Chapter 1082: Granny Murata really has some tricks up her sleeve!!

Seiko Matsuda has also given birth to a little daughter!

This news spread across all print media the next day. Some reporters had even learned the name, Kanda Sayaka, in advance, so not only in the written reports but even during live broadcasts, reporters from various television stations would make a point to mention the name "Kanda Sayaka"~

The frequency of it felt quite like that feeling of "When you were born, all of Japan was calling out your name".....

In comparison, the daughter of Naoki Nagayama and Akina Nakamori seemed a bit too low-key; there were hardly any media outlets that could even get information about her birth.

"Xia Hua..... my daughter, when you were born, only Daddy and Mommy were calling out your name~"

Naoki Nagayama held a small rattle, shaking it over Xia Hua's crib, occasionally making a soft *da-da-da* sound.

And Xia Hua, having woken up, watched the rattle with her dark, round eyes, stretching out her hands to constantly chase the source of the sound....... This kind of little game helps with a baby's auditory and visual development.

Naoki Nagayama had, after all, absorbed so many fragments of knowledge in the information age; he still knew some basic common sense.

After a while, Akina, who had been chatting with Mari Nonaka in the kitchen, walked over carrying a plate of sliced fruit;

"What do you mean only Daddy and Mommy? Clearly, Grandma and Grandpa and other good friends were there too...."

"Ah, I suppose so~"

This meme was only something he could play with himself. Naoki Nagayama sighed; *World of Warcraft* wouldn't be developed for another twenty-plus years. If he wanted to step onto the continent of Azeroth again, he reckoned he'd be over forty.

But..... forty isn't so bad, is it? Isn't it normal for a man to have some little hobbies!

"Yukiko-chan called today too, saying that since she received care from Seiko-chan before, she wants to go visit."

Akina picked up a piece of cantaloupe with a toothpick and popped it into Naoki Nagayama's mouth, then ate one herself.

"Naoki-san, should I go visit too?"

"Er....." Naoki Nagayama didn't quite understand the friendships between women. "That depends on whether you two had a good relationship before, right?"

"Hmm..... I suppose, average?"

Akina wasn't sure herself, because in the entertainment industry, everyone basically wears a mask. When in front of the cameras, the two were naturally all smiles, and if they met in private, they would say a few words..... but it seemed they hadn't been close, hadn't gone shopping or eating together or anything like that.

It was just that both were at the pinnacle of the idol world, and in the media's portrayal, they were always tied together, loving and killing each other or something~

"Then forget it, just let Yukiko-chan help send your regards..."

Naoki Nagayama didn't spend too much thought on other people; he and Akina still had plenty to keep busy with.

"Akina, I went to ask around, there really is a pottery interest class nearby, but it's next to a school, originally serving elementary students..... but adding two adults shouldn't be a problem, just taking a lesson or two is fine....."

"Nani? A student class?" Akina was startled. "Wouldn't that mean taking classes with elementary students?"

"What's wrong, afraid of gathering with the little kids?" Naoki Nagayama laughed.

"That's not it....." Akina said, embarrassed. She was actually quite good with kids. "It's just.... it's been a long time since I've taken a class, I'm afraid I won't be used to it."

"It's an interest class, not something like math, no need to worry about exams, so what are you afraid of?!"

"......"

Thinking about it that way, she really did feel much more relaxed.....

Huh? Naoki-san seems to be saying I'm a bad student, afraid of exams!!! Even though he only graduated high school himself!

And so, Naoki Nagayama, who had no idea what was going on, was suddenly given a physical lesson by his wife~

With the Tokyo International Film Festival drawing closer, Naoki Nagayama had to increase the frequency of his outings to inspect the progress of the venue construction on-site.

Generally, after a round of inspections, he would return to the Tree Friend building to assert his presence at his company.

Otherwise, if everyone discovered that the company could develop just fine even without the boss, that wouldn't be good~

"Naoki-san."

Masataka Komori, who was helping prepare *Ghost*, found Naoki Nagayama.

"That song *Unchained Melody* you mentioned before, we've already found the copyright holder....."

For this film's theme song, Naoki Nagayama didn't use his own songs but instead instructed Masataka Komori to buy the rights to this one, which surprised everyone at Tree Friend.

After all, in Naoki Nagayama's previous films, he had almost always used theme songs he composed himself.....

So many people became interested in this song and rushed to buy the record to listen to it. In Japan, where rock and pop were all the rage, such a lyrical English song really brought a special feeling.

After Masataka Komori and Shizhi Araki finished listening to it, they also felt that such a lingering song was very suitable for *Ghost*, and they admired Naoki Nagayama's choice even more.

