Tokyo Bubble Life

Chapter 1496, page 1505, seemed to foreshadow the end of the golden age!

Chapter 1496, page 1505, seemed to foreshadow the end of the golden age!

For some reason, it seems that after reporting a sensational case of illness, several other cases suddenly appeared in the media.

News stories about celebrities dizzy from exhaustion on set, hosts collapsing from working too many hours, and entertainment industry bigwigs being so engrossed in their creative work that they can't eat, have sprung up like mushrooms after rain!

Similar reports are escalating, but how many are true, and how many are just for attracting traffic and exposure? Insiders dare not say, nor dare they ask, leaving only the uninformed public to worry about these celebrities.

However, just as this news revelation was gaining momentum, in late September, a truly bombshell piece of news shocked the entire nation of Japan!

On September 20th, according to reliable sources, Emperor Hirohito of the Showa era vomited blood at his residence in the Imperial Palace and was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment!

The news from the Imperial Household Agency sent shockwaves throughout Japan, and people realized that Japan's longest-reigning emperor might be on the verge of death!

For a time, there was a great deal of noise and commotion in all sectors of Japan.

There's been discussion about Emperor Showa's health, the successor, his funeral, and even within the entertainment industry: if Emperor Hirohito were to pass away during the New Year period, would the Kohaku Uta Gassen (Red and White Song Battle) still be held, and would a period of mourning be observed for the Emperor?

Discussions continued, with older people naturally valuing tradition and believing that as the spiritual leader of Japan, the Emperor's death warranted national mourning. During the mourning period, entertainment, weddings, ceremonies, and other celebratory events were suspended!

However, young people are not so fond of tradition, believing that the Red and White Song Festival is related to the well-being of the nation and its people, and should not be compromised for one person! (Since the 1946 Humanity Declaration, the Emperor has acknowledged that he is also an ordinary person.)

Ultimately, there were more young people than young people, leading to the conclusion that the happiness of the people was indeed more important, as for His Majesty the Emperor...

Either die right now so everyone can mourn quickly, or please hold on and wait until after the New Year to die!

Don't worry, everyone will mourn properly when the time comes!

The morning newspapers at Yama-oka Temple naturally reported on this matter.

"The Emperor is about to pass away."

Akina looked at the news on the newspaper cover, covering her mouth in surprise, and then looked at Naoki Nagayama.

"is that true?"

"They've vomited blood. That should be enough, right?"

Naoki Nagayama had never liked Hirohito, the warmonger. Now that he knew Hirohito was on his deathbed, he even felt a sense of satisfaction. How could someone who had committed so many crimes still live so long? It can only be said that evil people live a thousand years!

"Yes, someone this old wouldn't cough up blood."

Akina didn't say much more, but her face showed some emotion.

After all, she was Japanese and grew up listening to stories about the Emperor. However, the Emperor was too far removed from her life, so she didn't feel sad about it.

At most, it felt like hearing that a familiar celebrity was about to pass away.

"I'm just a little worried about what might happen if I pass away around the end of the year."

Akina looked somewhat worried.

"Will this affect Naoki-san's movie, the 'Neon Voice' program, and his new song?"

Naoki Nagayama suppressed his emotions and didn't show any schadenfreude. After all, his life was indeed tied to Japan, and he still had to maintain appearances.

"No, it won't be delayed for more than a week. The entertainment industry changes rapidly; it won't be delayed for too long for one person!"

Naoki Nagayama put down the newspaper and continued eating his breakfast.

"Alright, what happened to Emperor Hirohito is not important to us. Let's not talk about such things first thing in the morning!"

"Let's focus on our own lives."

"Akina, if you don't stop the broccoli jam, she's going to throw it away."

These words snapped Akina out of her daze, and she looked at Natsuka, who was also having breakfast.

Right now, the little one is secretly spearing broccoli with a fork, wanting to throw it on the ground. Children's sense of taste is more sensitive than adults', so they've always had a bit of a dislike for green vegetables.

"Flower jam!!"

Akina shouted angrily,

"If you dare drop it on the ground, I'll pick it up and shove it into your mouth!!"

"."

Xia Hua jumped, then obediently put the fork back on the plate and started eating the broccoli with a bitter face.

Sometimes you can't spoil children, and Nagayama Naoki and Akina agree on this point. So when it comes to correcting bad habits, Nagayama Naoki is definitely on the same side as Akina!

After a nutritious breakfast, Naoki Nagayama got into his car and drove off.

Today I'm going to Ginza first, so I'll be passing by the Imperial Palace Gardens and will be able to see the entrance to the Imperial Palace.

It was raining, yet the entrance to the Imperial Palace was surprisingly crowded with people who had come to pray for the Emperor. Most of them were middle-aged or elderly.

"Tsk tsk tsk"

Naoki Nagayama clicked his tongue twice.

"No wonder he's been in power for so long and still has so many admirers."

