I, Hiroshi Nohara, the star of Japanese cinema!

Weekly Bunshun, known for its sharp tongue, published a review article written by veteran film critic "Xinkou Tang Shizi".

[From the 2D world to the 3D world, is this the fall of a genius or just a bubble of the times?]

“…We never deny Nohara Hiroshi’s amazing talent in animation and comics. But we must clearly recognize that animation and live-action drama are two completely different art forms.”

“The charm of animation lies in its ability to use the most exaggerated lines and colors to construct a completely imaginary world.”

"The foundation of a live-action drama lies in its authentic depiction of reality. Nohara Hiroshi's attempt to use his fantastical 'urban legend' theory to drive a live-action drama is, in itself, a gamble bordering on suicide."

"We are very worried that this genius, who was once hailed as a god, will eventually fall to pieces due to his inability to adapt to the local climate..."

Praise and questioning, admiration and criticism.

The two completely different voices, under the deliberate guidance of the media, quickly fermented into a nationwide discussion.

For a time, the name Hiroshi Nohara and the drama "The Wonderful World" became the hottest topics this summer.

People's discussions can be heard everywhere, on the train, in the office, and in the izakaya.

In this increasingly fierce public opinion storm, the ratings of the first and second seasons of "An Shibaju" rebroadcasted on Tokyo TV's late-night slot also continued to rise, breaking the 5% mark at one point, creating a ratings miracle for rebroadcast dramas.

This unexpected surprise made Asumi smile from ear to ear.

And he knows it too.

Following this controversy, Hiroshi Nohara's "The Strangest Tales of the World" has become a hot topic across the country, attracting a large number of audiences.

All the preparations and expectations have become an unstoppable torrent.

Just wait until nine o'clock in the evening on July 1st, when the floodgates will be opened to release the floodwaters.

But what makes Asumi helpless is.

The third season of "Anshiba" produced by Iwata Classroom also attracted a lot of attention due to the promotion of Hiroshi Nohara and "The Strangest Tales of the World".

Everyone has also turned their attention to "Anzhiju Season 3".

There was a hint of depression in Asumi's eyes.

He must have been able to imagine the sinister smile of Toshihide Takada, the executive deputy director of the production department of Tokyo TV, the man behind Masao Iwata.

……

July 1st, 8:50 pm.

The lights in Nohara Hiroshi's Special Production Team's office were brightly lit.

There was a special sense of tension in the air.

All the core members of the "Wonderful Stories of the World" director team gathered here without exception.

At this time, there were also many people gathered around the latest model Sony Trinitron TV that was specially moved from the prop library.

Kenji Sato and Takeshi Yamamoto, two veterans who have seen a lot of ups and downs, are now like two students about to take a big exam. They are fidgeting and keep looking at the watches on their wrists.

The three veterans, Nancun Xing, Chang Gu Lu Zou and Beichuan Yao, were so nervous that their palms were sweating. The three pairs of eyes were fixed on the dark TV screen, as if they wanted to use telekinesis to stare out the program that would determine their fate.

Only Kurosawa Eiji, the former king, still remains calm.

He sat quietly on the sofa in the corner, holding a cup of steaming hot and fragrant black coffee in his hand. His sharp eyes just looked calmly at the group of young people who were like ants on a hot pan, with a knowing smile on the corner of his mouth.

This is the advantage brought by age and experience.

smooth.

Calm.

However, when Kurosawa Eiji turned his head and looked at Hiroshi Nohara behind him, his eyes flashed with more emotion at his calm and even relaxed face.

Because Nohara Hiroshi, who is at the center of this storm, is really the most relaxed one among all.

He even had the leisure to brew a pot of hand-brewed coffee for everyone. The rich aroma, to a certain extent, eased the almost tense atmosphere in the office.

"Everyone, don't be nervous."

He handed cups of steaming coffee to everyone, his face still smiling calmly: "We have done everything we can. The rest is up to the audience to judge."

The show is about to begin.

Then just wait.

At the same time, in Tokyo, Osaka, Kumamoto, and in thousands of homes throughout Neon.

Countless pairs of eyes are also focused on their own TV screens.

Shinjuku, Kabukicho, late night cafeteria.

The boss Shui Shangxiang wiped the plate in his hand, but his eyes kept glancing at the small TV on the wall.

In front of the bar, several nightclub guards who had just finished their shift were drinking ice-cold beer and discussing excitedly.