Was Naoki Nagayama not wanting to plagiarize a song? It was that someone else had already created it over a decade ago!

"Spent a bit of money and bought the commercial rights from The Righteous Brothers."

"Already bought it?" Naoki Nagayama smiled. "That's good~"

This classic song would, with the release of *Ghost*, become a hit once again and remain popular well into the new century.

"Also..." Shizhi Araki also stepped forward to report, "Several scenes at the filming base have been set up...... we can start filming at any time."

"Hmm...." Naoki Nagayama tapped his fingers. "However, regarding the actors, I haven't found the right ones yet..... especially the psychic witch...."

Masataka Komori and Shizhi Araki exchanged glances, seemingly having something to say.

And Naoki Nagayama clearly guessed it:

"You two, are you trying to suggest Granny Murata?!"

"......"

"You two idiots, Granny Murata is over eighty! And..... although it's a bit rude, Granny Murata's image isn't suitable for the screen!"

It's filming a movie, not actually performing a ritual! A psychic witch naturally needs to be a character actor! What's the point of bringing in a real shaman?!

"....."

Masataka Komori and Shizhi Araki stopped talking~

"But for the blessing ceremony, let's still ask Granny Murata!"

Naoki Nagayama added another sentence. Over the past few years, Granny Murata could be said to have participated in all of Tree Friend's projects, and almost none of these projects had any major accidents. He really felt this shaman had some tricks up her sleeve!

You have to know that besides the films he personally directed and guided, Tree Friend had several other works released, all with decent results.....

The filming base also almost never had any major accidents.....

"Yes, yes, Granny Murata is absolutely effective!"

Shizhi Araki nodded repeatedly. For this shaman who could increase his sense of presence, he held a sense of awe.

Masataka Komori laughed from the side:

"Because of Tree Friend, other production companies and related people also ask Granny Murata to perform blessings. Now, Granny Murata has become a Great Shaman! I heard the deity she worships even had its statue reshaped...."

"Maybe in the future, she'll be able to pass the approval of the 'Association of Shinto Shrines' and become a regular shrine!"

"Yes, yes, I heard the incense is already very popular...."

"....."

Naoki Nagayama listened to the two of them, not knowing what to say. If he wasn't careful, Tree Friend might have participated in the establishment of a major shrine....

And he himself had always respected ghosts and gods from a distance; he didn't even have a household altar at home.

But in this country of Japan, people are very superstitious regarding religious beliefs. Even Akina somewhat believed in things like astrology and tarot cards......

Shaking his head, Naoki Nagayama didn't bother with these things and said to Masataka Komori and Shizhi Araki:

"I'll handle the casting for *Ghost*; you two just make sure the filming team is assembled."

"I still need to learn pottery with Akina here. Once the roles are chosen, about a week should be enough.... then we start filming!"

"Naoki-san, one week...." Masataka Komori said, "Wouldn't that clash exactly with the Tokyo International Film Festival?"

"Oh?" Naoki Nagayama flipped through the calendar; indeed, tomorrow was October. "Ha, then let's wait until after the opening ceremony to start filming...."

In the studio of Nippon Television, the celebration for the end of the recording of *Voice of Japan* was underway.

Producer Kazuhisa Fujiwara stood on stage, full of gratitude, thanking all the staff:

"Minna-san, thanks to everyone's hard work, the first season of *Voice of Japan* has finally been recorded successfully!"

His tone was even a bit choked up. After finishing, he held the microphone and bowed 90 degrees.

The contestants, guests, mentors, and on-site staff all applauded.

Once the applause stopped, Kazuhisa Fujiwara continued:

"The final episode of this *Voice of Japan* will air on Friday. Everyone, please come up on stage; let's take a big group photo to be aired at the end....."

Everyone in the studio began to bustle onto the stage, while the cameras panned around, recording everyone's smiles.

Occupying the center position was, naturally, the grand champion of this year's *Voice of Japan*, Sachiko Kouchi!

After all the excitement ended, just as Miyuki Nakajima was talking to Sachiko Kouchi in the lounge, Masami Inada walked in.

"Nakajima-san, Sachiko-chan...."

"Hi, Director Inada..." Sachiko Kouchi stood up and bowed to the director of her agency. "Why are you here?"

"Just happened to be dropping off an artist for an activity nearby, so I came directly to pick you up and head back to headquarters."

"Me?" Sachiko Kouchi asked, surprised. "Is there some work?"

"Hmm, indeed there is..... Otomo-san wants to see you to communicate the arrangements after *Voice of Japan* ends." Masami Inada nodded. "You might even see Naoki-san."

