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10/13/06: Suwacchi Anime Diary - October 9, 2006
The weekly column by Michihiko Suwa, the Yomiuri TV producer
October 9, 2006 Original Japanese text
(Not touching on the InuYasha TV series)
Last week, at a studio in Minato, Tokyo, the dubbing of Kekkaishi Episode 6 was done. Its atmosphere was good because there were both cozy feeling and tension. It took 3 hours to finish it.
Afterward, like usual, more than 20 persons of voice actors/actresses and staffers, and I went to a certain restaurant near the studio to hold a dinner. It was me who requested to adjust the beginning time of a dubbing so that its end time corresponded to eating time. This is very important thing! At the dinner, we were talking about various things with drinking vines and sake. Among the participants, there were some people with whom I met, worked, and had dinner for the first time. Talking about anything with them was so interesting that we usually continued a dinner chat for 4 or 5 hours.
Ms. Rie Saito (Rie Saitō), being a hard drinker unexpectedly, as Tokine Yukimura, Mr. Yoshiyuki Yoshino, being vigorous always, as Yoshimori Sumimura, Mr. Yohei Tadano (Yōhei Tadano), being the same character as Shigemori Sumimura he plays, Ms. Mayumi Tanaka, looking like made-younger Tokiko Yukimura she plays, and so on, participate in the dinner every time. Mr. Kenji Kodama, the director, and Ms. Eriko Kimura, the music director. Mr. Naohiro Ogata, a Sunrise producer and other staffers also come there. Even though we always occupy a room, it's as loud as their voices go through a wall because they are too vigorous in addition of being the voice actors' voice. At the last week dinner, we all wrote messages on a large Kekkaishi poster that I requested the restaurant to put up on a wall, and the voice actors did reply of a scene that many kinds of ayakashi (yokai, demons) appeared and cried in a same curious voice. It was enjoyable time.
I buy vines on the net and send a dozen of them to the restaurant for drinking with all every week. It’s surprising that the vines always get empty. But I'm caring if there is no problem despite the fact that they occupy the refrigerator of the restaurant. As written above, the production of Kekkaishi is progressing smoothly with the good teamwork.
Finally, at 7 pm on October 16, a new program Kekkaishi does start to run. In the initial airing, not only episode 1 but also episode 2 are broadcast. Because of the opening (intro) and ending (closing) movies were not completed by the premiere show, the 16th day is the first to unveil them. For a while, you can listen both songs of the movies only in the program. Moreover, we elaborated the scheme of the program in many ways. One of them is a scene of showing sponsors. As for Detective Conan (Case Closed), Conan announces, "This program is brought to you by the following sponsors..." In Kekkaishi, how is it created? Please wait for the answer till the airing.The broadcasting of the 16th day contains many services, for example, the part before the opening movie is a special version, and amazing news is superimposed in the last part. Please don't miss a detail as well.
The episodes themselves of course have many highlights. I want you to focus on a difference in color between Kekkai of Yoshimori and Tokine, and cool smooth movies of Kekkai techniques that you watch for the first time. In addition, a conflict and difference between the Sumimura and Yukimura families headed by very energetic grandfather and grandmother, respectively. And what I desire you to check the most strongly is what happened to Yoshimori and Tokine and what made them want to get strong. Watching the 60 minutes, you can surely understand the background. On the poster of Kekkaishi, a catchphrase "We go to school even at night" is printed. I think it's pretty good because of implying many things. Please turn in to Kekkaishi on the 16th day and participate in this unique story. And don't hesitate to leave your feeling and opinions on a guest book at the official website.
October 9, 2006 Original Japanese text
(Not touching on the InuYasha TV series)
Last week, at a studio in Minato, Tokyo, the dubbing of Kekkaishi Episode 6 was done. Its atmosphere was good because there were both cozy feeling and tension. It took 3 hours to finish it.
