Chapter 769: It was practically overflowing with the

The day before Christmas was a bright, sunny day.

There was no wind, and the warm sunlight shining on one's body felt even warmer than a thick down jacket.

Naoki Nagayama had taken the Shinkansen to Kyoto early in the morning, then rode the subway to the vicinity of Kiyomizu-dera. After getting off, he walked over... encountering the weekend crowds and events, Kiyomizu-dera was packed solid.

How many times had he been to Kiyomizu-dera now?

Looking at the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd in front of the main gate, Naoki Nagayama sighed endlessly. He had been here when traveling before, and he had been here when filming "Love Journey"... in short, he was already very familiar with it.

Squeezing through the crowd to the inside, he arrived at the cordoned-off main hall. A large drawing board had already been set up on the grand stage, stretched with special rice paper, and several cameras had already been positioned.

A group of people in suits and leather shoes were inside the main hall, discussing something around a monk wearing magnificent robes and a middle-aged woman.

"Naoki-san, you're here~"

Fumio Kimura, on the periphery, saw Naoki Nagayama and hurried over to greet him.

"Kimura-san, what's going on inside?" Naoki Nagayama looked toward the inside and noticed that Department Head Kazuki Takano's expression seemed somewhat displeased.

Fumio Kimura pointed his chin at the woman beside the monk and said:

"That is the Director of the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation, Yoko Ikenobo."

"The Ikenobo family famous for flower arranging?"

"Ah, yes..."

As mentioned before, Japan is a society with very rigid class structures. The children of politicians and high-ranking officials are also politicians and high-ranking officials, so naturally, there are many political families...

Ikenobo is actually a school of the Japanese art of flower arranging, which gradually evolved into a member of the upper class. Each generation's head is called the Iemoto and inherits the name "Sen'ei Ikenobo."

By now, the Ikenobo family has become a long-standing line of officials, mainly focusing on the government's arts and culture sector.

"Why does it feel like Kazuki Takano is a bit unhappy?" Naoki Nagayama asked.

Fumio Kimura sighed: "Originally, inviting people from the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation was just for them to observe the ceremony, but that Director Yoko Ikenobo just raised an objection..."

Hearing this, Naoki Nagayama felt a sense of familiarity~

"She said the selection of the 'Kanji of the Year' is a highly influential cultural activity, and culture requires more caution, so the Kanji of the Year needs appropriate supervision and better guidance... guidance from the Ministry of Education~"

"Uh... so?"

"So the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation hopes to co-host this event with Fuji TV next year..." Fumio Kimura said helplessly, "The Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation is a special civil legal entity under the jurisdiction of a division within the Ministry of Education~"

The so-called special civil legal entity is actually similar to a social organization... belonging to an agency under the administrative branch~

The corners of Naoki Nagayama's mouth curled up slightly. He had experienced this kind of situation many times; to sum it up in one word: Peach-picking!

Presumably, the planning of "Kanji of the Year" had generated heat beyond what those above had imagined, and then the Director of the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation, Yoko Ikenobo, saw the potential and wanted to get a piece of the action~

This was only because there was already a relationship with the Japan Democratic Liberal Society, and Fuji TV itself was a behemoth; otherwise, they would have just snatched the hosting rights directly~

"Haha, and what does Department Head Takano think?" Naoki Nagayama asked.

"Although Department Head Takano is reluctant, he will probably agree in the end," Fumio Kimura said. "After all, Yoko Ikenobo is already a member of the House of Representatives."

"Ha, a Diet member... maybe she'll even become a high official in the Ministry of Education later... there's really no way around this~"

In reality, people from political families like Yoko Ikenobo holding the position of Director of the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation—a cushy government post—is meant for padding one's resume. Who would have thought she could also snag an achievement...

What's more, maybe she could even use this event to make a profit... it's truly too lucrative.

As they were speaking, the discussion inside the main hall was nearly over. Everyone began walking toward the outside and naturally saw Naoki Nagayama and Fumio Kimura.

Kazuki Takano's expression had improved a lot; he must have received some exchange or promise. He looked at Naoki Nagayama with eyes full of gratification and introduced him beside Yoko Ikenobo:

"Yoko Ikenobo-san, you should know this person, Naoki Nagayama... he is also the original planner of this event."

"Naoki-san, this is Ms. Yoko Ikenobo, Director of the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation."

Naoki Nagayama also bowed and greeted her in turn:

"Nice to meet you, I am Naoki Nagayama. Please treat me well~"

"Nice to meet you, I am Yoko Ikenobo..."

