Chapter 10

Chapter 10 010, My First House, Bought in the Showa Era

The audition for the advertisement was different from films and TV dramas; it did not require much acting skill.

Yoshimura Daitomo drove Nagayama Naoki directly to a photography studio where a group of people were shooting a gravure magazine. A few young girls were striking suggestive poses. Yoshimura Daitomo walked up and asked, “Hello, is Producer Ito here?”

A crew member replied, “Daitomo-kun, you’re here. Producer Ito is in the office.”

“Arigatō. I’ve brought a new advertising model. I’d like him to take a look. Is that possible now?”

“I’ll go check with Ito-san.” The crew member quickly went backstage. Soon after, he called Yoshimura Daitomo over.

Nagayama Naoki stayed in the studio, watching the gravure shoot with great interest. He had only ever seen it in magazines before; he did not expect to see it live.

Not long after, the same crew member came to call him into the back office. The office door was slightly ajar, and voices could be heard.

“Daitomo-san, this is already the fifth one. If this one still doesn’t fit, the client is going to get angry.”
“Shūichi-san, I’m absolutely confident this time. I believe this model will satisfy the client!”

Nagayama Naoki knocked and said, “Excuse me,” then pushed the door open. A man with long hair and a thin mustache, looking very artistic, was complaining to Yoshimura Daitomo.

Seeing him arrive, Yoshimura Daitomo introduced him. “Naoki-kun, this is advertising producer Itō Shūichi. He also works as a director.”

“Hello, nice to meet you. I’m Nagayama Naoki. Please take care of me.” He bowed properly. Strange—he did not bow like this when meeting Yoshimura Daitomo earlier.

Itō Shūichi’s eyes lit up when he saw Naoki’s fresh, clean appearance. This completely different Showa-era aesthetic was like a clear spring emerging from a rocky shore.

However, as someone experienced in the industry, he responded indifferently. “Hello, Nagayama-kun. Nice to meet you.”

Straight to the point: “Daitomo-san told me you’ve never done any advertising before?”

“Yes, this is my first time.”

“How can you guarantee you’ll produce an excellent soda commercial?”

Guarantee it? So responsibility is being shifted to me? Naoki immediately recognized the framing—typical experienced professional.

“As a newcomer, I can only promise to do my best. I’ll also rely on Director Itō and the staff’s experience.”

A probing exchange—both sides understood each other.

“Nagayama-kun’s image fits this project very well. I sincerely ask Shūichi-san to give him a chance. He won’t disappoint you,” Yoshimura Daitomo pressed, the year-end bonus depending on this.

“Fine. Since Daitomo-san says so, let’s start shooting a test version tomorrow. Any issues with timing, Nagayama-kun?”

“No problem. I’m available anytime.”

“Good. Then please give 200% effort. If I’m not satisfied, I won’t submit it to the client.”

“Yes!”

From the exchange, it was clear that Itō Shūichi actually approved of Naoki’s image; otherwise, he would not have agreed so quickly. But as a producer, he needed authority on set.

Back in the car, Yoshimura Daitomo finally relaxed. He knew well how powerful producers were in this industry; several previous models had already been rejected by Itō Shūichi.

“Naoki-san, next we’ll go to the agency to discuss the contract.”

“Yes.” Naoki thought: finally, the critical stage.

The negotiation process was dull—standard back-and-forth. But since the advantage was on Naoki’s side, the difference was only how much he would earn.

In the end, he signed as an individual third-party participant in the advertisement. Aside from filming, he had no other obligations. The split with the agency was 3:7 in his favor, which was quite high; even established celebrities often received similar terms.

The total budget of the project was around 20 million yen. In the end, Naoki would earn about 6 million yen—one week’s work for a salaryman’s yearly income.

The following period was extremely busy. Without modern sets and computer effects, Showa-era commercials relied heavily on real locations.

The concept was simple: the protagonist plants a Japanese apricot tree, watches it grow and bear fruit, then picks a plum that transforms into a bottle of soda.

But it was already December—plum season had long passed.

Fortunately, the agency had resources. They located different orchards and even contacted agricultural research institutes with greenhouse experimental varieties.

This meant filming required travel to multiple locations.

Still, everything was completed within half a month, waiting only for editing and client approval.

During this period, Naoki also finalized the property transaction. Since it was a full cash payment, the title deed would be issued within two weeks.

Nagayama Naoki’s first house in his life was bought in the Showa era.

The weather grew colder. Streets filled with festive decorations, and people began talking about the New Year holiday.

In just over a week, Showa 55 would come to an end.

The previous day, Fujita Keiko delivered the new property deed. Naoki planned to clean it in the next couple of days before moving in.

“Makino-san, this is this month’s rent.” During lunch, Naoki handed an envelope to Mrs. Makino. “The property deed has been issued. I probably won’t be renting here anymore.”

“Oh my, already?”

He had mentioned buying a house before. Mrs. Makino felt sentimental, but more than anything, she was happy for him.

“Naoki-san really is impressive—so young and already settled down.”

“You flatter me. Thank you for taking care of me all this time.”

“Not at all.”

Nearby, Nakai Genta overheard. “What? You already got it? Is the house nice? Can I visit?”

“Of course. I was going to invite you anyway. We’ll do a cleaning party this afternoon.”

“You’re really living the winner’s life,” Nakai Genta complained. “You bought a house at this age…”

“Unlike you who spends all your money in Roppongi,” Naoki shot back. “Careful, I might tell Suzumi-chan.”

“Hey, don’t talk nonsense,” Genta denied immediately, muttering under his breath that he hadn’t been there since meeting Suzumi. In early December, Nakai Genta and Hoshino Suzumi had officially become a couple.

“You could have bought a house too. You just needed to save on key money,” Naoki said.

“Why buy? Renting is fine. I don’t even have a stable job yet, and daily expenses matter.”

Young people everywhere were the same—enjoying the present until rising prices made ownership impossible.

Eventually, under Naoki’s “pressure,” Genta agreed to help clean in the afternoon, bringing Suzumi along.