Needless to say, Tomioka Nobuo was originally very impatient with Watanabe Yuno, a young man who suddenly came over to interrupt, but now after hearing Watanabe Yuno's "song-book linkage" plan, he was really tempted.
The reason is very simple, that is, this kind of character who can write songs, sing, and write can indeed achieve mutual success, and it is indeed a win-win model.
To put it bluntly, for Warner Pioneer Records, its singers are commodities, and the greater the reputation and popularity of the singer, the more profits the company can make.
Especially if an artist is multi-talented, he will surely want to be publicized and known all over the world.
For example, if one of our artists only speaks a few words in Chinese, we can say that he is proficient in Sinology, or if one of our artists knows a little English, we can say that he is proficient in English.
Cao Zhiqiang's stage name "Qingquan in the Forest" has now become popular with the popularity of "Jun's がいるだけで", especially the mysterious character he created at the time. When the song became popular, it really attracted a lot of people curiosity, which played a very effective publicity role.
Nowadays, not to mention those young people who like to listen to songs, even some middle-aged people who are not very obsessed with pop songs know the song "Kun no がいるだけで", and they are also interested in the creator of the song. The singer "Green Spring in the Forest" was very curious.
In other words, all the expectations that Cao Zhiqiang mentioned before, including the song becoming a hit, the mysterious marketing arousing curiosity, and attracting more fans from the public, have basically been realized.
It can be said that everyone later unanimously agreed that the song "Kun no Tsuru" was able to achieve initial sales of 521,000 copies in the first week. Not only the quality of the song, but also the singer's mysterious marketing was also a very important factor.
Just because all the information about the singer was unclear, but the song itself was very nice, and it was a work composed and sung by the mysterious singer himself. He quickly established a talented new persona and attracted many passerby fans.
If it weren't for the many casual fans, given the current music scene, it would have been impossible for a little-known newcomer's debut single to have sold more than 500,000 copies in its first week, setting a new record for first-week sales since the establishment of the Oricon Chart. No. 1, and the first-week sales of a newcomer's debut single, creating a new history.
Whether it is in the literary world or the music world, generally the better the performance, the more people will pursue it.
This is the case with Cao Zhiqiang's song "Jun がいるだけで".
To be honest, if Warner Pioneer hadn't seen the good sales in the first three days and decisively increased its publicity efforts, coupled with unique and mysterious marketing, and of course Cao Zhiqiang's unique voice, excellent songs, and sensational MTV, this would have caused a rush to buy trend.
If any of these conditions were missing, I am afraid that none of them would have been able to set off this kind of panic buying frenzy in 1983. However, when these conditions were combined and coordinated, a wonderful chemical reaction was formed, which truly formed a popular frenzy.
Once it forms a popular craze, the song can easily break through the circle and spread from the pure pop music industry to other industries, such as TV commentary circles, radio commentary circles, etc., becoming a phenomenon-level hit song.
To put it simply, when this song starts to become popular everywhere, not only the records sell like hot cakes, but also various music radio stations in Japan, or music-related TV programs, and even some TV news programs will play this song, or Play the hot news related to this song to analyze various phenomena and causes.
For example, the reason why Uncle Psy's "Gangnam Style" exploded in popularity and became a phenomenon-level pop song in his previous life is because of the cooperation of multiple factors, not just a single factor.
In short, "Kun's Toki" became a hit. According to the analysis of Nobuo Tomioka and others, in addition to having a good music style, good lyrics, a good singer's voice, and enough provocative MTV, it is also because of the mystery of the singer of this song. Marketing related.
Just imagine, a mysterious young singer, who writes lyrics, composes and sings by himself, can sing such touching songs. This is the persona of a singer-songwriter. However, this singer doesn't like to show his true face, and instead promotes it. Both the poster and the record cover wear a Zorro mask, which adds to the singer's sense of mystery.
In addition, Warner Company engaged in a wave of mysterious marketing, packaging the singer Aizumi Morinaka as a "craftsman" who does not like to show his face, only concentrates on making music, and only hopes to be a musician and make friends through singing, which immediately caused a stir. win the favor of the Japanese people.
You know, although people all over the world later knew that the so-called "craftsman spirit" in Japan was nothing, it was just blown out, and 99% of it was fake. But if someone said it well, he told too many lies, and not only outsiders Believe it, and my own people also believed it.
The current Japanese society is in such a state, that is, the government and all walks of life have for a long time boasted about the spirit of craftsmanship, employee spirit, etc., so all walks of Japanese society actually like people who are modest, cautious and attentive to work. , don’t like to be high-profile and show off.
Even though many Japanese people actually like to be high-profile and show off, the overall atmosphere is that they prefer people who are humble and work hard.
In this way, it is said that Cao Zhiqiang, who does not want to show his face because of "shyness and social fear" and only wants to find a soulmate through singing, is very in line with the taste of the Japanese public.
Because when everyone sees it, oh, he is both socially fearful and talented. Isn’t this synonymous with genius?
