Though it didn't match the staggering profits of Mashin Hero Wataru, this was more than enough to delight Asia-Do and NHK.
Especially NHK, a semi-official institution. Selling Japanese animation to a mainstream cable network in the United States was a tremendous achievement for them.
As feedback from the American test broadcast of the first season trickled in—while it didn't ignite a wildfire of popularity, the viewer ratings curve proved surprisingly steady—the old-timers on the production committee finally breathed sighs of relief.
"It seems these three little ninjas will be running around for a long time."
On the day the renewal contract was finalized, an NHK executive slapped the table during a meeting. "Tell Asia-Do to stop cutting corners on animation frames. List Nintama Rantaro as a long-term project. We're going to make this Japan's The Simpsons."
Of course, that's another story for later.
Ted Turner had shrewdly acquired the North American copyright for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, preventing TV Tokyo from getting a slice of TBS's monstrous GG revenue. But the viewing frenzy ignited across the Pacific inevitably created ripples on this side of the ocean.
Two weeks after its debut on TBS, at the Nakagawa Residence in Meguro Ward.
Takuya Nakayama had just parked the car and hadn't even made it to the trunk to retrieve the gift he'd brought for his father-in-law when the front gate swung open.
Nakagawa Jun, who usually exuded an imposing air at the TV station, was now dressed in loose-fitting traditional Japanese happi robes. He completely ignored his daughter and son-in-law, instead scooping up his three-year-old grandson, Kazuki, who had just gotten out of the car.
"Ouch, my dear grandson, you've gotten so heavy!"
Kazuki, unafraid of strangers, tugged playfully at his grandfather's graying stubble. The pain made Nakagawa Jun wince, but his smile was brighter than the red ink on the latest quarterly ratings report.
At the dinner table, Eri was busy peeling shrimp for her son while Nakagawa Jun personally poured a cup of sake for his son-in-law.
"The money from Turner was a one-time deal, but the GG effect is too strong." Nakagawa Jun took a sip of sake, his cheeks flushed with pride, his voice brimming with restrained satisfaction. "Do you know how the phones in the International Business Department have been ringing these past two days?"
Takuya Nakayama picked up a piece of sashimi and asked, "Sounds like a big fish has taken the bait?"
"It's not just big fish." Nakagawa Jun held up three fingers. "ITV from Britain, Nine Network from Australia, and even Asia Television from Hong Kong have all sent people over. Especially Hong Kong—Asia Television has been overshadowed by TVB for so long they're practically green with envy. They specifically requested this program that could turn their fortunes around."
This is how the copyright business really works.
Once the Americans take the first risk, television stations around the world swarm in like sharks smelling blood.
"These offers aren't as easy to negotiate as Turner's was," Takuya Nakayama said with a smile, clinking his glass against his father-in-law's. "The station won't be settling for just a one-time buyout this time, will it?"
"Of course not! The Copyright Department is feeling very assertive right now. They're demanding either a share of the revenue for each season or season-by-season contracts." Nakagawa Jun laughed heartily and drained his glass. "After this deal, the station's financial report this year will look so good it'll shut those old men on the board up. Takuya, I toast you. You didn't just bring in money—you brought glory to TV Tokyo."
In Japanese workplaces, helping your father-in-law gain international prestige is far more effective than giving him gold bars.
"Father, you should drink less," Eri said, frowning as she moved the sake bottle closer to herself. "Takuya has to work tomorrow, and so do you. Don't take risks with your liver just because we're celebrating."
"Today's a special occasion! We'll make an exception!" Nakagawa Jun snatched the bottle back like a child protecting his food, then winked at Takuya Nakayama. "Don't listen to women. Come on, top up your cup. Once we secure that Asia Television contract, I'll have your mother-in-law bring out that bottle of whiskey she's been saving for twenty years. Then we'll have a proper drink together."
Takuya Nakayama smiled and raised his cup, gazing at the unassuming media tycoon before him.
After three rounds of drinking and a variety of dishes, Eri efficiently cleared the table of leftovers and replaced it with a fresh pot of tea.
The fragrant aroma of the tea gradually dispelled the lingering alcohol fumes in the room.
Nakagawa Jun sat cross-legged on the tatami mat, his hands trembling slightly from the alcohol as he held his teacup. He didn't rush to drink, instead staring at the upright tea leaves in his cup as he casually chatted with Takuya Nakayama.
Their conversation inevitably touched upon economic and lifestyle trends, the kind of information TV Tokyo frequently covered.
"Takuya, do you know what's being whispered about downstairs?" Nakagawa Jun sighed, his voice slightly muffled. "Everyone's talking about this being the last hurrah."
TV Tokyo had always avoided getting entangled in Nagatachō's political power struggles. It wasn't their style to chase after political news in the wake of NHK and TBS. Backed by the Nikkei Group, they preferred to keep their eyes on people's wallets and rice bowls.
"You mean the Specific Rural Revitalization Act?" Takuya Nakayama took a sip of his hot tea, the warmth clearing his mind.
"Exactly. It's been happening for the past two years or so." Nakagawa Jun shook his head and gestured at the pitch-black night outside the window. "To stimulate domestic demand, the government's been throwing money at rural areas—building roads, bridges, and community centers that no one uses. The construction companies are rolling in it, but what happens when the concrete dries and the projects grind to a halt? How many skilled workers across Japan will be left jobless?"
As the head of a television station, he had a professional's sensitivity to the aftershocks of the burst bubble.
Takuya Nakayama set down his teacup, his fingers gently stroking its rim.
Father-in-law's concerns weren't unfounded. Mid-1990s Japan was on the cusp of a construction industry downturn.
But crises often present opportunities.
"Father, since you're worried about skilled craftsmen losing their livelihoods and people lacking the funds to buy new homes..." Takuya Nakayama suddenly smiled, leaning forward slightly. "Why not combine these two issues and create a TV show?"
Nakagawa Jun blinked his cloudy eyes in surprise. "Combine them? Have unemployed workers build houses for the poor? That's a charity's job. What does a TV station have to do with it?"
"No, it's about 'renovation'."
The idea for a show that had gained some fame even on Chinese internet forums during his previous life surfaced in Takuya's mind.
"Even though Japan's economy is in decline, it has a massive stock of existing housing. Many families live in decades-old houses with poor natural lighting, inefficient layouts, and even have to step across half a courtyard just to take a bath." He gestured to illustrate his points. "What if we found a top architectural designer—a true craftsman—and tasked them with transforming these 'endangered houses' into dream homes that better meet modern living needs, all within a limited budget? Do you think viewers would be interested?"
Please Support me by becoming my patreon member and get 30+ chapters.
[email protected]/Ajal69
change @ with a
Thank You to Those who joined my Patreon