Chapter 421: SJ Artist Agency

In just a few days, an artist agency called SJ Artist Agency was established in Shibuya, with Yasuko Sawaguchi as the studio's legal representative.

Although SJ mainly managed Yasuko Sawaguchi's affairs, it stood in good stead with additional support from Burning Production and Sky Entertainment.

The advertisement for UNIQLO and the published manga Detective Conan became a sensation in Japan, and Yasuko Sawaguchi also retained some cooperative ties with Toho.

In the bedroom of Yasuko Sawaguchi's villa in Shibuya, Tokyo, she emerged from the blankets, resting on a man's chest, her face flushed, "There are so many tasks lately. There's plenty to handle with SJ!"

"Yeah, even though Oishi is now working at Asahi TV, he can still help you," Arthur didn't seem too bothered.

"The company signed two people. Do you want to meet them?" Besides Yasuko Sawaguchi and Oishi Megumi, SJ added two more artists, Yuki Uchida, an idol from Burning Production, and Norika Fujiwara, a sexy host from Fuji TV's wrestling program.

Yuki Uchida, 20 years old, had been a quality idol for three years in Japan, involved in TV, singles, and photobooks, and was a focus for development by Burning Production. She was working on her debut film, Boys Over Flowers.

Norika Fujiwara, 24 years old, was Miss Japan 1992, with a sexy figure, entering the entertainment scene as a model and host.

"In a few days, I want to go to Hakone for a hot spring. Let Norika Fujiwara accompany me," said Arthur as he thought of a getaway. Norika Fujiwara and Yuki Uchida were just small-time figures he had instructed her to sign.

Yasuko Sawaguchi smiled, "Yes, Norika Fujiwara's attributes are quite good; she's done quite a few magazine photo shoots. Perhaps they can be arranged to enter TV dramas with Oishi Megumi to accumulate experience!"

Both Oishi Megumi and Norika Fujiwara were models and hosts, but Oishi had a 'pure girl' image, while Norika showcased a sexy one.

As for Yuki Uchida, she had gained some recognition, and work was not lacking, plus she had the networking help from Burning Production.

Arthur rested his head, "Well, you can make these decisions yourself. At least with SJ Agency, there's some security!"

"Uh-huh, I'll do my best. Moreover, Sky Entertainment launched a fashion magazine, SKY, giving us more promotional opportunities," Yasuko mentioned, kissing Arthur's chest. "When the time comes, have Oishi accompany you to Hakone along with Norika."

Currently, Oishi Megumi had transitioned from being a weather announcer to a program host and news anchor, while Yasuko Sawaguchi had been quite busy lately.

"You make the arrangements," Arthur agreed easily. "Isn't Pulp Fiction releasing in Japan soon?"

"Yes, and other works by Galaxy like Dumb and Dumber, Daughter of the Earth, and Little Women are out this year," Yasuko Sawaguchi was certainly following the releases at Galaxy MGM. "The Oscars are about to take place in the US, with many nominations for Galaxy!"

Forrest Gump was leading the Oscars and being a contender for Best Picture alongside Pulp Fiction.

Suddenly, the phone rang in Yasuko Sawaguchi's house. "I'll get it!"

Shortly after, wearing a robe, Yasuko Sawaguchi returned, looking shocked. "Just now, sarin gas was released on five morning trains across three Tokyo subway lines. More than 10 people died, and thousands were injured."

Arthur got out of bed and moved to the living room, where this news was airing on TV:

The affected trains included Chiyoda Line A725K, Marunouchi Line A777, Marunouchi Line B801, Hibiya Line B711T, and Hibiya Line A720S, affecting 26 subway stations in total. Tokyo's subway traffic was in chaos!

This incident was orchestrated by the Aum Shinrikyo sect, a new religious movement in Japan centered around Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and apocalyptic prophecies, founded by Shoko Asahara in 1986.

Shoko Asahara's dark mindset harbored hatred for society and humanity, recruiting nearly ten thousand followers, establishing over 30 branches and dojos, and even spreading overseas with four branches totaling 40,000 members.

"Last June, sarin gas was also released in Matsumoto City, killing six people and hospitalizing over 200, again done by Aum Shinrikyo," Yasuko explained.

Arthur pursed his lips, thinking Japan wasn't having a good year. In late January, the Great Hanshin Earthquake between Kobe and Osaka in the Kansai region had resulted in more than 6,000 deaths and over 40,000 injuries.

Over 300,000 people were left homeless, with economic losses soaring into the billions of dollars.

And now, just two months later, there was this Tokyo gas poisoning case?

Japan doesn't seem very safe right now; this was definitely a terrorist attack.

...

The following day, Arthur took his private jet to Hong Kong, bringing along Oishi Megumi and Norika Fujiwara.

"Onii-san, the plane is really beautiful," Norika Fujiwara admired the view from Arthur's lap.

With a fiery E-cup figure, Norika Fujiwara certainly captivated men easily.

Arthur smiled, giving Norika Fujiwara a kiss on the cheek. "Let's spend a few days in Hong Kong. It's much warmer than Tokyo."

"It's my first time going to Hong Kong," said Oishi Megumi, who had started thinking about debuting in TV dramas after joining SJ.

"Mine too," chimed in Norika Fujiwara, snuggling against Arthur before standing to pour drinks for the three.

Norika Fujiwara wasn't famous yet, only holding the title of a former Japanese beauty pageant champion. She couldn't compare to entertainment figures like Yasuko Sawaguchi or Yuki Uchida.

As a fellow host, Oishi Megumi was touted as the 'most beautiful weather anchor,' whereas she had just left the wrestling host job after joining SJ.

To the big boss behind the scenes, Norika Fujiwara certainly aimed to impress.

"Onii-san, Oishi!" she handed each of them a glass.

"By the way, how is the setup of SJ Agency going?" Arthur didn't seem very engaged with the topic.

Oishi Megumi took a sip, "The basic structure has been built, and we're still selecting company staff. Suo Shacho introduced a few experienced professionals. With Burning Production's extensive industry resources, they've prepared suitable operations for SJ and will help us plan ahead."

Arthur nodded, "President Suo Yuxiong should be able to ensure you aren't bothered, right?"

"Definitely, Suo Shacho has formidable influence in the artist industry!"

*****

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