Yoko Ikenobo, who had just reached middle age, looked at Naoki Nagayama with glowing eyes. This kind of handsome "little wolf dog" was always the favorite of empty-hearted middle-aged ladies.

And Naoki Nagayama was also a prodigal son, a talented person, a musician... he was practically overflowing with the "Housewife Killer" buff!

After the introductions were finished, Yoko Ikenobo revealed a smile on her face and said to Naoki Nagayama:

"I often see Naoki-san's news! I didn't expect you to be the planner for this 'Kanji of the Year' event as well. It's truly... very surprising~"

"Ikenobo-san is too kind~~" Naoki Nagayama could only squeeze out a smile and say, "It was just a thought that popped up by chance. Fortunately, Department Head Takano didn't think it was just my wild imagination and gave it great support, which is why it could be held..."

"Haha, Naoki-san, you are too humble!" Yoko Ikenobo walked to Naoki Nagayama's side, smiling brightly. "Such an unexpected idea is the standard for distinguishing ordinary people from talent... there is no doubt that Naoki-san is that special talent!"

"Ikenobo-san... if you keep saying that, I'll be truly ashamed!"

"Haha, Naoki-san, no need to be so polite. Just call me by my name~"

"....... Hai, Yoko-san..."

To be honest, Yoko Ikenobo was, after all, the successor to a flower arranging school, and her appearance and temperament were considered excellent. Although she was a bit older, she belonged to the type of middle-aged beauty...

But being so familiar... no, it was enthusiastic... Naoki Nagayama felt his small frame couldn't quite handle it!

And behind them, seeing Naoki Nagayama and Yoko Ikenobo chatting happily, already affectionately calling each other by their names~

Kazuki Takano, Fumio Kimura, and the other directors and observers, including the head monk of Kiyomizu-dera, couldn't help but mutter in their hearts:

"Beasts!!!"

While they were talking, the writing ceremony for the Kanji of the Year was about to begin.

Naoki Nagayama was considered internal staff, so he stood in the closest area following Department Head Takano and the other directors. The second circle around them consisted of invited guests, including those from the entertainment industry and the cultural circle. The outermost large circle consisted of more pilgrims.

This writing ceremony was performed by the head monk of Kiyomizu-dera on a special drawing board, broadcast live by Fuji TV. The observers included invited guests and pilgrims who had come to the scene by reputation.

Naoki Nagayama didn't recognize those pilgrims, but among the invited guests, there were many familiar faces, including the host Tetsuko Kuroyanagi... come to think of it, she was a cultural person among hosts, very suitable.

"....... After a month of collection, gathering telephone votes, mail votes, and voting slips..." Tetsuko Kuroyanagi displayed this year's vote statistics in front of the camera to show the fairness of the voting, and then explained the reasons why the general public chose this character.

New humans... new banknotes... new technology... looking forward to the new year, etc. ~

"In the 59th year of Showa, Japan's first 'Kanji of the Year' is—'New'!!"

As the large gong sounded, the Kanji of the Year was thus decided!

Next, the elderly host picked up the largest brush, dipped it fully in ink, and with the grace of a dragon and snake, wrote a massive "New" on the special rice paper drawing board!

As the host's brush fell, the ink-wet "New" character shimmered in the sunlight, actually giving off a sacred feeling, as if it were predicting that the new year would be even better~

By the way, what would happen to this piece of paper afterward?

The current Kanji of the Year was just a rough start. According to the production team's habits, these kinds of props were generally reused if possible, and if not, they were treated directly as trash...

No one could have imagined that such a program would continue for twenty or thirty years and become increasingly popular~

Should he collect it? Naoki Nagayama had his own little schemes in his heart, but his face didn't reveal anything at all.

After the writing was finished, the program naturally hadn't ended yet. Tetsuko Kuroyanagi was pulling the onlookers for interviews, and Yoko Ikenobo beside him also looked like she wanted to say something on television.

When Tetsuko Kuroyanagi turned around with the microphone, her first glance naturally caught Naoki Nagayama, and she hurried over.

"Naoki-san!" The microphone and camera were all in front of him. "It is said that the 'Kanji of the Year' selection event was planned by you, is that right?"

"This is the wisdom crystallization of Fuji TV's production bureau... I only provided a little help during the brainstorming." Naoki Nagayama naturally understood the art of diplomatic language, pushing the credit to Fuji TV.

Tetsuko Kuroyanagi went along with the flow and continued to ask: "What are your thoughts on this year's Kanji of the Year—'New'? Or what do you think it represents?"

