Chapter 173: Hirate Sarina and Miyawaki Sakura

The Japanese entertainment industry, like those in other countries, has a well-known hierarchy of contempt: generally, Actors > Comedians > Singers > Idols > Gravure Idols.

At the pinnacle of the pyramid are actors. Although this group is subdivided into film actors and television actors, they are generally considered one entity. They are the group with the highest income and status. For instance, A-list actors and actresses typically earn over three million yen per episode of a television drama, and the top performers among them have annual incomes in the tens of millions of yen, with some even reaching hundreds of millions. This group enjoys the best benefits and the most comfortable working conditions, but the barrier to entry is also very high, placing great emphasis on acting skills and talent. The bulk of their income comes from acting fees and various endorsements. These individuals generally work in cycles based on a single film or television drama, and they often have quite substantial vacations between two cycles.

One level down are the comedians. They appear in various variety shows on major television stations and frequently make guest appearances on other programs or television dramas. A small number also perform in theaters. The main source of income for these people relies almost entirely on television stations. However, contrary to popular belief, it is not they who beg the television stations, but the television stations that require them. For the "BIG3" of comedians, as well as stalwarts like Downtown, Tunnels, and others, television stations must use prime-time variety slots to retain them. Not only must they use prime time, but they must also promise various benefits. In terms of income alone, comedians as a whole actually earn even more than actors.

However, comedians face immense pressure regarding viewership ratings and extreme work intensity. To be funny, they must play the fool, act ugly, offend others, and endure being pranked; ultimately, their status is lower than that of actors.

One level further down are singers. The bulk of a singer's income comes from record sales, karaoke royalties, concert revenue, and performance fees from major music programs. Their income is not as high as actors', and their work is more arduous than actors'. They generally operate in cycles based on a single record. In the 90s, popular singers could easily earn over a hundred million yen annually (such as Ayumi Hamasaki). Although physical sales have declined today, they still earn a decent income thanks to the strong consumption power of the Japanese music scene. Singers are barely ranked behind comedians, but their actual status is far inferior; they are considered dispensable at television stations.

Finally, there are idols.

Idols are different from the previous three. Actors sell acting skills and characters, comedians sell images and eloquence, and singers sell their voices and songs; they all sell works.

What idols sell is themselves.

In short, if a person lacks acting skills, variety show ability, or singing talent, they can only become an idol, attracting fans by selling their own persona.

This is no longer the era of super idols like Momoe Yamaguchi, Seiko Matsuda, and Akina Nakamori. Today's idols are at the very bottom of the entertainment industry; only when other paths are truly impassable do they consider becoming idols.

However, although idols are at the bottom, they are still barely considered human.

Among the four types above, as long as one can reach the top national level, the gap is not particularly large. Takuya Kimura started as an idol and became an Asian superstar through acting. Although Hikaru Utada and Ayumi Hamasaki are singers, they are considered divas based on their sales. The veteran Takeshi Kitano, who started as a comedian, became a national-level director and major producer.

So, is there anything lower than an idol?

Yes, gravure idols.

These people are no longer considered human.

Gravure idols do not even need to sing or dance; they only need a good figure and a pretty face. They send their photos to magazines, striving for the opportunity to shoot a cover. If a regular person's photos are used, they are only paid two or three thousand yen per photo. If the exposure is more revealing, they are called "swimsuit actresses," meaning that apart from the three private areas being covered, the actual shooting process is basically fully nude.

Once it reaches this point, it is getting close to the point of asking for serial numbers; everyone understands this.

Sakura Miyawaki is one such bottom-feeder. At 16 years old this year, she hails from Kagoshima, Kyushu. She is a girl who, shortly after graduating from elementary school at 13, carried her star dreams to the capital. After struggling and suffering through who knows how much hardship, and participating in who knows how many idol auditions, she finally secured a front-row position in the super-large girl idol group YKC48.