The United States has produced Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson, and we in Japan have also produced a young genius.
In short, this kind of expectation, or expectation, for the talented boy made everyone start to crazily pursue everything about "Green Spring in the Forest", and by the way, they went crazy to buy the first debut single of "Green Spring in the Forest".
If this were in 2023, with the development of the Internet at that time, Cao Zhiqiang would have been exposed for such a long time, and maybe even the color of his favorite underwear would be known.
But now in 1983, when information is not developed enough, the situation is different.
Basically, in the entertainment circles of various countries during this period, as long as the company did not take the initiative to publicize and protect it, it would be difficult for paparazzi to find real people.
In particular, Cao Zhiqiang has basically not been to Warner Pioneer during this period. He has been coding at home. Except for Nobuo Tomioka, no one else can take the initiative to contact him.
In addition, Warner Pioneer has also issued a hush-hush order internally, so it is really difficult for ordinary paparazzi to find out the real information about Cao Zhiqiang.
Even if someone hired a private investigator, they would have no way to deal with this situation.
The reason is very simple. Warner Pioneer is a big company, and Cao Zhiqiang is a company artist. If you pry for information without permission, you can be sued.
The average private detective is not willing to go head-to-head with the Department of Justice of a large company like Warner Pioneer, especially in this era.
In Japan in the 1980s, the legal provisions on privacy infringement were relatively sound. Once there was definite evidence of invading other people's privacy, it was easy to be convicted.
So you can see that in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan in the 1980s and 1990s, all kinds of scandals and gossips were flying everywhere, but in Japan, there were much less similar scandals and gossips, unless it was real news, or some people took the initiative He broke the news, otherwise ordinary paparazzi would not dare to take secret photos at the risk of invading privacy.
Otherwise, the Japanese entertainment industry would not be full of scumbags, and it would not be because Japan pays too much attention to privacy.
That's a bit far-fetched.
Cao Zhiqiang has been staying at home these days and has no idea how popular the name "Qingquan in the Forest" has become in the outside world. Even because Cao Zhiqiang has never shown his face and insists on wearing a mask, there have even been many people using the name "Qingquan in the Forest". Qingquan" liar.
For example, some cowherds began to use "Forest Green Spring" as their stage name. It is said that the effect was very good. Once they had this name, their business immediately improved a lot.
There are also some people whose real name is "Forest in the Green Spring", and they have attracted attention because of this, and even made a lot of mistakes because of this, thinking that some people with this name are the singer "Forest in the Green Spring".
In short, "Kun no Tsuru" is very popular now due to various reasons, and Morinaka Aizumi, a singer, has also attracted people's attention.
At this time, if we can cooperate with a large publishing house like Kodansha and give "Qingquan in the Forest" a family character, it will definitely add fuel to the fire.
However, there is also a risk, that is, if the quality is not good, it will have an impact on the "Green Spring in the Forest" brand, especially the personality of the talented singer.
After thinking about it for a long time, Nobuo Tomioka felt that it was better to play it safe.
In other words, "Qingquan in the Forest" is already very popular and famous as a singer, so there is no need to take more risks.
Because if Cao Zhiqiang writes under the name "Forest in the Green Spring" and then hits the street, it will directly affect the gold content of the singer-songwriter "Forest in the Green Spring".
Therefore, the best way is for Cao Zhiqiang to use another pen name when publishing.
As a result, if Cao Zhiqiang's book hits the streets, it will have little impact on Qingquan in the Forest.
But if Cao Zhiqiang’s book also becomes popular, then we can do some publicity and say that these two pen names are the same person.
Thinking of this, Tomioka Nobuo said to Watanabe Yuno and Cao Zhiqiang: "Cao Sang, Watanabe Sang, I think this matter needs to be discussed in the long term."
Next, Nobuo Tomioka told the truth and laid out all his advantages and disadvantages.
After saying this, Nobuo Tomioka concluded: "In short, if Cao Sang uses the same stage name now, maybe it will take the opportunity to become popular, but it will also invisibly raise everyone's expectations.
If this book doesn't meet expectations upon release, the backlash will be quite ferocious.
Therefore, to be on the safe side, if Cao Sang insists on publishing, it would be better to change his pen name and not use the name Senzhong Qingquan. "
Upon hearing this, Cao Zhiqiang did not express his position, but Watanabe Yuno frowned.
Seeing Yuno Watanabe remain silent, Nobuo Tomioka frowned and said, "Watanabe-san, you can't be too selfish. Your method of merging stage names seems to be beneficial to both parties, but in fact it is only good for you Kodansha. For us at Warner Bros., and for Cao Sang himself, the risks outweigh the rewards.
Even if Cao Sang's book is really good, you can announce that the author and the singer Morinaka Aizumi are the same person after the book has achieved certain results. This will actually increase others' favor and think that Cao Sang is not that kind of sandalwood. A vain person, but a down-to-earth person who wins with true strength.