Afterward, like usual, more than 20 persons of voice actors/actresses and staffers, and I went to a certain restaurant near the studio to hold a dinner. It was me who requested to adjust the beginning time of a dubbing so that its end time corresponded to eating time. This is very important thing! At the dinner, we were talking about various things with drinking vines and sake. Among the participants, there were some people with whom I met, worked, and had dinner for the first time. Talking about anything with them was so interesting that we usually continued a dinner chat for 4 or 5 hours.
Ms. Rie Saito (Rie Saitō), being a hard drinker unexpectedly, as Tokine Yukimura, Mr. Yoshiyuki Yoshino, being vigorous always, as Yoshimori Sumimura, Mr. Yohei Tadano (Yōhei Tadano), being the same character as Shigemori Sumimura he plays, Ms. Mayumi Tanaka, looking like made-younger Tokiko Yukimura she plays, and so on, participate in the dinner every time. Mr. Kenji Kodama, the director, and Ms. Eriko Kimura, the music director. Mr. Naohiro Ogata, a Sunrise producer and other staffers also come there. Even though we always occupy a room, it's as loud as their voices go through a wall because they are too vigorous in addition of being the voice actors' voice. At the last week dinner, we all wrote messages on a large Kekkaishi poster that I requested the restaurant to put up on a wall, and the voice actors did reply of a scene that many kinds of ayakashi (yokai, demons) appeared and cried in a same curious voice. It was enjoyable time.
I buy vines on the net and send a dozen of them to the restaurant for drinking with all every week. It’s surprising that the vines always get empty. But I'm caring if there is no problem despite the fact that they occupy the refrigerator of the restaurant. As written above, the production of Kekkaishi is progressing smoothly with the good teamwork.
Finally, at 7 pm on October 16, a new program Kekkaishi does start to run. In the initial airing, not only episode 1 but also episode 2 are broadcast. Because of the opening (intro) and ending (closing) movies were not completed by the premiere show, the 16th day is the first to unveil them. For a while, you can listen both songs of the movies only in the program. Moreover, we elaborated the scheme of the program in many ways. One of them is a scene of showing sponsors. As for Detective Conan (Case Closed), Conan announces, "This program is brought to you by the following sponsors..." In Kekkaishi, how is it created? Please wait for the answer till the airing.The broadcasting of the 16th day contains many services, for example, the part before the opening movie is a special version, and amazing news is superimposed in the last part. Please don't miss a detail as well.
The episodes themselves of course have many highlights. I want you to focus on a difference in color between Kekkai of Yoshimori and Tokine, and cool smooth movies of Kekkai techniques that you watch for the first time. In addition, a conflict and difference between the Sumimura and Yukimura families headed by very energetic grandfather and grandmother, respectively. And what I desire you to check the most strongly is what happened to Yoshimori and Tokine and what made them want to get strong. Watching the 60 minutes, you can surely understand the background. On the poster of Kekkaishi, a catchphrase "We go to school even at night" is printed. I think it's pretty good because of implying many things. Please turn in to Kekkaishi on the 16th day and participate in this unique story. And don't hesitate to leave your feeling and opinions on a guest book at the official website.
10/04/06: Suwacchi Anime Diary - October 3, 2006
The weekly column by Michihiko Suwa, the Yomiuri TV producer
October 3, 2006 Original Japanese text
Today, I'm going to talk about Kekkaishi, the new program starting on October 16. Last week, At Tokyo Anime Center in Akihabara, Tokyo, its preview show was hold twice for persons concerned and the general public selected by lot, respectively. Mr. Yoshiyuki Yukino as Yoshimori Sumimura, Ms. Rie Saito as Tokine Yukimura, Mr. Masanori Ishii (a member of a comedy group named Ari to Kirigirisu) as Shirao, and Ms. Saya Kazuki as Yurina Kanda gave a speech after the first preview show. Thanks to Ishii-san's amusing talk, the hall was full of laughter. The preview show was very enjoyable.
Hearing various impressions from the persons concerned, I was very glad that almost all of them seemed satisfied very much with high-quality pictures and sound, the friendly plot, the visualization of the Kekkai magic they saw first.