"Naoki-san?!"

It looked like a very important meeting!

At this moment, Miyuki Nakajima asked from the side:

"Sumimasen, may I ask if there are any big arrangements? To be honest, I want to invite Sachiko-chan to participate in my solo concert..... I don't know if it will clash with your company's schedule for Sachiko-chan..."

"Is that so?"

Masami Inada wasn't surprised; he also knew that Miyuki Nakajima and Sachiko Kouchi had built a good friendship on this show.

"Actually, there's nothing that can't be said. The company has decided to let Sachiko-chan participate in the opening performance of the Tokyo International Film Festival."

"At the Tokyo International Film Festival?"

Miyuki Nakajima was a bit surprised. Was Tree Friend investing so much in a newcomer? That was an international grand event!

Besides the big shots of the Japanese entertainment industry, there were also big names from the global entertainment world in the audience!

"Ah..... right, Sachiko-chan's stage name has been decided. It was agreed upon by the senior management: it's Izumi Sakai!"

"???" Sachiko Kouchi was startled. "Izumi Sakai?"

"Yes, I heard it was Naoki-san who chose it for Sachiko-chan." Masami Inada laughed. "Naoki-san really values Sachiko-chan highly!"

This practice of a big shot choosing a stage name directly was actually quite common in the entertainment industry; it basically meant that this artist would be under their protection from now on.

Sachiko Kouchi naturally didn't object, and the stage name Izumi Sakai sounded very intimate as well.

Miyuki Nakajima looked at Sachiko Kouchi and sighed:

"It looks like Tree Friend is going to strongly support Sachiko-chan from now on!"

"That goes without saying." Masami Inada said with a smile. "Sachiko-chan is a rare singer indeed!"

Miyuki Nakajima said to Masami Inada:

"Inada-san, next March, if I want to invite Sachiko-chan to participate in my concert, will she have time?"

Miyuki Nakajima was a famous singer-songwriter with countless fans; Masami Inada naturally wouldn't refuse this free publicity:

"Please rest assured about that; we will reserve the schedule in advance."

"Then at the beginning of next year, for my spring concert, I also look forward to Sachiko-chan's participation....."

"Hai~"

Sachiko Kouchi nodded gently in agreement.

As a newcomer just entering the entertainment industry, she didn't have much say yet; work arrangements were naturally handled by the agency.

"Alright Sachiko-chan, let's head back to the Tree Friend building..... The song to be performed this time has also been decided.... Rest assured, it was chosen based on your vocal conditions, and it will also be your future debut song...."

After Masami Inada took Sachiko Kouchi away, Miyuki Nakajima chatted with her fellow mentor and friend Takuro Yoshida, during which she mentioned Sachiko Kouchi's subsequent arrangements.

She couldn't help but sigh:

"What a perfect start..... Grand champion of *Voice of Japan*, debut song tailor-made by gold-medal musician Naoki Nagayama, and able to perform at an international event right after debut...."

"Even Naoki Nagayama's wife, Akina Nakamori, didn't have such great support back then, right?"

"If they film a movie together..... others will definitely think Naoki Nagayama has taken a fancy to Sachiko-chan!"

Takuro Yoshida also laughed:

"Miyuki, you're exaggerating...... I actually think Naoki Nagayama should just be cherishing an artist like Sachiko-chan."

"Don't I know the minds of you men?!"

There were feelings between Miyuki Nakajima and Takuro Yoshida, they just weren't together, so they weren't that restrained when chatting,

"Especially men with money and power!"

"......"

This one sweep hit who knows how many people!

"In any case, this guy Naoki Nagayama is very different from other big shots in the entertainment industry..... From all inquiries, Tree Friend is indeed very good to its artists; Sachiko-chan will be fine."

Takuro Yoshida said,

"It's very likely he's the kind of person who stays untainted! Don't worry~"

"I hope so...."

Miyuki Nakajima sighed. She had finally appreciated a newly debuted singer and hoped everything would go smoothly for her in the future.

Takuro Yoshida didn't want to continue this topic. Thinking that Miyuki Nakajima had a good relationship with Seiko Matsuda, he said:

"By the way, Seiko-san's daughter has been born, have you gone to see her?"

"Not yet...... Wait until Seiko is discharged from the hospital; now should be the busiest stage...."

"That's true....." Takuro Yoshida sighed. "Being a mother in the entertainment industry is really hard..... Everything gets magnified and exposed by the media.... Can't even leave the hospital now, right!"

"Should be, our NTV has also sent people now...."

"......." ===== CHAPTER 1083 =====