Seeing the National Actress Mai Shirakawa at this moment, Sakura Miyawaki's face flushed with excitement. Her mouth was wide open, and her little leather shoes went *tap-tap-tap*. Ignoring the screaming and obstruction of her agent, she blocked the path directly in front of Senior Mai and introduced herself excitedly: "My name is Sakura Miyawaki. I have always been your fan. My favorite work of yours, Mai-sama, is the Antiquarian Bookshop..."

"Oh, you are that one from YKC48. I saw you at the Kohaku Uta Gassen before." Mai Shirakawa revealed a standard professional smile and waved her hand at Sakura Miyawaki: "Then, until..."

"Um! May I please take a photo with you, Mai-sama?" Sakura Miyawaki, who possessed the pure, innocent aura of the clear skies of Kagoshima, Kyushu, opened her watery, cute eyes wide and carefully made her request.

Her close-fitting JK-style stage costume showcased the slightly developing, graceful figure and beautiful lines of the Kagoshima girl. The pleated skirt decorated with ribbons fluttered slightly with Sakura Miyawaki's movements. European-style white silk long gloves paired with black over-the-knee socks formed a unique "black-and-white absolute territory." Her tender, black-stockinged jade feet stepped lightly and lively inside her little leather shoes. Her twin tails carried a hint of exquisite waves, and coupled with her sweet, delicate, and fresh features, and her slightly tiptoed feet, she looked as lively and cute as a fawn with tiny horns on its head.

"Hey! Miyawaki!!!" In the distance, the head of Sakura Miyawaki's agent was about to explode.

Sure enough, upon hearing this, although Senior Mai remained calm on the surface, her body language already conveyed a sense of rejection. She averted her gaze and pressed one hand downward.

"Wow, Senior Mai, I didn't expect your fan to be so enthusiastic. Why don't you take a photo with her," Uesugi Muneyuki suddenly spoke up.

The two had agreed to go to the senior's house once a week to increase mutual trust, but for some reason, Uesugi Muneyuki felt he was still being led by the nose by this woman. Although he wasn't unwilling, he still wanted to take a small revenge on the senior.

Sure enough, upon hearing Uesugi Muneyuki's words, Mai Shirakawa's expression changed slightly. Her smile became even brighter, and she immediately turned her head to give Uesugi Muneyuki a look that said, "You brat! You're not being good!" However, considering the supreme status this man held in her heart, she still agreed: "Well, alright then!"

"I am deeply grateful!" Sakura Miyawaki was so excited she almost fainted.

It worked, it actually worked!

"Thank you very much!" Sakura Miyawaki bowed to Uesugi Muneyuki again: "Uesugi-san! I wish you great success in your endeavors!"

"Hahaha~" Uesugi Muneyuki was amused and signaled that they could begin.

Mai Shirakawa reluctantly took a photo with Sakura Miyawaki. Once the photo was finished, the agent came over and wanted to force Sakura Miyawaki to perform a *dogeza* apology on the spot.

Senior Mai smiled and signaled that it was unnecessary, then indicated that she really had to leave: "Well then, goodbye, Miss Miyawaki!"

"Please, Mai-sama and Uesugi-san, please just call me Sakura!" Sakura Miyawaki seized the final opportunity.

"Okay, goodbye, Sakura."

Sakura stood where she was, bowing at ninety degrees for five seconds, waiting until the two had passed and turned their backs to her before rising. She watched Mai Shirakawa and Uesugi Muneyuki leave, the light in her eyes brighter than the sun over Mount Paektu.

One should be like this among sisters!

Finally having shaken off this crazy little fan, Mai Shirakawa rolled her eyes at Uesugi Muneyuki. Before she could say anything, someone else came!

It was Akasaka!

Perhaps seeing that Senior Mai was in an exceptionally good mood today—as she had actually agreed to a bottom-tier idol despite rarely responding to requests for photos or autographs in the past—the agent from Akasaka immediately went all out. He brought the "Immortal Center" of Akasaka, a girl named Hirate Sarina, to block Mai Shirakawa's path.