Putting everything else aside, Japan's brainwashing ability is quite impressive; it can whitewash the dark and make its citizens blindly worship a war criminal.

For some reason, Naoki Nagayama suddenly felt a surge of resentment.

"Toda-san, drive faster! Don't go to Emperor Hirohito's funeral in front of these people!"

"."

Toda Tomoyasu paused for a moment, seemingly finding his boss's words strange. The Emperor wasn't dead yet, so Naoki-san must be mistaken!

However, he obediently didn't ask any more questions, and simply stepped on the gas.

Naoki Nagayama hasn't been to Ginza's Tree Friends Capital for a long time.

The investment seminar that was supposed to be held in January was delayed due to filming, which drew criticism from many investment gurus.

In their eyes, how could making movies be as interesting as making money in the stock market?!

Naoki Nagayama is clearly so talented in investing, so why does he always dabble in making movies instead of doing his job?!

Isn't being a capitalist good?!

"Yuanta-san, is Naoki-san coming today?!"

Sitting in the conference room, Nomura Holdings director Yasuhiro Hidaka asked,

"He hasn't come several times already!!"

Other investment heavyweights followed suit.

"Yeah, he was the one who said it had to be once a month!" "But he doesn't even come himself!" "He's really not very good."

"Haha, Mr. Kang, don't be in such a hurry!"

Nakai Genta laughed and tried to smooth things over.

"Everyone's main focus lately has been just one thing, hasn't it? We've made a lot of money in the light industrial products sector, following Naoki-san's guidance, haven't we?"

Since August, when Southeast University in Shanghai began to loosen price controls and "break through price barriers," prices at Southeast University have started to inflate, and the three major household items—refrigerators, color TVs, and washing machines—have become hot commodities!

And these are precisely the industrial products that Japan exports most to China! Panasonic color TVs, Toshiba refrigerators, Hitachi washing machines, and so on, have all seen a significant increase in export volume.

Although all of this happened within Dongda University, Shuyou Capital and Yiquan Investment Company, having prior knowledge of the news, seized the opportunity to manipulate the situation and make a profit.

"."

After Nakai Genta said this, everyone nodded silently. Indeed, they had all made a considerable amount of money.

"Alright, that trading session is over now, what's next?"

Yasuhiro Kajiwara, chairman of Daiwa Capital, asked,

"Isn't Naoki-san going to discuss this with us?"

"Ha, Naoki-san will be here soon."

Nakai Genta could only try to appease these people. After all, this circle, which now included seven or eight investment companies, had become a significant group in the investment world, with considerable influence.

Naoki Nagayama didn't keep everyone waiting long; he arrived in the meeting room in about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.

Good morning, everyone!

"Ah, Naoki-san is here!" "Naoki-san, it's been so long since we had tea together!" "Naoki-san..."

At this moment, everyone was completely different from how they were with Nakai Genta. They all had warm smiles on their faces, as if they were very good friends with Nagayama Naoki.

"Haha, everyone's made a lot of money lately, haven't they? You all look rosy-cheeked."

"Not at all~" "Just breaking even!" "We made a small profit."

"Haha, everyone's finished up, right?!"

Naoki Nagayama smiled and exchanged pleasantries with everyone.

"We're about to launch another operation."

"Of course!" "We've been prepared for this for a long time!"

After a few pleasantries, Naoki Nagayama didn't linger and immediately placed a newspaper on the table.

That was the New York Times, which published a lengthy report on a proposal called the "Trade and Omnibus Competition Act," which would be voted on in Congress. It's the source of the famous Section 301 of the U.S. law!

The future famous omniscient president of the United States will use this clause to blackmail the whole world and then win in the end!

"Today we're going to mainly talk about this American bill."

Naoki Nagayama said,

"According to reliable sources, the bill has reached a consensus within the ruling party and is expected to be signed into law by President Reagan in November."

Upon hearing Naoki Nagayama's words, the investment tycoons present began to discuss the matter.

This group consists of the most astute investors, so they naturally have some understanding of this bill; however, they don't understand the real impact it will have!

"One of the driving forces behind the passage of this bill was the fact that Japan's large-scale acquisition of American companies, as well as the Toshiba incident, alerted the American political establishment."

Naoki Nagayama spoke eloquently.

"The U.S. trade deficit with Japan and other countries is too large, and the U.S. needs to suppress its trading partners. This signifies a shift in U.S. trade policy from liberalism to protectionism."

"In particular, it has been repeatedly mentioned in relation to multiple industries in Japan, including steel, automobiles, and semiconductors. It is very likely that this will become a legal tool for the United States to exert trade pressure on Japan!"

"."

Naoki Nagayama's words reveal a stark reality—the United States is about to bleed Japan dry! And it's a systematic and continuous process of bleeding!

This will definitely deal a major blow to Japan's economy!

The investment tycoons present had somber expressions. They weren't angry about Japan being taken advantage of, but rather pondering how to protect their own assets under such circumstances.

