Chapter 47

One of the major innovations of *Re-take* was the airing of behind-the-scenes footage or short skits featuring the voice actors after the animation ended. Although these segments were only a few minutes long, they greatly captured the attention of fans. In particular, when Queen Lim Yuan appeared in the program dressed in the school uniform from the anime, portraying Asuka, it sparked widespread discussion and attention, and to some extent, diverted the focus from the plot discussions.

These voice actor segments, which aired after each episode, were suggested by Shen Zhenghui to the animation director. In Shen Zhenghui's memory, something similar would later be done in *Lucky Star*. Director Maeda Masahiro had no restrictions or specific ideas for the voice actors' segments; he basically let the main voice actors gather and decide what kind of short skits to shoot. Queen Lim Yuan's portrayal of Asuka was suggested by Liu Xin. Orikasa Megumi dressing up as Shinji was clearly a bit comical, as the two performed a real-life cosplay of a scene from the anime.

This simple and somewhat comedic imitation caused a stir among fans, and the TV station received numerous calls requesting replays. This attracted even more people who were not originally *EVA* fans. For them, seeing the voice actors in real life seemed like a novelty, and Queen Lim Yuan's reputation further enhanced this appeal.

With the development of the entertainment industry and the expansion of entertainment activities, the role of voice actors has expanded beyond just voice acting. As the entertainment industry has grown, idolization has become a trend. In an increasingly large market, fans have gradually become walking ATMs, and thus, talent agencies have become more enthusiastic about packaging their idols, regardless of the industry. Just think, if even the lead actress of an adult film can be idolized, you can imagine the direction the entertainment market is heading.

Moreover, Japanese voice actors, supported by Japan's large and advanced anime market, have an influence that extends beyond Japan to the entire Asian region and even the world. Shen Zhenghui's suggestion for the voice actors' segments, though seemingly small, played a significant role in the idolization of voice actors. Relying solely on their voices to attract fans is not enough; voice actors need to be packaged as idols. While some with less appealing appearances might be excluded, most voice actors can be marketed as idols, as evidenced by the popularity of meet-and-greets, handshakes, and autograph sessions.

As Katsura Keima once said: "For fans, idols are living dreams."

It seems that in this overly peaceful and comfortable era, there are many people who enjoy dreaming.

This kind of intangible enthusiasm reached a peak in the third episode when Miyamura Yûko was dressed up as Asuka by other voice actors. Tokyo TV had to respond to viewer demands and replay the voice actors' segments during the day.

"This could be useful!" Shen Zhenghui thought.

"What? Another internet project? You have so many plans!" Fuchida Mitsumi looked a bit exasperated at the eager Shen Zhenghui. "Where am I supposed to find so many internet experts for you?"

"I was planning to wait a few more years until internet technology matured, but since it's already this popular, why not strike while the iron is hot? If we don't start early, we'll be left behind when the internet moguls make their move."

"Right now, this is basically just burning money," Fuchida Mitsumi said, spreading her hands. "Look at how much you've already spent on the Gonzo website and forums. I'm still worried about what to do after *Re-take* ends!"

"We don't need to worry about that. We'll bring that team over and start a large community website dedicated to anime discussions. I've already thought of a name: N Station."

"Nippon?"

"Uh, we can't call it that directly. You can think of a better word," Shen Zhenghui replied.

"Building an anime discussion website," Fuchida Mitsumi noted. "Then what? How do we make money?"

"First, we need a platform. With a platform, we have a promotional base, giving us a channel for promotion beyond TV and newspapers. Advertisers pay TV stations huge sums for ads because people watch them. In the future, advertisers will be our major clients."

"Oh!" Fuchida Mitsumi nodded. "Like Yahoo?"

"Almost, but we have a different core attraction for users. However, the goal of building a platform is the same."

Fuchida Mitsumi nodded again. "What else?"

"We need to build a video-sharing website. We can take advantage of this opportunity to put the voice actors' segments online for people to watch."

Fuchida Mitsumi straightened up. "Won't that affect DVD sales?"