In the preview show, Episodes 1 and 2 being broadcasted on October 16 were screened. They were made very excellently. Both theme songs and acting performances were good as well. Since the hall had high-quality audio equipment, the music and the sound effect impressed me. Because sounds in a scene that Kekkai (a magical barrier) was formed were created with many efforts, I believe they become very realistic. Mr. Hideyuki Tomioka, the chief producer, Mr. Hayashi, the editor in chief of Shonen Sunday and I made a speech and expressed the eagerness to Kekkaishi before the preview show. I'm going to struggle with it.
New information about the program will be announced gradually. Please check the official website. An advertising show is decided to air on TV as a following schedule: Tokyo 10/13, 4:00 – 4:30 pm; Osaka 10/14, 11:00 – 11:30 am and 10/15 1:40 – 2:5 am. Ari to Kirigirisu (a comedy group) and Kazuki-san will explain the Kekkaishi world amusingly in the show.
At Tokyo Anime Center, a booth displaying pre-released Kekkaishi stuffs has been set up. Because many foreigners visit there, I wish the booth make Kekkaishi popular on a global scale. If you get interested in it, please go and see it. The preview show is given in Osaka next week. Please check its information as well.
By the way, I made a trip to Miyako Island in Okinawa with about 30 persons of team members and voice actors/actresses of the InuYasha series. The InuYasha team trip done in autumn every year reaches the fifth time. Everyone calls the trips The Tessaiga Tour. The participants are Mr. Wada, the musician, staffers in related companies such as Shogakukan and avex, voice actors/actresses such as Mr. Yamaguchi and Ms. Watanabe and so on. The InuYasha team keeps a friendly teamwork even after the end of the broadcasting. We enjoyed taking a boat and diving with a snorkel and doing many things.
This time, together with a couple of persons, I went and saw Tarama Island's Hachigatsu Odori (the August dance) of being an officially-designated important intangible cultural heritage. It's in general hard to go and see it. Some hours spending with surrounded by things like flowing spirits has been unforgettable. Because this visit to Miyako Island was the fourth time, we could get friendly with local people like women singing folk songs and salespersons. I feel very grateful for being looked after.
At night, with drinking wines and awamori, an Okinawa-locally-brewed sake, we discussed scenes in the recent development of InuYasha; for example, the death of Kikyo, and many things about InuYasha.
Though we had a bad weather in some of the past Tessaiga tours, the weather in this trip was very good. We were pleased with this trip completely. Despite the fact that a flight cancellation occurred due to a typhoon in a past trip, over 90% of the previous participants took part in this trip again. I think it proves a strong solidarity of the InuYasha team.
At last, can you enjoy the Conan Festival on October 2, a special long program of Detective Conan? Did you watch both the movie Countdown to Heaven and the live-action drama The Letter of Challenge To Shinishi Kudo – The Prolog prior to Good-bye? I'm considering the serialization of the live action drama if possible. I wish those who have impression and opinions about the Conan Festival to post comments to the guest book on the official website. I'm looking forward to your impression and opinion!
Reports and pictures of the preview show in Tokyo
The official website
http://www.ytv.co.jp/kekkaishi/popup/report.html
Mainichi Shimbun
http://www.mainichi-msn.co.jp/entertainment/manga/graph/20060926/
October 3, 2006 Original Japanese text
Voice actores/actresses of the main characters. From left to right: Waki, Yoshino, Saito, and Ishii. This Picture is originally displayed on the official website
Today, I'm going to talk about Kekkaishi, the new program starting on October 16. Last week, At Tokyo Anime Center in Akihabara, Tokyo, its preview show was hold twice for persons concerned and the general public selected by lot, respectively. Mr. Yoshiyuki Yukino as Yoshimori Sumimura, Ms. Rie Saito as Tokine Yukimura, Mr. Masanori Ishii (a member of a comedy group named Ari to Kirigirisu) as Shirao, and Ms. Saya Kazuki as Yurina Kanda gave a speech after the first preview show. Thanks to Ishii-san's amusing talk, the hall was full of laughter. The preview show was very enjoyable.