If one could get on good terms with the Head of the Kanto Shrine Alliance, the future benefits would be endless!

"Hello, Shirakawa-san, please allow us to introduce ourselves. This child is Hirate Sarina from Akasaka. She has always liked you very much. Please continue to take care of us as you always have."

The agent spoke very humbly, but he flashed a brooch on his chest at Mai Shirakawa, which featured a special emblem pattern.

"Not at all, not at all. I have always been the one taken care of by President Akimoto. Are you Hirate Sarina? Wow, what a cute child. Amazing, making it to the Kohaku Uta Gassen in your first year. It's a pleasure to meet you!" Sure enough, seeing that brooch, Mai Shirakawa still gave a little face.

"Please treat me well." Hirate Sarina was wearing a heavy cyan-colored button-down dress and a typical bob haircut. Her appearance could only be said to have a certain gap compared to Sakura Miyawaki, with more neutral features. She wore no jewelry, and was dressed in JK-style mid-calf socks and little leather shoes. Seeing Mai Shirakawa take the initiative to greet her, Hirate waited for two seconds before bowing slightly, no more than fifteen degrees, and said a simple sentence. Then, she glanced at Uesugi Muneyuki and turned her gaze away, treating him as if she hadn't seen him.

Just a fallen member of the Peerage. There wasn't even a high-ranking official at the level of a Department Manager or Prefectural Lawmaker in his family; not worth a glance.

The little girl is quite arrogant, huh? Uesugi Muneyuki didn't take it to heart, but this scene was captured by Mai Shirakawa.

"Um, may I ask if Miss Shirakawa could also take a photo with Hirate..." The agent still wanted to push his luck.

But this time, he was met with Mai Shirakawa's flat refusal: "I'm sorry, I have other things to do next. Maybe next time."

After saying this, Senior Mai left with Uesugi Muneyuki.

"Hey!" Seeing Mai Shirakawa refuse the photo, the agent sighed in frustration. He looked at Hirate Sarina with his eyes, questioning her, implying: couldn't you have been as enthusiastic as that Sakura Miyawaki?

Hirate Sarina just looked at her agent indifferently and proudly lifted her chin.

Can she compare to me?

The agent was helpless; just as he was about to scold her, he had to swallow the words back.

If he really scolded her, he would be fired!

The girl watched Senior Mai's back calmly, her thoughts stirring.

I can replace her!

……………………

"What a proud girl." After leaving the Odaiba Building, Uesugi Muneyuki finally commented on Hirate Sarina: "It's rare in the entertainment industry."

"She has the capital for it," Mai Shirakawa said casually: "Do you know Yuasa Masamichi?"

"I don't know him," Uesugi Muneyuki shook his head.

"He is a Lawmaker, the Secretary General among the Party Three Roles. That badge, there's no mistake. No wonder this girl, despite clearly only being able to work as an Idol after her debut, has managed to sweep every major program on television, occupy the immovable center position in her Idol group, make guest appearances in various Golden Time dramas, and even grace the covers of many top-tier magazines," Shirakawa Mai said casually. "Behind Akasaka is President Akimoto, and behind President Akimoto are the Yuasa father and son. Now that this Agent has proactively shown the badge, it means Hirate is someone the Yuasa father and son are focusing on."

"Why would a Lawmaker in the Party Three Roles focus on a little Idol? And even dump resources on her?" Uesugi Muneyuki did not understand.

"That, you don't need to know!" Senior Mai said with a beaming smile. "But I can give you a hint: why did this little Hirate kid not even bother to greet you? It's not like she didn't see you; that's what you call disdain."

"Hm?!" Uesugi Muneyuki suddenly understood something. "Are you saying???"

"It's just about what you're imagining," Shirakawa Mai said with a smile. "You should know about the bizarre accident where the Sumitomo Mitsui conglomerate heir, Takamatsu, was killed after being hit on the highway by a Dongfeng heavy truck that had no driver, no license plate, and no highway entry record, right?"

"I did it!"

(End of this chapter)