Entertainment: You're asked to make a graduation project, but you're asked to film Ultrama

Chapter 88 A Neon Journey with an Alternative Purpose

The weekend after the airing of episode 45 of "Ultraman Tiga," titled "Life Forever," felt like the entire domestic tokusatsu (special effects) industry, and even the film and television industry as a whole, underwent a spiritual baptism.

Old Tang's reaction in the live stream was just a microcosm of countless viewers. The discussion about "the meaning of life" even made it to the top of Weibo's trending topics, overshadowing the scandals of several popular celebrities.

But Gu Nan was no longer in the country at this time.

He and his core team quietly boarded a flight to Tokyo, Japan.

Gu Nan publicly stated that this trip to Japan was a "team building activity for the film crew" to reward everyone for their hard work during this period.

But in reality, besides Chen Bo and Su Zhe thinking about going to Akihabara to go on a shopping spree, Gu Nan had an even bigger plan in mind.

It could even be said that this plan is directly related to whether Ultraman Tiga can reach a legendary conclusion in this parallel world.

……

Setagaya Ward, Tokyo.

Compared to the desolation and gloom that Gu Nan felt when he first came here two years ago, Tsuburaya Kazuo's residence, while still not luxurious, has at least lost much of its musty, decadent smell. The weeds in the yard have been cleared away, and there are even several carefully trimmed potted plants placed at the entrance.

"Gu Jun! Long time no see!"

Kazuo Tsuburaya, dressed in a neat kimono, was waiting at the door early in the morning.

Seeing Gu Nan and his group get out of the car, this middle-aged man, who had once been crushed by his family's debts, now had a long-lost rosy glow on his face.

"Ichifu-san, how have you been?" (Japanese)

Gu Nan smiled and stepped forward to give the other person a hug.

Su Zhe and the others quickly imitated Japanese etiquette, bowing and greeting each other.

Although it was their first time meeting this legendary "descendant of Tsuburaya," they still felt a deep sense of awe.

After all, without the creation of Ultraman by the Tsuburaya Productions, they wouldn't have achieved what they have today.

"Don't be so polite, please come in, please come in!"

Kazuo Tsuburaya warmly welcomed everyone into the house, saying, "The tea is ready; it's fine tea that you brought from China."

Everyone took their seats.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Kazuo Tsuburaya's gaze swept over everyone, finally settling on Gu Nan, his eyes filled with emotion.

"Gu Jun, to be honest, when you came to me two years ago with that little money to buy the copyright, I really thought you were crazy."

Kazuo Tsuburaya poured Gu Nan a cup of tea and said with a wry smile, "At that time, I thought this young Chinese man must have been blinded by enthusiasm, or he was a rich second-generation with money to burn. Once the money ran out, he would naturally slink back home."

"But I really didn't expect this..."

Kazuo Tsuburaya suddenly stood up, walked to the cabinet next to him, and took out a tablet computer.

"Look."

The screen lit up, displaying an interface similar to Twitter or 2ch forums.

However, all the text on it is in Japanese.

"This is?"

Chen Bo leaned closer for a look, then his eyes widened. "Tiga?"

Indeed, the screen was filled with discussion posts. Although the languages ​​were different, the accompanying pictures were clearly stills from the movie "Ultraman Tiga" that they had filmed!

(The following is all in Japanese)

[Was this really filmed by a college student from China? The quality of this suit is even better than Tsuburaya Productions' peak era!]

[Unbelievable! I thought Ultraman was an outdated relic, but I never imagined that modern tokusatsu could still produce such a cinematic feel!]

Episode 45 brought me to tears! Although I can't understand Chinese and could only watch with raw subtitles, the exploration of 'life' was truly breathtaking.

[If you weren't told, I would definitely think this is Tsuburaya Productions resurrected! No, this is even purer than current Japanese tokusatsu!]

[Looking for a proxy buyer for a Spark Lens! I heard it's selling like hotcakes in China, why can't we buy it here?]

……

"This is tap water."

Looking at these comments, Gu Nan couldn't help but sigh.

"That's right, it's tap water."

Kazuo Tsuburaya said excitedly.

"Gu Jun, you may not know this, but your 'Ultraman Tiga' has gone viral among the young people here, and even among some veteran tokusatsu fans! Although it hasn't been officially broadcast on TV, everyone is sharing it online, and some people have even created their own Japanese subtitles."

Kazuo Tsuburaya pointed to one of the comments.

"Look at this—'If you feel there's no light in your life, go see Ultraman Tiga in China. There you'll find the lost spirit of the Showa era.' That's the highest praise you could receive!"

As he spoke, his eyes welled up with tears.

