Tokyo Bubble Life

Chapters 1549 and 1558: Xiu Sang, you'll be the Director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau!

In Japan's factional politics, planting a flag is a statement of stance and also represents the drawing of boundaries.

This means that after the formation of this small group called "Aoba-kai", although everyone was still making a living under the banner of the Social Democratic Party, they were starting their own little kitchen to supplement their meals!

From now on, we will make our own decisions on some things and will no longer completely follow the arrangements of the major factions within the Social Democratic Party!

This is clearly undermining the foundation of Doi Tagako's rule!

It's important to understand that Doi Tagako was thrust into the party leadership during a crisis, and her becoming prime minister was even more bizarre. She didn't have any factional support, or rather, the entire Social Democratic Party was her faction.

However, Doi Tagako couldn't object at this point, since the members of the Aoba-kai formed their group voluntarily, and she couldn't control people's hearts.

Yoshihiko Noda was beaming with excitement on stage. However, Tagako Doi, the leader of the Social Democratic Party, could hardly contain her emotions!

"Aoba-kai"

As you can tell from the name, this small political group is supported by tree enthusiasts!

Although only a dozen or so people have joined so far, and they are all young people and those who were not very prominent in the party before, there is no doubt that with the support of funding and the east wind of building a nation based on culture, this group has the potential to grow rapidly!

He might even become a rising star in Japanese politics.

At this moment, the Social Democratic Party leaders who came to the victory celebration either looked serious or stood by and watched. As political beings, they instinctively felt uncomfortable about a young man forming a small group, but for the time being, there was no great threat.

As a result, there is a more mature mentality of "young people are ignorant and reckless" and "let's see what they can do".

Only Tagako Doi, who had been forced to donate money by Naoki Nagayama, truly felt the alienation from Naoki's fans!

"What exactly are these tree-loving people trying to do? Are they really trying to create a new Social Democratic Party?!"

Doi Tagako's gaze swept over the Aoba-kai members who were introducing themselves, one of whom was a woman.

"Mizuho Fukushima? She's joined the Aoba-kai too?!"

This female junior is someone that Doi Tagako has high hopes for. She used to be a lawyer and has just joined the Social Democratic Party to enter politics. She has a good chance of becoming a female politician after her!

Meanwhile, Yoshihiko Noda's speech was finally coming to an end. Amidst a flurry of camera flashes, the first appearance of the Aoba-kai was captured, and there will be a special report later. All of this had been arranged by the tree friends!

"Today is a victory celebration banquet!"

Shuichi Itō took the microphone and said,

"There won't be any more fancy stuff going on; just let everyone have fun."

"Let's raise a final glass and wish the Social Democratic Party and Japan all the best!"

Cheers!

After another toast, the invited band began to perform, and all the delicious food in the banquet hall was served.

The celebration banquet officially entered its most joyous phase!

However, the bigwigs sitting at the long table were not immersed in the joyful atmosphere. Tomiichi Murayama sat down next to Naoki Nagayama and Uemon Yasuda and cautiously inquired:

"Is there any significance to what's happening today, Mr. Nagayama and Mr. Yasuda?"

"Haha, Mr. Murayama, there's no need to be so cautious!"

Naoki Nagayama said directly,

"It's just that Mr. Yasuda and I hit it off immediately and decided to collaborate on some projects in the cultural industry!"

"It just so happens to be the victory celebration banquet today, so I came along with him!"

"."

This is clearly an attempt to shirk responsibility!

Naoki Nagayama is so young, yet he speaks with such an old man's accent!

Where is the youthful vigor? Where is their frankness? Where is their recklessness?!

How unlovable!

"Cough cough cough Yasuda-san!"

Tomiichi Murayama turned to Uemon Yasuda.

"Hasn't the Yasuda family always focused on banking, finance, textiles, and so on? Why are they now turning to the cultural industry?"

"Haha, of course we should thank the Social Democratic Party!"

Yasuda Uemon, holding a glass of sake, smiled broadly.

"With the promotion of the national policy of building a culture-based nation, Japan's cultural industry will become increasingly important in the coming decades!"

Furthermore, since the cultural industry is a tertiary industry, there are currently no large monopolistic conglomerates. With policy support, the Yasuda family, which is allied with the Tree Friends Alliance, will likely be able to reap the first wave of benefits.

"Haha, this is also thanks to Naoki-san."

Tomiichi Murayama smiled and said,

"This 1000 billion yuan investment from Shuyou has laid a solid foundation for building a nation based on culture!"

At this moment, Doi Tagako also came over. When she saw Naoki Nagayama being close to the senior members of the Social Democratic Party, she immediately became worried.

"Naoki-san, what kind of foundation do Murayama-san have? Why are you talking so intently?"

"Ah, it is the foundation of a nation built on culture!"

Upon seeing the party leader arrive, Tomiichi Murayama had no choice but to explain.

"Naoki-san's national debt has made it possible to compile next year's budget for the cultural sector!"