"Hey, what do you think Nohara Hiroshi's new show will be like?"

"Well, I'm a little worried. What those film critics in the newspaper said is not unreasonable. There's a huge difference between animation and live-action dramas. Don't mess it up."

"Who knows? But for a guy who even our underworld bosses admire, the things he shoots must be extraordinary!"

"Hey, hey, hey! Don't be such a gangster! I've told you so many times! Don't cause trouble for Big Brother! Damn it!"

"Hey, hey! Please forgive me! I'm just too excited!"

In a single apartment in Suginami Ward.

Xiao Xunhua, Fujii Itsuki and Watanabe Ryu were sitting around a small low table with a few cans of beer and a plate of edamame on it.

They have become friends since the last shoot.

After all, we had communicated with each other before on Kanto TV.

Now we are together again by chance.

Of course, friends.

Especially since today is the day when the first episode of the first season of Hiroshi Nohara's "Strange Stories of the World" is broadcast, they naturally got together to see how their performance goes.

"Ahhh... I'm so nervous! Even more nervous than when I was acting myself!" Xiao Xunhua clasped her hands together and rested them on her chin, her beautiful big eyes filled with prayers.

"Don't worry," Fujii Itsuki took a sip of beer and said calmly, "With Mr. Nohara here, there will be absolutely no problem."

Having said that, his slightly trembling fingertips still revealed his true emotions.

And as they looked on expectantly, the advertisement on the TV screen ended.

Nine o'clock sharp.

A strange, ethereal, yet strangely attractive melody suddenly rang out from the TV speakers without any warning.

The melody seemed to flow out of an old music box.

Every note is like a cold feather, gently scratching the heartstrings of all the listeners.

'coming! ’

Everyone held their breath at this moment.

The screen lights up.

There are no intense opening sequences and no dazzling special effects.

There was only a completely black background, a table lamp emitting soft light, a retro leather sofa, and... a man wearing a black suit and sunglasses, sitting there quietly.

The camera slowly zooms in.

When the man's angular profile, full of the sense of time, was clearly presented in front of everyone.

The entire neon seemed to have been paused.

Everyone subconsciously held their breath.

The next second, thunderous cries erupted simultaneously in countless families, countless izakayas, and countless student dormitories!

"Oh my god! Isn't that... isn't that... Director Kurosawa Eiji?!"

"Director Kurosawa Eiji!"

"It's really Director Kurosawa Eiji! He actually made a guest appearance on Nohara Hiroshi's show!"

In the late-night restaurant, the plate in Shui Shangxiang's hand fell to the ground with a clang, but he was completely unaware of it.

Kurosawa Eiji is his idol!

"This... How is this possible?! Letting a national treasure-level first-class director host a short drama?! That Nohara Hiroshi... What kind of monster is he?!"

"You're kidding! Am I kidding?! It's really Director Kurosawa!"

Countless taxi drivers, while waiting for red lights, looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar face on the in-car TV in disbelief, feeling that their worldview had been completely overturned at this moment!

In the office of [Nohara Hiroshi / Special Production Team], Minamimura Hoshi, Hase Michizuki, and Kitagawa Yao looked at the familiar face on TV and listened to the exclamations of "what a great shooting angle" and "what a strong sense of camera" from even their own team members.

On those three young faces, an expression of honor emerged at the same time, an expression of supreme pride that was enough to make them stand up with their chests held high!

This is all thanks to their Section Chief Hiroshi Nohara!

"That's amazing." Even Kurosawa Eiji nodded slightly at this time. Although it was not the first time he saw himself in the first episode, the shooting angle and the sense of the camera, including the lighting at that time and the specially edited close-up shots, all made him extremely satisfied.

Including the members of the team who were responsible for photography and camera capture, they all thought of Nohara Hiroshi's request at the time and the drawings that were distributed.

The shooting and lighting were carried out completely according to the requirements.

The result is such an excellent picture.

It also amazes them.

Even these professional members were amazed, not to mention the audiences across the country.

At this moment, I also feel that Director Eiji Kurosawa is... handsome and cool!

It's also full of mystery!

Amidst the huge shock that swept across the country, the mysterious man on the screen slowly spoke.

"Humans are incredible creatures..."

That hoarse, steady, and magnetic voice, like a pair of invisible hands, instantly grabbed the throats of the audience and dragged them, without explanation, into the world that was about to unfold, full of unknowns and surprises...

A world of wonderful stories.