki Anno.

Although his letters weren't thrown in the trash, it was worse than that, because nobody even saw them.

Takeshi Kitano hasn't been at his office at all these past few days.

After leaving his stand-up comedy career, Takeshi Kitano is now facing several different invitations and is feeling troubled.

They all want him to make movies!

Although he had some reputation in the videotape industry, he was completely unknown in the film industry and was a complete newcomer.

For a newcomer to achieve such a high level of completion in their debut film, coupled with extremely high box office returns, it's impossible not to cast them!
"Sigh, what a happy dilemma! Should I go to Toho or Toei to help out? What if an actress tries to rush up and pull down my pants? Should I agree or not? Even if they pester me, I'll have no choice but to accept it! I just want to be an ordinary director."

A snapping sound interrupted Takeshi Kitano's thoughts.

When he came to his senses, he saw that Gu Ming was already sitting opposite him.

"What are you thinking about?"

“A woman,” Takeshi Kitano said frankly, “and not just any woman.”

"Let me guess," Gu Ming said. "You're thinking of your mother."

Takeshi Kitano clicked his tongue.

I always feel like Akira Furuya sometimes has the ability to read minds.

“That’s true.” Takeshi Kitano sighed, “After this movie became famous, many people contacted me. Even my family heard about it and kept calling me, asking me to arrange actors and make them stars. My mother too…”

Takeshi Kitano suddenly fell silent.

He didn't want to say such things.

Since Takeshi Kitano became famous, his mother has called him every month, asking him for tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of yen to send back home, claiming it's for his retirement.

Takeshi Kitano had considered refusing, but he was helpless when he thought about how the other party would cause trouble.

Gu Ming crossed his arms and shook his head.

This is a well-known case. After Takeshi Kitano became famous, his family often asked him for money. However, it wasn't until his mother passed away that she revealed the truth: she didn't spend most of the living expenses she asked for from him; instead, she saved most of it for him.

According to his mother, Takeshi Kitano is a big spender, and if she doesn't help him save money, he will spend it all very quickly.

Later, this money did indeed help Takeshi Kitano's career when his investments failed.

"I won't say much about your family affairs. I just want to say that things may not be as they seem to you."

Gu Ming avoided mentioning family matters and changed the subject, saying, "You've had quite a few film offers lately, are there any you'd like to accept?"

"I've watched some, and some of them were somewhat interesting, but most of them were gangster revenge films, which I honestly don't like. Kinji Fukasaku is enough for those kinds of films. I want to make a special kind of film," Takeshi Kitano said frankly. "I know this is a bit much, but I want to make a film told from a police officer's perspective, like the one in 'Violent Cop'!"

Gu Ming was filled with awe.

What a great single-armed spin in history!
"If you're interested, come find me. I may not be able to act, but I can definitely take on a cameo role. Besides, there are so many people in the agency waiting in line to get roles."

Gu Ming casually flipped through the pages and pulled out a letter.

"What you saw at the front desk just now was a letter that someone specially delivered to you."

Takeshi Kitano's eyes lit up: "Female fans?"

Gu Ming glanced at Hideaki Anno's name and nodded solemnly: "Female fan, definitely a female fan, hurry up and open it!"

(End of this chapter)