Tokyo's bubble economy: From literary giants to great entertainers

Filming for "From Today On, It's My Turn!!" has wrapped up for today.

Normally, such a demo needs editing, dubbing, and background music to be considered officially completed.

However, the purpose of the demo is to allow investors to see the script or director's abilities more clearly, and Shuichi Kanbara's performance on set this time was impeccable, requiring no further proof.

Filming began a little after 1 p.m., and by 5 p.m., Keiko Matsuzaka had already presented her with a contract for both the director and screenwriter.

Shuichi Kanbara firmly stamped the seal on the bottom right corner of the contract page, and took a slight breath—not out of nervousness, but out of excitement, as this marked the official first step in his directing career!

"Please continue to guide me in the days to come."

Contract signed!

The staff, Kento Kaku, and Rie Miyazawa on the side immediately burst into a seal-like applause!

Keiko Matsuzaka stamped her seal as well, stood up with a smile, and said, "From now on, we're on the same side, no need to be so polite. By the way, is there anything I can do to help you with your leave of absence from school? If possible, I hope we can start casting tomorrow and begin filming as soon as possible, the TV station's schedule is very tight."

"No problem, I'll start preparing for the casting tonight."

Shuichi Kambara smiled and nodded, a hint of appreciation appearing in his eyes as he looked at Keiko Matsuzaka. This woman was indeed fiery and assertive, but she possessed a rare kind of courage—to trust those you don't trust and not use those you don't trust.

Ever since we confirmed his abilities, we've basically given him all the power in the production team. This includes everything from casting to location management, and from location to plot development – ​​a complete delegation of authority.

Such a boss is rare in the entertainment industry.

Of course, many details still need to be discussed in detail. They are just delegating authority, not ignoring everything, but that's not a big problem.

Japanese workplaces have a strong drinking culture. Not only do production crews and related personnel go out to have fun at celebration parties, but there are also so-called pre-project ceremonies on the night a project is officially launched. We can talk about the details later.

As Shuichi Kambara was still organizing the contract and putting it into his bag, Keiko Matsuzaka walked to the middle of the crowd, clapped her hands, and waited for everyone to look at her before speaking.

"That's all for today's work. Kasumi, go and reserve a table at Senya Yokocho in Shinjuku. We're having a pre-festival tonight, and all the crew members can come."

"Long live the president!"

"Senya Yokocho?! That music restaurant that just opened recently?!"

"I heard the Chinese food there is really delicious!"

"I've struck gold!"

The staff present were all in high spirits.

Japanese drinking culture can be broadly divided into two types.

One type is formal occasions for external parties, such as dinners after high-level meetings or client receptions.

This atmosphere is similar to a large round table at a Chinese liquor banquet, where the atmosphere is incredibly oppressive and extremely particular about seniority and status. Seating arrangements, clothing, even the placement of chopsticks and the degree of bowing all require attention, making it pure torture for those in lower positions.

Another type is the kind of internal victory celebration banquet or the eve of the festival.

Although it was a dinner party, the overall atmosphere was relaxed and lively. The rules between seniors and juniors were still observed, but not to an extreme degree. It was not uncommon to see subordinates dancing on the table after drinking too much, or leaders who were also quite drunk clapping along.

Moreover, everyone present was from the entertainment industry, and they were naturally playful and mischievous.

The atmosphere became very lively, and the outgoing Kento Kaku was already arm in arm with the lighting technician, discussing whether to hold a second show in Kabukicho after the party, even though he was just a virgin who talked big.

Shuichi Kambara smiled and shook her head. She tidied up the contract and went to Rie Miyazawa, who had been sitting quietly eating fruit beside her.

"Do you want to go to the party tonight?"

"Eh?"

Rie Miyazawa was eating a strawberry when her big eyes suddenly froze.

Although Japanese law prohibits minors from drinking and smoking, making it seem quite civilized, if Japanese law... at least in Japan these days, were truly effective, how many minors would be in Kabukicho?

She debuted at the age of 11. Although she did not engage in prostitution or singing, her mother often took her to various drinking parties to put on a smiling face.

At first, she had absolutely no interest in drinking parties. But as she grew older, she gradually began to convince herself with the thought, "As a girl from an ordinary family, I'm already lucky enough to have the opportunity to make a lot of money."