Hearing various impressions from the persons concerned, I was very glad that almost all of them seemed satisfied very much with high-quality pictures and sound, the friendly plot, the visualization of the Kekkai magic they saw first.
In the preview show, Episodes 1 and 2 being broadcasted on October 16 were screened. They were made very excellently. Both theme songs and acting performances were good as well. Since the hall had high-quality audio equipment, the music and the sound effect impressed me. Because sounds in a scene that Kekkai (a magical barrier) was formed were created with many efforts, I believe they become very realistic. Mr. Hideyuki Tomioka, the chief producer, Mr. Hayashi, the editor in chief of Shonen Sunday and I made a speech and expressed the eagerness to Kekkaishi before the preview show. I'm going to struggle with it.
New information about the program will be announced gradually. Please check the official website. An advertising show is decided to air on TV as a following schedule: Tokyo 10/13, 4:00 – 4:30 pm; Osaka 10/14, 11:00 – 11:30 am and 10/15 1:40 – 2:5 am. Ari to Kirigirisu (a comedy group) and Kazuki-san will explain the Kekkaishi world amusingly in the show.
At Tokyo Anime Center, a booth displaying pre-released Kekkaishi stuffs has been set up. Because many foreigners visit there, I wish the booth make Kekkaishi popular on a global scale. If you get interested in it, please go and see it. The preview show is given in Osaka next week. Please check its information as well.
By the way, I made a trip to Miyako Island in Okinawa with about 30 persons of team members and voice actors/actresses of the InuYasha series. The InuYasha team trip done in autumn every year reaches the fifth time. Everyone calls the trips The Tessaiga Tour. The participants are Mr. Wada, the musician, staffers in related companies such as Shogakukan and avex, voice actors/actresses such as Mr. Yamaguchi and Ms. Watanabe and so on. The InuYasha team keeps a friendly teamwork even after the end of the broadcasting. We enjoyed taking a boat and diving with a snorkel and doing many things.
This time, together with a couple of persons, I went and saw Tarama Island's Hachigatsu Odori (the August dance) of being an officially-designated important intangible cultural heritage. It's in general hard to go and see it. Some hours spending with surrounded by things like flowing spirits has been unforgettable. Because this visit to Miyako Island was the fourth time, we could get friendly with local people like women singing folk songs and salespersons. I feel very grateful for being looked after.
At night, with drinking wines and awamori, an Okinawa-locally-brewed sake, we discussed scenes in the recent development of InuYasha; for example, the death of Kikyo, and many things about InuYasha.
Though we had a bad weather in some of the past Tessaiga tours, the weather in this trip was very good. We were pleased with this trip completely. Despite the fact that a flight cancellation occurred due to a typhoon in a past trip, over 90% of the previous participants took part in this trip again. I think it proves a strong solidarity of the InuYasha team.
At last, can you enjoy the Conan Festival on October 2, a special long program of Detective Conan? Did you watch both the movie Countdown to Heaven and the live-action drama The Letter of Challenge To Shinishi Kudo – The Prolog prior to Good-bye? I'm considering the serialization of the live action drama if possible. I wish those who have impression and opinions about the Conan Festival to post comments to the guest book on the official website. I'm looking forward to your impression and opinion!