Only strong people who have confidence in themselves will give up their popular stage names and submit articles under other pen names, don’t you think? "
After hearing what Nobuo Tomioka said, Yuno Watanabe nodded and said: "Mr. Tomioka is right. Although I think Cao Sang's book is very good, if it can be published under the name of Morinaka Aizumi, the results will be better. , but considering the risks and backlash, it’s really not appropriate.”
Speaking of this, Watanabe Yuno looked at Cao Zhiqiang: "Cao Sang, otherwise, you can choose a new pen name, and then I will sign a new contract with you. As for the previous contract, just void it."
Cao Zhiqiang was stunned: "Is it necessary?"
"It's very necessary!" Yuno Watanabe and Nobuo Tomioka said at the same time.
They seemed to have said the same thing at the same time, and both of them were stunned. After looking at each other, they both smiled slightly.
It seems that after this negotiation, both parties have a good impression of each other.
At least Nobuo Tomioka believes that this young Mr. Watanabe is not the kind of person who is eager for quick success. At least he knows how to respect others and understand the general situation.
"Cao San." Tomioka Nobuo also advised, "Although you have not signed a publication agreement with us and we have no jurisdiction over you, you still have to be cautious when something like this happens, especially at this time.
Therefore, if you insist on publishing, I won’t stop you, but please change your pen name and don’t use the name of Morinaka Qingquan. "
"Yes, I also agree with Mr. Tomioka's point of view." Yuno Watanabe followed.
Seeing everyone's objections, Cao Zhiqiang sighed: "Okay, let's change it to one, why not call it... Kudo Yusaku."
"Kudo Yusaku?" Watanabe Yuno read it again, and then nodded, "Yes, yes, this name is good, catchy, elegant, and easy to remember, very good, this is it!"
Cao Zhiqiang was stunned for a moment, then shook his head with a wry smile.
"What, you're not satisfied?" Watanabe Yuno misunderstood.
"No, no, no, I'm very satisfied." Cao Zhiqiang smiled, "You're right, I think this name is very good."
Well, Cao Zhiqiang originally wanted to call him Kudo Shinichi, but he felt that this name was unlucky. After all, he was a primary school student who brought death.
So after much deliberation, he decided to change his name to Yusaku Kudo. Anyway, at his current age, he is almost the same as Yusaku Kudo in the comics.
Moreover, Kudo Yusaku's childhood life was quite good. Not only was he married to a beautiful actress, but he also had a family, which matched his status very well.
After deciding on the new pen name, Watanabe Yuno simply tore up the contract he had signed before, and then took out another contract.
"Do you still have backup?" Cao Zhiqiang was stunned.
"Of course." Watanabe Yuno chuckled, "Those of us who are editors will always encounter some strange authors. Some authors are distracted when signing and even sign wrongly, so prepare an extra backup contract. , is also very necessary.”
Cao Zhiqiang nodded and said nothing more.
In this way, after signing a new publishing contract with Yuno Watanabe under the pseudonym "Yusaku Kudo", Yuno Watanabe took the initiative to leave.
After Yuno Watanabe left, Nobuo Tomioka began to persuade Cao Zhiqiang to attend a TV talk show.
That program is an interview variety show on TBS called "Me You Him".
As for this program, Cao Zhiqiang had never heard of it in his previous life, but as soon as he heard the content and format, he knew that it would invite some relatively famous figures from all walks of life to appear on the program and conduct an interview in a chat-like manner. It was similar to "Focus Interview", but the content was more down-to-earth. Qi, the format is more lively and entertainment-oriented, and it can be regarded as a more traditional talk show.
Cao Zhiqiang was able to appear on this show, not only because his Chinese identity and mysterious marketing are indeed very topical, but also because Warner Pioneer has a wide network of contacts and is willing to spend money.
Unfortunately, Cao Zhiqiang had no intention of appearing publicly on the show, so he politely declined.
Nobuo Tomioka tried to persuade him for a long time, but found that Cao Zhiqiang was not good enough and had made up his mind not to show his face or appear on TV, so he finally gave up.
Seemingly seeing that Nobuo Tomioka was losing interest, Cao Zhiqiang couldn't help but said: "Chief Tomioka, it's not that I can't be on the show, nor is it really that I have social phobia, but I think it's not the right time to be on a TV show."
"Oh?" Nobuo Tomioka raised his head, "Then when do you think it's appropriate?"
Cao Zhiqiang chuckled: "At least, if I release a few more hit songs, my fame will rise to the next level, and let everyone understand that my fame is not a matter of luck, but a real success based on my strength, and then I can go on TV again." The program is not too late either.
Take a long-term view and don’t be impatient! "
Nobuo Tomioka nodded: "If someone else said this, I would think he was arrogant, but if it were you Cao Sang, I think maybe this is the most appropriate thing.
Well, since that's what you mean, then let's listen to you.
From the bottom of my heart, I also hope to witness a legend with my own eyes. I hope I got it right this time! "
(End of chapter)
