Kuroyama Sumiji

Who is Kuroyama Sumiji?

At first glance, it seems like a simple question, which is answered with a google-chan search. However, it is directed at me. It is directed at my perceptions of him.

The answer, from the shortest to a brief monologue, will be enough for these journalists to write many articles on this. Whatever information they give, whether it is true or not, will be popular these days, more so if it focuses on him. The creator of a new cinematic current in Japan and Asia in general, he has surpassed the perceptions I had about his ambition and purpose.

Right now, I like the media more. They never change; at least, they're not as hard to read. They are not as hard to deal with as my daily life. So I can be sure they won't risk much either. Not for now.

Their microphones are still waiting for a masterful answer, or maybe even a raw truth? It's a pity, since Kuroyama Sumiji is a person. No one can deny it at a glance. However, I sometimes doubt his humanity, or reasoning in general. Though that's not why my words will be so kind as to describe him that way.

If I wanted to describe Kuroyama Sumiji with any word it would be a stranger. Not as a stranger tending to the repulsive or the unknown, but the eccentric.

Different from the wanderings of a chuunibyou, closer to genius. Not for nothing was he recognized as a great film director by multiple European academies, but, when I met him, I knew nothing about it. I doubt it was my fault; the greatest international exponents, if it wasn't about super depressing themes, would be Ghibli films or some anime house. Lastly, the bastard didn't even reach more than 10 productions as such here in Japan.

Yeah, maybe that's why, I pushed my luck so easily back then. Just one damn afternoon.

— Oi, Hachiman

The usual quiet routine was interrupted by the patriarch of the house. Although he doesn't usually stay at home most of the time, this is his vacation and, according to what he said, this time it will only be for a few days. Are you okay, father? They're called vacations for a reason, not double pay dates. Anyway, today is one of those few days I see him lounging around in the living room, sitting in front of the TV. On the other hand, Komachi and Okka-san are out shopping. I, like any teenager after recovering from a car injury, play with Vita-chan in the living room.

— Yes, Ottou-san?

I don't remember our last conversation beyond dry exchanges about any nonsense. Nor do I have faith that they will change so soon. What's more, I'm terrified at the thought of such an abrupt change just like that out of the blue.

— A distant cousin of mine is coming from Europe. Since he has no place to stay, I've told him to come here.

Well? Apparently, we're taking in a stranger into the house, what's the worst that could happen?

— I… see

Obviously not. Have you even told anyone else? The entrance to the house isn't yours alone.

— You have to pick him up from Chiba Station, if you leave now you'll be on time.

So fast you assume I'll listen, it's not like I ever refused either; really, a sad development for me and my dreamy quiet afternoon.

— Well, then I'll go. What's his name?

— His name? He's my distant cousin, Kuroyama Sumiji, he must be about... thirty maybe.

If you don't even know something so basic about him, aren't you erring on the side of trust, corporate slave-san?

— How do I recognize him?

— Let's see. He's probably with his recording equipment. He's probably filming the surroundings or something.

So... A cameraman? No, I'm not going to jump the gun just yet.

Okay? No, I am not going to rush.

— Okay, I'm leaving

— Take care.

To my good fortune, the afternoon light was still on along with a refreshing breeze. So I was able to shake off the cruel dehydration of other days.

Arriving at my destination, it wasn't hard to find. You can't always see just anyone with a camera, high quality apparently, on his shoulder. Next to him, two large black suitcases on wheels, thank goodness.

— Oi, oji-san

His gaze identified me immediately. Now, suspect-san, will you say something?

— I see, brat, you must be Soichiro's son, right?

— So, Kuroyama-san?

— Himself, lead the way.

The way home was a total rush. Anyone would think that the man at my side would follow the unspoken agreement of Yes/No questions and leave large gaps of silence between each question. This was not the case. He turned out to be chatty and curious about my father's family life, which I didn't hesitate for a second to reveal (It's your fault Dad). On top of that, he turned out to be an avid candy eater, did he tell me? Not at all. The money he carried was generously borrowed.

And, just like that, we arrived home.

— Kuroyama-san, aren't you going to pay me back the money I lent you?

— How about asking for something in return. If I can fulfill it, we'll call it even, okay?

— Alright then. I want to appear as a Max Coffee figure.

A few seconds of silence and Kuroyama-san's serious expression was still as unreadable.

— Take your money, you'd better.

— Oi, it's too soon.

I stand corrected, his only expression is pure sarcasm and malice.

— I'm just kidding, we'll have to see your ability first. If you help me in the afternoons, you'll be in the commercials for every coffee can.

Oh, is this a free job offer, aren't you afraid of Japan's Moral Guardians? Has being in a foreign land for so long changed your world view? Besides, Max Coffee may be a little-known brand outside of Japan, but that doesn't mean that any newbie, to my misfortune, can be their image just like that.

— Hmph, if you have a better joke, say it now.

— I can be very sarcastic at times, but I don't lack an eye for talent or effort.

Please don't get my hopes up. I have enough to do with my history and literature teacher.

— Jo, then, how would you compare me to... I don't know, Arnold Schwarzenegger?

— If we start from a dog to a dragon, you'd be a pitiful lizard.

— How convenient, you'd be an owl?

— No, we, the directors, don't fall into that category. We are humans observing the battle of the titans.

What? I don't think it's that big of a deal.

— I don't think it's that big of a deal either.

— That's what amateurs always say. Well, you'll learn the hard way, brat.

— I'd rather get my eight hours of sleep, please.

— Well, it's settled. I'll ask your father if you can go to Tokyo for a few days.

Yes, not a very memorable memory to tell. Then I met Yonagi Kei, a real genius, a monster.

There began my odyssey.

Hello, everyone. Greetings from your busy writer of university reports!

Well, is my first attempt at writing in English... with google-chan. XD

First of all, this does not influence the publication of chapters in the other work.

I hope you enjoyed the reading. Don't hesitate to comment and criticize, it makes a writer better.

Without further ado, see you next time.

!