"Hmm..." Naoki Nagayama pondered for a moment.

At this very moment, the sunlight fell on the grand stage, the clear blue sky, the red and green earth, and a jade-belt stream shimmering with light... a picturesque scene presented itself before his eyes~

The world seemed to have been highlighted, so vivid and beautiful.

Naoki Nagayama smiled: "I think it might represent a blessing for this beautiful 'New' world!"

"......."

People in front of the television and the pilgrims around them looked at each other in dismay. What was this guy talking about!

However, the host Tetsuko Kuroyanagi and a group of cultural figures observing seemed to be attracted by this mystical statement and nodded repeatedly.

Even Yoko Ikenobo's gaze became increasingly bright. Isn't flower arranging fond of this kind of mysterious feeling...

Naoki Nagayama felt this gaze, and his intuition sent a warning—Danger!!! Stay away!!!

"......."

Tetsuko Kuroyanagi continued to cue the process and asked Yoko Ikenobo, who naturally had a powerful speech about revitalizing traditional culture... as expected of a politician!

In fact, the official live broadcast was only half an hour. After the equipment was packed up, they filmed some interactions with the pilgrims and guests, followed by the social dining segment afterward...

However, Naoki Nagayama had already slipped away quietly, carrying the secretly rolled-up rice paper... it was indeed left temporarily in the side room unattended.

*Slap! *

Just as Naoki Nagayama was about to leave Kiyomizu-dera in a very good mood, he was suddenly patted on the shoulder by someone!

And a voice called out: "Still trying to run?"

Naoki Nagayama subconsciously blurted out a defense: "It wasn't me!"

"What wasn't you?!" That voice came again, making Naoki Nagayama feel extremely familiar. "Naoki, what bad thing have you done again?!"

Naoki Nagayama turned his head and saw a very familiar face.

"Shuichi-san?!" Naoki Nagayama exclaimed. "Why are you here?!"

Shuichi Ido laughed and pulled Naoki Nagayama's arm into a corner: "I'm here to perform an exorcism ritual, and by the way, get a few amulets!"

Kiyomizu-dera is one of the oldest temples in Japan, and the amulets here are still very effective.

"Exorcism ritual?"

Naoki Nagayama frowned, then remembered: "You mean 'Ring 2'?"

"Yeah... after watching the finished film, I felt a chill in my heart, always afraid that Sadako would come to my bedside at night to look at me~"

Shuichi Ido laughed, looking a bit embarrassed.

"Isn't Sadako in the film growing by feeding on the psychic power of people who have watched the film? So before the official release lets more people see it, I'll come to exorcise the evil first~"

Naoki Nagayama revealed a dead-fish eye and complained helplessly:

"Shuichi-san, didn't you film Sadako yourself? You also saw the actress for Sadako, Igarashi, right? She is a very beautiful lady with a great figure~"

"The long night is lonely and sleepless. If such a woman came to your bedside for a night raid, you should be bursting with animalistic instincts!"

"I should be worried for Ms. Igarashi instead!!!"

"Naoki-san... you..." Shuichi Ido was speechless, then seemed to imagine Igarashi's appearance and figure, and simulated the situation, "What you said seems to make a lot of sense..."

"......."

Naoki Nagayama shook his head; he couldn't evaluate Shuichi Ido's behavior anymore.

"Anyway... let's just leave it at that~" Naoki Nagayama asked, "Is your exorcism ritual done? Isn't the premiere tonight? Don't you need to go back and prepare?"

"I was waiting, because you had your writing ceremony this morning, so the monk was delayed." Shuichi Ido shook his head. "But after what you just said, it doesn't matter if the exorcism ritual is done or not. I feel like Sadako isn't that scary anymore..."

"Are you still thinking it would be better if Ms. Igarashi really raided you at night?"

"That wouldn't be impossible..."

"Pfft..." Naoki Nagayama spat!

As expected! Men!! Scum!!!

Since there was nothing left to do, Naoki Nagayama and Shuichi Ido walked out of Kiyomizu-dera together, preparing to have lunch in Kyoto before returning to Tokyo.

"By the way, Naoki-san..." Shuichi Ido suddenly remembered, "Don't you have a courtyard in Kyoto? I saw it last time in 'Love Journey'..."

"Uh, yes... what's wrong?" Naoki Nagayama asked.

"Take an old friend to tour it!" Shuichi Ido laughed. "Since we're already here! I really wanted to see it when I saw it before..."

"......."

Why did it feel like this guy Shuichi Ido had become a bit thick-skinned after his little thoughts were exposed? ===== CHAPTER 770 =====