Su Zhe, Zhang Zhao, Wang Kai, and the others looked at the comments. Although they couldn't understand most of them, they roughly grasped the meaning thanks to Chen Bo's halting translation.

A huge surge of warmth welled up in my heart.

Their popularity in China was expected. But to become popular in Japan, the birthplace of tokusatsu, and gain recognition from these discerning viewers, is an achievement that defies description.

"Could this be considered... a reverse cultural export?"

Su Zhe muttered to himself, feeling a lump in his throat.

"Calculate."

Gu Nan said decisively, "And this is just the beginning."

He looked at Kazuo Tsuburaya, his expression becoming serious.

"Ichifu-san, since everyone likes it so much, I won't beat around the bush. I brought everyone here today not only to visit you, but also to ask you for three favors."

Kazuo Tsuburaya put down his tablet and sat up straight: "Please speak, Mr. Gu. As long as it's within my power, I'll do it even if it means selling this old body of mine. You've made the Tsuburaya brand shine again."

"The first thing," Gu Nan held up one finger, "is about the plans after Ultraman Tiga."

"As you've seen, audiences really appreciate 'hardcore' and 'deep' tokusatsu works. So, I don't intend to stop at Ultraman Tiga. I have a new idea about 'Ultraman Seven'."

"Seven?" Kazuo Tsuburaya paused, taken aback. "That's from the Showa era..."

"I know the copyright is held by the Celestial Master of the Universe," Gu Nan interrupted him, a glint of light flashing in his eyes. "But I'm not talking about the TV version, but the OV (Original Video) series. That is, the first release on videotape."

In the original world, the Heisei Seven OV series is known for its dark, realistic, and profound storylines, and is considered a masterpiece by tokusatsu fans.

"I want to make a 'Ultraman Seven' movie that's truly for adults in this parallel world. Not to sell toys, but to tell a story. I want to recreate the original Showa era flavor, even with a bit of blood and cruelty, so as not to disappoint the die-hard fans who truly love Ultraman."

Gu Nan looked at Kazuo Tsuburaya: "I've checked. The copyright held by the Celestial Master of Chaos is limited to the TV series and some theatrical versions. As for the independent OV development rights for the character 'Seven,' it seems that due to a loophole in the contract from back then, they are still in your hands?"

Kazuo Tsuburaya thought for a moment, then suddenly realized: "Right! When we signed the contract, OV format wasn't popular yet, so it wasn't included! Mr. Gu, you mean...?"

"I want to buy the development rights."

Gu Nan directly threw out the bait, "Moreover, I would like to ask you to help me contact those veteran actors from back then."

"Moritsugu Moritsugu (Dan Moroboshi), Susumu Kurobe (Susumu Hayata), Tokiro Dan (Hideki Go), Keiji Takamine (Seiji Hokuto)..."

Gu Nan rattled off a string of names in one breath.

Every name is a legend in the history of tokusatsu (special effects) films.

"I want to ask them to come out of retirement."

Upon hearing these names, Kazuo Tsuburaya's face showed a troubled expression.

"Well... Mr. Gu, it's not that I don't want to help you. Some of these seniors have already retired, some are in poor health, and because of Tsuburaya's decline back then, they actually harbor resentment. Getting them all back together is as difficult as climbing to the sky."

I know it's difficult.

Gu Nan took a script out of his bag and pushed it in front of Kazuo Tsuburaya.

That was the script for episode 49 of Ultraman Tiga – "The Planet of Ultra".

"But what if we use this?"

Kazuo Tsuburaya picked up the script with a puzzled look and turned to the first page.

His hands began to tremble after reading only a few lines.

This episode's story involves time travel.

Daigo travels back in time to Tsuburaya Productions in 1965, where he encounters Eiji Tsuburaya, who is struggling to create a monster!

That is, Kazuo Tsuburaya's grandfather, the god of tokusatsu!

"This...this is..."

Kazuo Tsuburaya's voice choked with emotion, "You want Daigo... to see my grandfather?"

"Yes."

Gu Nan's voice was soft yet firm, "In this episode, I want to pay tribute to the origins of tokusatsu. I want to tell everyone that Ultraman is not just a suit; it is a gift that director Eiji Tsuburaya wanted to give to children, a hero brought from Venus."

"Moreover, the original Ultraman will appear in this episode. The real original Ultraman, the light that belongs to Mr. Tsuburaya."

Kazuo Tsuburaya held the script, and tears finally welled up in his eyes.

He seemed to see his childhood in front of the black and white television, watching his grandfather play with Godzilla models.

He seemed to see the most glorious and pure era belonging to the Tsuburaya family.

"Great...great script..."