Naoki Mulberry

Kajiwara Yasuhiro said,

"What do you think we should do?!"

Everyone else's gaze also turned to Naoki Nagayama. Yes, since he made this the topic, he must already have a solution!

However, Naoki Nagayama did not directly state his plans. Instead, he walked to the window and looked at the overcast sky.

"Gentlemen!"

Naoki Nagayama slowly began to speak, recounting the scenes he had witnessed on the road that day.

"When I passed by the Imperial Palace today, I saw many people holding umbrellas and praying for the Emperor."

"???!!!" "?" "!" "."

The others looked puzzled. They had just been talking about America, so why was Naoki Nagayama suddenly bringing up the Emperor?!

Yes, the Emperor is passing away, but what does that have to do with investment?!

With this emperor gone, there will be another one. At most, there will be a period of mourning for a week or two; it won't have a truly significant impact on the economy.

However, Naoki Nagayama continued:

"But that scene, in my eyes, looked more like a funeral."

"It's as if it's foreshadowing the end of this wonderful golden age!"

Although Japan's neon bubble didn't burst until after 89, Naoki Nagayama's involvement has drastically altered the timeline.

Even the Prime Minister and ruling party in Japan are not the same as before. Who knows if the bubble will burst and the release schedule will still follow the original timeline!

What if that old man is the last straw that breaks the camel's back and causes the bubble to burst?

"Therefore, we must be even more cautious in this operation!"

Naoki Nagayama addressed the crowd,

"With two months left until November, we plan to go long on US stocks and short on Japanese stocks!!"

"."

At the Suzuka Circuit, Takeshi Kitano was filming "Rush 'n' Roll" with the crew.

After hearing that Naoki Nagayama's movie had been completed, Takeshi Kitano also rushed to start his own filming. Because his crew and investment were smaller than Nagayama's, his filming progressed very quickly!

"Masahiro Motoki".

Takeshi Kitano shouted through a megaphone,

"Faster!! Let the dust kicked up by the car fly into the sky!!"

"."

This is a scene where Masahiro Motoki, the protagonist, is learning on the racetrack and improving his driving skills!

Masahiro Motoki, who was grinding the tires, looked embarrassed. If he went any faster, he might be doomed!

However, since it was the director's request, he tried his best to fulfill it.

After filming this scene was completed, there was a short break. He walked over to Takeshi Kitano and chatted casually:

"Kitano-san, have you heard the news that the Emperor vomited blood?"

"Of course, it's all over the newspapers."

Takeshi Kitano shrugged.

"But that guy has lived long enough, so it shouldn't matter anymore, right?"

"."

At least show some respect! After all, he's Japan's spiritual leader!

"Ugh"

Masahiro Motoki sighed.

"I don't know if this will affect my schedule."

"Haha, I hope I'm not that unlucky."

Takeshi Kitano said with a smile,

"The national mourning period will only last a week at most."

"My schedule is pretty much set by the end of the year. There are always things that can have an impact."

Masahiro Motoki is a relatively well-known entertainer, and besides filming movies, he has a very busy schedule.

"Haha, when things get tough, just focus all your energy on making the movie!"

Takeshi Kitano said with a smile,

"Even if the old man passes away, my filming won't stop!"

"."

Sure enough, this guy has absolutely no sense of awe.

Takeshi Kitano looked towards Tokyo and sighed:

"After all, Naoki Nagayama has already finished filming and should be working on the editing!"

"If our movie is released after the New Year, it definitely won't make a splash at all!"

Masahiro Motoki was somewhat surprised:

"Huh? Is Director Kitano planning to release a film shortly after 'Fast & Furious'?"

"Hi!"

"Didn't 'Fast & Furious' steal all the box office revenue?"

Masahiro Motoki asked,

"Shouldn't we avoid scheduling our time slots that compete with his?!"

"Hahaha~"

Takeshi Kitano laughed.

"Although it's a little frustrating to admit, I never intended for this movie to compete with Naoki-san!"

"On the contrary, I think that after Naoki-san's movie is released, it will spark a racing craze and audiences will like racing-related movies!"

"And I was thinking of taking advantage of this racing craze to make 'Ford v Ferrari' even better at the box office!"

Hearing Takeshi Kitano's words, Masahiro Motoki was momentarily speechless.

"Director Kitano, are you really that confident in Naoki-san's films?!"

"Haha, you've never made a movie with Naoki-san."

Takeshi Kitano closed his eyes and recalled the filming of "Kikujiro's Summer," then sighed.

"Once you've experienced it, you'll know that some people are truly beyond the reach of geniuses!"

"I have more confidence in him than in myself!!"

"."

Listening to Takeshi Kitano's words and seeing the expression on his face when he said them, Masahiro Motoki knew that he was absolutely speaking from the heart!

"Naoki-san, is he really that amazing?!"

"."