"This is like the anime website. The goal is to attract users. It's not just about us putting content up; it's about everyone putting content up."

"Have you considered copyright issues?" Fuchida Mitsumi asked.

"So we'll just provide a platform. Users will upload the content, and if there are copyright issues, we'll take it down." Shen Zhenghui spread his hands, looking quite innocent. "This video-sharing website can be linked to the anime website."

"Shen, that won't work in Japan," Fuchida Mitsumi shook her head. "You should separate the anime website and the video-sharing website. The anime website should use a subscription model, and we can negotiate copyright issues with the major associations in Japan."

"I think we can have a dual approach. If that doesn't work, we can build a separate video storage website and link to it."

Fuchida Mitsumi nodded. "These are good plans. Is that all?"

"Not quite," Shen Zhenghui paused. "The doujinshi event also gave me an idea. If we really want to collect doujinshi, how should we do it?"

"Like a publishing contest?"

"That's too outdated, and we don't have enough editors." Shen Zhenghui paused. "We need to build a website where people can post their works."

Fuchida Mitsumi looked serious. "Something like榕树下 (Rongshuxia) in China?"

"Exactly. We can consider partnering with publishers like Kadokawa. Good works can be directly published. Doujinshi can also be posted, like *EVA* doujinshi. I believe someone is already working on an Asuka-themed doujinshi or manga. This website can help us quickly identify excellent doujinshi, as it will be open to everyone."

"How do we make money?" Fuchida Mitsumi asked with a smile.

"The platform is the foundation for profit," Shen Zhenghui spread his hands. "My idea is that when the scale reaches a certain level, users will have to pay to read the works—essentially the same as paying to watch anime. Additionally, we can purchase the copyrights of these paid original works and adapt them into TV series, movies, or anime, creating a great pool of potential content."

Fuchida Mitsumi stood up and clapped.

Shen Zhenghui tilted his head.

"Shen, I've always thought you were a genius, but now I realize just how much of a genius you are," she said seriously.

"You're too kind," Shen Zhenghui said modestly. "If I see a bit further, it's because I stand on the shoulders of giants."

Fuchida Mitsumi smiled. "So, Mr. Shen, how do you think we should calculate the investment?"

Shen Zhenghui spread his hands. "This is Japan, you decide."

"Then I want half of all the projects," Fuchida Mitsumi said.

Shen Zhenghui raised an eyebrow.

"The Kuroshima family will also take a portion of the shares, and we need to bring in a few partners," Fuchida Mitsumi said. "Oh, I'll also reserve a spot for Liu Xin. You don't mind, right?"

Shen Zhenghui spread his hands. "Not at all."

"I know this might be a bit unfair to you," Fuchida Mitsumi said.

"A little," Shen Zhenghui shrugged.

"I'll compensate you," Fuchida Mitsumi wrote something in her notebook and then looked up. "Obviously, these ideas can also be implemented in China, right?"

"Of course."

"As a partner, I will support your investments in China."

"Thank you."

"Because you are Chinese," Fuchida Mitsumi continued, "the shares in China will actually all be yours." She spread her hands. "If necessary, I can put a name on it."

Shen Zhenghui looked at Fuchida Mitsumi seriously and said, "Lady, you are a real man."

Fuchida Mitsumi smiled.

"I have one more suggestion," Shen Zhenghui said seriously. "We need another website."

"Tell me about it."

"I call it the Tower of Babel. In the internet age, it will mainly translate discussions from foreign websites into the local language, facilitating interaction between local and global netizens."

"That sounds quite interesting."

"Of course."

"Is the main purpose intelligence gathering? Public intelligence gathering."

Shen Zhenghui had to look at Fuchida Mitsumi with surprise again.

"We can also try to get some funding from the Ministry of Education. It's a good plan," Fuchida Mitsumi said seriously. "What would this website's role be in China?"

Shen Zhenghui smiled. "To open the eyes of the Chinese people to the world!"

Page flip AD starts

Page flip AD ends