Kazuo Tsuburaya wiped away his tears and nodded repeatedly. "Ku-kun, you really understand tokusatsu. You understand Grandpa's heart better than we, his descendants."

"So, the second thing."

Looking at the weeping Kazuo Tsuburaya, Gu Nan finally revealed the main purpose of his trip: "I would like to invite you to make a cameo appearance as director Eiji Tsuburaya in this episode."

"I?"

Kazuo Tsuburaya was stunned, pointing to himself, "I...I can't do it, I can't act..."

"You don't need to act."

Gu Nan said sincerely, "You just need to sit there and look at Daigo as if he were your own child. The genes of tokusatsu flow in your blood, and you look so much like director Eiji. This role is perfect for you."

"Isn't this also a kind of inheritance?"

"Let Kazuo Tsuburaya play Eiji Tsuburaya in the series, and let him personally pass on the belief of Ultraman to Daigo."

Gu Nan described the scene, "This is the biggest surprise we want to give the audience."

The studio members listened with great enthusiasm.

This is absolutely amazing!

Having the founder's grandson play the founder is not only a tribute, but also a legitimate coronation!

Once this episode airs, who will dare to say that Light Chaser Studio is a "wildcat" studio?

This is practically like holding up the imperial seal and issuing a decree!

Kazuo Tsuburaya remained silent for a long time.

Finally, he nodded heavily, his eyes filled with an unprecedented determination.

"Okay. I'll act it out."

"As for those veteran actors..."

Kazuo Tsuburaya gritted his teeth. "I'll go and beg them. Even if I have to kneel at their doorstep, I'll get them to come out. Because I believe that once they read this script and watch your 'Ultraman Tiga,' they'll feel the same passion I had back then."

"thank you."

Gu Nan breathed a sigh of relief.

With Kazuo Tsuburaya's words, the matter was half settled.

"Then, the third thing."

Gu Nan seized the opportunity and took out the last contract from his bag.

This contract is thicker than the previous one and covers a wider range of topics.

"Since we're going to make an OV film and evoke nostalgia, Seven alone isn't enough." Gu Nan flipped open the contract, "Leo, Eddie..."

"Of course, I don't want to develop any of the other IPs that Ultraman has in his hands. As long as these 'niche' Ultraman are given a new lease on life in our hands, that's enough."

Gu Nan looked out the window, as if he could already see the future.

"I also plan to make a culmination of my work in the future—'Ultraman Mebius.' It's a love letter to the Showa era and a grand celebration of the return of all the Ultra Brothers."

"I must start paving the way for that day."

Looking at the spirited young man before him, Kazuo Tsuburaya felt nothing but endless emotion.

He picked up a pen and, without even reading the contract terms carefully, signed his name on it.

"Take it, Mr. Gu."

Kazuo Tsuburaya handed the contract to Gu Nan. "All of Tsuburaya's remaining assets are now in your hands. I believe they will not be neglected in your care."

"I even feel..."

Kazuo Tsuburaya smiled, a hint of relief in his smile. "Perhaps the dream that Grandpa couldn't realize back then can be realized through you."

Gu Nan took the contract and felt its weight.

This is not just about copyright, but also about responsibility.

"Don't worry, Kazuo-san."

Gu Nan solemnly promised, "I will make the light of the Ultra Star shine on this world once again."

……

That evening, Gu Nan and his group, led by Kazuo Tsuburaya, went to a long-established izakaya in Ginza.

It is said that this was a place where the crew often had meals together when filming "Ultraman".

After a few cups of sake, the atmosphere became lively.

Su Zhe and Zhang Zhao were embracing Kazuo Tsuburaya, listening to him tell funny stories about the suit actors back in the day.

Wang Kai, meanwhile, was frantically taking pictures of the rare Ultraman posters in the store with his phone.

Gu Nan walked to the window alone and looked at the dazzling night view of Tokyo.

Neon lights flashed, and cars and people thronged the streets.

He was already conceiving the scenes for episode 49 in his mind.

At dusk in 1965, Eiji Tsuburaya looked at Daigo, who had traveled from the future, and smiled with satisfaction at the enormous giant of light.

"We need heroes."

"In this era of material abundance but spiritual poverty, we need a hero."

That line wasn't just for Eiji Tsuburaya in the show, but also for the audience in this world.

"Brother Nan, what are you thinking about?"

Chen Bo walked over with a wine glass in hand, his face slightly flushed from the alcohol. "We've really come back with a bang this time! We got the rights, landed cameo roles, and even veteran actors have roles to play. Shouldn't we get a raise when we get back?"

"Prices must go up, they absolutely must go up."

Gu Nan smiled and clinked his cup against his.