This is the first time the Social Democratic Party has been in power, and it doesn't have many supporting foundations. The discussion on next year's budget is already fraught with difficulties. Without this 1000 billion, the budget for the cultural industry might not even get started!

Naoki Nagayama had also thought of this, and asked Tagako Doi:

"Mr. Doi, have discussions about the fiscal budget already begun?"

"Yes, most of it is already written."

Doi Tagako sighed.

"Communicating with those conglomerate agents is such a hassle!!"

Japan's fiscal revenue mainly comes from taxes and national debt. Although taxes make up the majority, large conglomerates, represented by the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), have a significant influence on policy. Tax systems, industrial subsidies, social security reforms, and other issues all require consultation and agreement with them; otherwise, they cannot be implemented.

For example, if large conglomerates like Mitsubishi and Mitsui disagree with increasing taxes, then it's very likely that the taxes won't be collected. Large conglomerates have countless ways to avoid taxes, and they might even organize protests to oppose it. Another example is government bonds. If large conglomerates disagree, it would be very awkward if no one subscribed to them after issuance.

Meanwhile, the conglomerates also profit by influencing policy! It's common knowledge that the government's money is the easiest to earn!

"We must balance the needs of all industries, all requirements, and all companies!"

Perhaps it touched a nerve, Tagako Doi sighed.

"We also need to maintain good relationships with various large companies."

The Fuji Group, led by the Ayukawa family, is also a large conglomerate, and this communication reveals some of the conflict between them and the Tree Friends.

Doi Tagako sensed that the help from Shuyu wasn't as significant as that from the Fuji Group, so she distanced herself slightly from Shuyu. And that's when today's "revenge" came!

To be honest, she regretted it a little. Although her friends couldn't reach the level of the Fuji Group for the time being, they supported her with real money!

At this moment, Tomiichi Murayama chimed in:

"The 'Culture-Based Nation' bill was originally scheduled to be passed at the end of this year, and it was expected to be reflected in the budget the year after next. Thanks to Naoki-san, we can start implementing it next year!"

"We should really thank Naoki-san!"

"No, no, not at all."

Naoki Nagayama made a few modest remarks, then looked at Shuichi Itō, Yoshihiko Noda, and the others who were toasting with everyone, and decided to give them another helping hand.

"Shuichi Doi dedicated himself wholeheartedly to promoting the national strategy of building a culturally strong nation, and it pained me to see it."

"He's passed now, his mission is complete."

Naoki Nagayama said with a smile,

"He can finally get some proper rest, right?!"

It was obvious that Naoki Nagayama was being sarcastic, and Tomiichi Murayama and Tagako Doi understood it as well.

This clearly means that Shuichi Itō made great contributions to the national strategy of building a cultural nation, his mission is complete, and if there is no indication of his success, he should take a break!

As the representative of the tree friend in the cabinet, his task is complete. That is to say, the tree friend has done everything he was supposed to do. There is no further exchange of benefits, so the tree friend will not increase its investment.

Moreover, seeing Yasuda Emon listening with a smile next to Naoki Nagayama, Doi Tagako and Murayama Tomiichi immediately realized that if Nagayama didn't get involved, then the Yasuda family definitely wouldn't get involved either!

The Social Democratic Party is about to lose the support of two major donors!

"That won't do!!"

Understanding the implied meaning behind the music, and considering next year's budget and policies, Tomiichi Murayama immediately shook his head.

"The nation's cultural development is just beginning, and it absolutely cannot be separated from Xiu Yisang!!"

Doi Tagako quickly sorted out her thoughts in a few seconds and realized that her friends no longer supported her as before. She needed to exchange favors!

"Yes! We have an important plan for Shuichi-san!! We have a heavy responsibility to entrust to him. We just want to make it a New Year's surprise, so we haven't revealed it yet!"

"Oh?! A surprise?"

Naoki Nagayama's eyes lit up as he looked at Tomiichi Murayama.

"Murayama-san, what surprise is it?!"

Tomiichi Murayama was taken aback by the question. How did he know? He had just said it.

"It's just a surprise."

Naoki Nagayama smiled and pressed on:

"I'm so curious, could you give me a little hint?"

"A surprise is..."

Faced with Naoki Nagayama's resolute attitude, Tomiichi Murayama had no choice but to look to Tagako Doi.

"Mr. Doi, here's the surprise."

"The surprise is..."

Doi Tagako had no choice but to speak up.

"I will nominate Shuichi-san for the position of Director-General of the Agency for Cultural Affairs next year!!"

The Recruit case implicated many officials in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, causing significant turmoil in the overall personnel structure. In particular, the former head of the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Takeki Kurita, resigned.

Now, taking advantage of the "cultural nation-building" trend, it's a good time to place people in. Originally, Doi Tagako wanted to give it to other confidants, but at this moment, she promised to send them out.

"The Director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau?!"

Naoki Nagayama paused for a moment; he knew about this position. After all, the Film Association was nominally under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

"But isn't this position usually filled by selecting senior administrative bureaucrats?"