Her experience far surpassed that of her peers, and she was never the kind of arrogant, foolish girl. She understood that in this world, to gain something, you always have to give something in return.

She understands all of this.

only...

In the past, when her mother took her there, she never asked for her opinion.

Looking at the man before her, subtle emotions flickered in her clear, large eyes, which held a beauty mark near her eye. After a long pause, she nodded earnestly, her gentle brows arching into sweet crescent moons.

"kindness!"

If Shuichi goes, Rie wants to go too.

.

Around 9 PM, in Senya Yokocho, Shinjuku.

The name of the store means a wine alley where people party every night and never sleep.

However, this is actually a large music restaurant located near Kabukicho in Shinjuku.

It was peak nightlife time, and the restaurant's lights were flashing wildly overhead. Near the center stage on the inside, a rock band was headbanging and screaming like madmen. The music was so loud that you could feel your eardrums vibrating.

Outside the window, neon lights flashed and cars and people thronged. Inside the restaurant, it was bustling and noisy. Tokyo's office workers seemed to unwind from the day's fatigue, each raising their glasses and then downing them with a loud "Ha!"

This atmosphere is quite reminiscent of Hiroshi Nohara and Kawaguchi having drinks and a meal together in Crayon Shin-chan.

In a semi-open private room of the restaurant, Keiko Matsuzaka, who had completely transformed into a yakuza beauty after drinking, was rolling up her sleeves to reveal half of her snow-white arm, arm wrestling with a veteran member of the gang.

It has to be said that although she doesn't have many tattoos, she did grow up in the Matsuzaka group. During the day, she can still pretend to be a cool and aloof strong woman, but after getting drunk, she completely lets loose.

but...

Also good.

Shuichi Kanbara took a sip of beer, a hazy smile playing on his lips. Although he was usually rather quiet, he enjoyed these occasional moments of joy and a slight buzz, but...

"Kneeling is really uncomfortable!"

"A Chinese restaurant with Western-style music and Japanese-style private rooms..."

"Damn it, is this what they call avant-garde culture?"

Shuichi Kanbara awkwardly shifted his legs, which were propped up under his buttocks, a small detail that was noticed by Rie Miyazawa, who was sitting next to him.

Her face, flushed and sweaty from eating so much of the spicy chicken recommended by Shuichi Kambara, revealed an amusing and unexpected smile.

The impression that Shuichi Kambara left on her was that of a very capable, calm, and polite older brother.

But right now...

"Shuichi-san has a side that no one knows about."

Rie Miyazawa blinked her clear, big eyes, hesitated for a moment, and then shyly pulled out a small cushion from under her body. She leaned over and gently touched Shuichi Kanbara's arm, her voice barely audible.

"Um... Shuichi-san, holding this between your legs will make them feel better."

"Thank you so much!"

Having already drunk quite a bit, Shuichi Kanbara didn't think much of it, nodded gratefully, and took the still-warm cushion, pressing it between his calves and buttocks. Seeing this, Rie Miyazawa's cheeks instantly flushed, and pink steam practically rose from her head.

"this..."

She was going to say that it was meant to be used as a cushion. But before she could say it, a manager from Matsuzaka Entertainment came running over to ask Shuichi Kanbara for a drink.

Seeing that Shuichi Kanbara was chatting and laughing with him so easily, exchanging drinks, and looking at the little cushion that was between his buttocks, Rie Miyazawa's eyes gradually filled with more girlish shyness.

But for some inexplicable reason, she didn't choose to speak up to remind them. Instead, she picked up the iced juice next to her, seemingly trying to calm the inexplicably surging emotions in this way.

But just then...

"Huh! What's this?!"

She downed the "iced fruit juice" in one gulp, then tilted her head back and immediately realized something was wrong. Her clear eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at the glass in her hand. She then realized it was the Nevada that Matsuzaka Keiko had ordered for Kanbaru Hide during the earlier commotion!

A 55-proof strong cocktail!

The scorching flames burned down her throat and into her stomach, and with a "pfft," she spat out half a mouthful of wine! It sprayed directly onto the face of the balding, Mediterranean-looking man who had come to toast Kanbara Shuichi.