"Pass the word down and contact the Japanese TV station. They can broadcast 'Pokémon' and 'Calabash Brothers' now!" Zhao Ye instructed Liu Yinyin.
It's May 25th now, and it takes time for an animated film to become popular.
Currently, "Calabash Brothers" has been completed, with a total of 13 episodes.
The Pokémon series has 36 episodes, and with the production speed of the Shanghai Animation Film Studio, it's now about one episode per week.
Because there were many episodes of the Pokémon anime in the pipeline, Japanese television stations initially planned to air one episode per day to increase viewership, before switching to a weekly series.
...
That evening, after obtaining Zhao Ye's permission, major Japanese television stations decided to broadcast "Pokémon" and "Calabash Brothers" the following day.
Everyone's vying for the premiere, so the premiere's ratings are naturally going to be higher.
Japanese television stations broadcast anime during prime time (roughly 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM).
At 7 p.m., more than ten Japanese TV stations were broadcasting "Pokémon," and several others were broadcasting "Calabash Brothers."
Pokémon is a well-made anime with beautiful visuals and an excellent storyline. It blends Japanese animation style with Chinese ink painting techniques. The adorable Pokémon have captivated audiences, and animation directors from various television stations have all expressed their love for the series, unanimously believing it has the potential to become a sensation in Japan!
Therefore, most TV stations chose to premiere "Pokémon," while the TV stations that chose to premiere "Calabash Brothers" were thinking of differentiating themselves from the competition. They thought, "You all chose 'Pokémon,' the competition is too fierce. I'll choose 'Calabash Brothers,' maybe people will like this paper-cut animation style, thereby increasing the ratings!"
...
...
"Mom, I want to watch cartoons!"
After finishing his dinner, 10-year-old Asuka Yamamoto snatched the TV remote from his mother and skillfully changed the channels. Every evening at 7 o'clock, he would be waiting in front of the TV to watch cartoons.
Soon it was time to start the cartoon, but instead of the one he had watched before, the TV was showing a new one.
Wow~
"So many little monsters, so cute!"
"Pikachu~~"
As the opening theme played, various scenes flashed by, and the exquisite art style and extremely high level of cuteness immediately excited Asuka Koyamamoto.
Soon, the opening theme ended, and the story officially began.
Ash Ketchum, ten years old like Asuka Yamamoto, lives in Kyushu Town with his mother. In this world, anyone who turns ten can become a Pokémon Trainer and receive a Pokémon from Professor Oak, a Pokémon expert. Ash must embark on a training journey and undergo trials to become a top Pokémon Master. However, on the day of departure, Ash overslept and was late, arriving later than everyone else. He finally managed to get an unwanted Pikachu from the professor, but Pikachu proved difficult to care for and extremely stubborn.
Asuka Yamamoto's eyes were glued to the television, and she couldn't help but fantasize about becoming a Pokémon Trainer herself. She thought how wonderful it would be if she could receive a Pokémon from Professor Oak, just like Ash!
Before we knew it, the first episode was over.
Seeing that Ash and Pikachu had finally formed a precious friendship during the battle against Spearow and that Ash had defeated Spearow, Asuka Yamamoto was overjoyed, but Pikachu was seriously injured...
Waaaaah, Yamamoto Asuka was extremely worried. The first episode of the anime had ended, and this abrupt break was making Yamamoto Asuka very anxious. She hoped that Pikachu could recover soon.
After that, Asuka Yamamoto lost interest in watching other anime, her mind constantly preoccupied with Pikachu's safety, and she would occasionally fantasize about becoming a Pokémon trainer herself...
The next morning, Yamamoto Asuka arrived at school and excitedly introduced the Pokémon anime to his classmates. Unexpectedly, many of his classmates had also watched the anime. Suddenly, they had a common topic and gathered together to chat enthusiastically.
Someone next to me who hadn't seen Pokémon asked skeptically, "Is Pokémon really that good?"
Yamamoto Asuka nodded emphatically and said loudly with a serious expression, "Of course it's good! It's absolutely amazing! Even better than Astro Boy!"
"Yeah, yeah, I think Pokémon is better than Astro Boy. Pikachu is super cute and brave. Even when facing a powerful Seraphim, it's not afraid!" Another classmate who had watched Pokémon immediately chimed in.
After finishing, Yamamoto Asuka chatted with his friends about the plot of the first episode, and even gave a vivid performance.
Asuka Yamamoto shouted, "Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
The other kids chimed in, chanting, "Pikachu!!!"
...
Needless to say, Pokémon quickly spread among the kids.
The number of people watching Pokémon on TV surged the day it aired.
On the third day, the villainous Team Rocket made their appearance. Their opening remarks immediately attracted the attention of Yamamoto Asuka and the others.
The next day at school, the students immediately started talking about the Rockets.
Do you guys remember the Rockets' opening remarks?
"I remember, I remember!" Yamamoto Asuka shouted, then began to imitate vividly, "Since you've asked so sincerely, we'll mercifully tell you. To prevent the world from being destroyed, to protect world peace, to uphold love and truth in evil, the lovable and charming villains: Musashi and Kojiro. We are Team Rocket, blasting off into the galaxy, a white hole, a white tomorrow awaits us!"
As soon as he finished speaking, his friends around him couldn't help but look at him with admiration, which made Asuka Yamamoto happy all day.
May 31st marked the sixth day of the Pokémon anime's broadcast.
Pokémon has become a huge hit in Japan. Kids are all watching this anime, and they talk about it all the time at school. If someone doesn't know about this anime, they're out of touch and might not even be able to play with their friends.
At this moment, many retailers who have partnered with Wujiang Group are so excited they can't sleep.
The "Qiongqi 1 Home Game Console" comes with a game cartridge that includes a game called "Pokémon"!!
"I have a feeling that the 'Qiongqi 1 Home Game Console' is going to be a hit. All departments should pay attention to promoting and publicizing this game console. Pokémon became a sensation in Japan in just six days, so the game of the same name will definitely be a big seller!"
Renzo Yoshida, a senior executive in the marketing department of Yamada Denki, Japan's largest electronics retailer, hurriedly reminded his subordinates to pay attention to the release of the "Qiongqi 1 home game console".
"Perhaps, a worthy opponent to challenge Nintendo has finally arrived!" Yoshida Renzo muttered to himself.
P.S.: Two more chapters to go
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