Although Naoki Nagayama's political career plan for Shuichi Itoh is to become a government bureaucrat, Shuichi Itoh has not yet taken the exam!

Even if you pass the exam, it takes more than ten years of seniority to become the Director-General of the Cultural Affairs Bureau.

"There's no hard and fast rule about that!"

Tomiichi Murayama is a seasoned politician and has a good understanding of government structure.

"Furthermore, under the general trend of 'building the nation on culture,' I believe that having Shuichi Itō, a policy maker, a renowned director who has served as the president of the Film Association, and also has experience as a cabinet advisor, as the Minister of Culture might be better able to develop the cultural industry!"

Only a seasoned politician like him could spout such a long, high-sounding speech so easily!

Doi Tagako nodded repeatedly:

"Shu-yi-san is the author of the 'Culture-Based Nation' policy, so he understands cultural policies best and has a cultural background. He is the perfect candidate, and it would not be a problem to promote him out of turn!"

"So this is what a surprise is!!!"

Naoki Nagayama laughed and looked at Shuichi Itō below the stage.

"Looks like Shuichi-san is going to be super busy next year!!"

"Haha, of course!"

Doi Tagako and Murayama Tomiichi smiled and echoed her sentiments, creating a perfectly harmonious atmosphere at the table.

As for Yoshihiko Noda, Naoki Nagayama didn't ask for anything for him. That guy had just gained the biggest benefit by establishing a faction within the Social Democratic Party!

The celebration banquet lasted until very late. After it ended, senior members of the Social Democratic Party, along with Naoki Nagayama, Uemon Yasuda, and others, stood at the entrance for a while, allowing the media to take plenty of photos, before finally dispersing.

There was a second one afterward, but it was just a gathering between smaller groups!

Inside the Karuno Club, Yoshihiko Noda greeted the other members of the Aoba-kai and announced that he would pay for everything that day, instantly eliciting cheers from the younger members.

Only then did we arrive at the private room!

Naoki Nagayama, Shuichi Itō, and Ōtomo Yoshimura—the core members of the Naoki fan club are all here! Uemon Yasuda isn't here; he's currently only a collaborator!

The group discussed their upcoming plans.

"Shuichi-san, I've secured you the position of Director-General of the Cultural Affairs Bureau!"

Naoki Nagayama didn't hide anything and spoke directly to Shuichi Itō.

"Starting next year, you will no longer be the section chief of the Cultural Policy Research Office. Instead, you will be the Director-General of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, becoming a powerful official!"

"I?!"

Shuichi Itō was stunned by this sudden surprise.

"How could this be?!"

"Really?!"

"Shuichi-san, you're going to be my superior from now on!! Hahaha!!"

Yoshimura Otomo immediately patted Itō Shuichi on the shoulder, then looked somewhat indignant.

"I knew it! We helped the Social Democratic Party so much for free before, and we didn't get any benefits in return. This time, we're finally seeing a return!"

"Haha, it's not just my influence that's giving my friends so much protection. Business is going very smoothly too."

Naoki Nagayama comforted him,

"If we don't want to get the biggest share of the 'cultural nation-building' initiative, we need real power!"

"Haha~"

Itō Shuichi realized what was happening and couldn't help but laugh.

"Seriously? That's possible. So easy!"

In the Japanese bureaucracy, which values ​​seniority, a position like the Director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau is one that one might not be able to obtain even after decades of hard work!

"This was achieved in exchange for the future support of both the Shuyu and Yasuda families! And Shuichi-san himself also has influence in the cultural industry!"

Naoki Nagayama, of course, told the truth to Shuichi Itō.

"Furthermore, the establishment of the 'Aoba Society' today may have put some pressure on Prime Minister Doi."

"They said it was a promotion that broke with precedent."

Naoki Nagayama shrugged.

"The Minister of Education submits a report, and the Prime Minister approves it. That's power!"

"Tsk tsk tsk"

The fact that the position of a high-ranking government official could decide so easily sparked a wave of sighs, and people once again felt the reality of power!

At that moment, Yoshihiko Noda looked over with some anticipation. He also wanted to know if there would be any benefit for him.

Naoki Mulberry

Seeing Yoshihiko Noda's childish, candy-begging expression, Naoki Nagayama shook his head:

"Noda-kun, haven't you gotten enough benefits today?! You've even started a new faction!!"

"The most important thing now is to secure the greatest possible resources for cultural nation-building in next year's congressional budget so that your Aoba Society can seize the opportunity to grow and thrive!"

"Only when my influence within the Social Democratic Party expands will I have a chance to obtain a parliamentary position such as Minister of Education!"

"This"

Yoshihiko Noda nodded; he knew he was only just getting started.

"I understand. From today onwards, I will definitely intensify my persuasion efforts in Congress!!"

"Um"

Naoki Nagayama and the others raised their glasses.

"It's already the end of the year. Next year, even greater challenges lie ahead."

"I hope we can keep winning!!"

"Hi!" X5

(End of this chapter)