Reports and pictures of the preview show in Tokyo
The official website
http://www.ytv.co.jp/kekkaishi/popup/report.html
Mainichi Shimbun
http://www.mainichi-msn.co.jp/entertainment/manga/graph/20060926/
03/02/05: Suwacchi Anime Diary - March 2, 2005
The weekly column by Michihiko Suwa, the Yomiuri TV producer
March 2, 2005 Original Japanese text
Last week, 33 members of InuYasha team went to the Hakone hot spring to discuss InuYasha's future. We were glad that Mr. Kappei Yamaguchi (voice actor of InuYasha), Mr. Kaoru Wada (the composer of the sound tracks) and Ms. Rumiko Takahashi (the creator) also participated in this trip. Thanks to you all, the movie 4 had a success. We give thanks to fans who went to theaters. Between June and August, videos and DVDs of InuYasha TV series will be released. The compilation of Mr. Wada's music is lined up as well, which consists of two editions: TV edition and movies edition. Because Mr. Wada brought the demonstration tape in the trip, with listening the music with everyone, we drank pleasantly. This trip made us reaffirm InuYasha team's good teamwork. In the future, favoring the manga series, we want to tie it up to anime development. Because in addition that InuYasha team's members are all as burning as ever, the wonderful magna story has been in progress. The chapter in the manga series is coming close to the 400th. Please keep waiting further information about InuYasha.
On the another hand, the sell of advanced tickets for the new Conan (Case closed) movie starts on March 1. When you purchase the ticket at a theater, you can get a clear movie file folder illustrated by Mr. Aoyama as the special favor. Because the movie file folders are prepared only in a limited quantity, I wish you to buy the advanced ticket as soon as possible. To tell the truth, the movie file folders are as popular among the Conan anime team as a scramble occurs. Because the movie file folders have been produced every movie, that is, there are as many as nine types, it is difficult for even the staff member to collect all the types. Moreover, even if members who have used the movie file folders get to require the mint ones, they become out of stock by that time.
The new Conan movie is the first dual mystery. More advance hints are dropped than the past Conan movies. It is a bit difficult to explain what is dual. Since Conan is a mystery, I have always troubled over how much of information I talk about. There are many things I want to tell, but they must be kept secret, so that it is always hard to advertise the movie in interviews. One thing I can say is that Kogorou (Richard) is a key person. Many hints are hidden in his behavior. Because the Kogorou actives, don't miss it! A lot of voice actors including experts are cast, please check them as well!
March 2, 2005 Original Japanese text
Last week, 33 members of InuYasha team went to the Hakone hot spring to discuss InuYasha's future. We were glad that Mr. Kappei Yamaguchi (voice actor of InuYasha), Mr. Kaoru Wada (the composer of the sound tracks) and Ms. Rumiko Takahashi (the creator) also participated in this trip. Thanks to you all, the movie 4 had a success. We give thanks to fans who went to theaters. Between June and August, videos and DVDs of InuYasha TV series will be released. The compilation of Mr. Wada's music is lined up as well, which consists of two editions: TV edition and movies edition. Because Mr. Wada brought the demonstration tape in the trip, with listening the music with everyone, we drank pleasantly. This trip made us reaffirm InuYasha team's good teamwork. In the future, favoring the manga series, we want to tie it up to anime development. Because in addition that InuYasha team's members are all as burning as ever, the wonderful magna story has been in progress. The chapter in the manga series is coming close to the 400th. Please keep waiting further information about InuYasha.
On the another hand, the sell of advanced tickets for the new Conan (Case closed) movie starts on March 1. When you purchase the ticket at a theater, you can get a clear movie file folder illustrated by Mr. Aoyama as the special favor. Because the movie file folders are prepared only in a limited quantity, I wish you to buy the advanced ticket as soon as possible. To tell the truth, the movie file folders are as popular among the Conan anime team as a scramble occurs. Because the movie file folders have been produced every movie, that is, there are as many as nine types, it is difficult for even the staff member to collect all the types. Moreover, even if members who have used the movie file folders get to require the mint ones, they become out of stock by that time.
The new Conan movie is the first dual mystery. More advance hints are dropped than the past Conan movies. It is a bit difficult to explain what is dual. Since Conan is a mystery, I have always troubled over how much of information I talk about. There are many things I want to tell, but they must be kept secret, so that it is always hard to advertise the movie in interviews. One thing I can say is that Kogorou (Richard) is a key person. Many hints are hidden in his behavior. Because the Kogorou actives, don't miss it! A lot of voice actors including experts are cast, please check them as well!
12/27/04: Suwacchi Anime Diary - December 27, 2004
The weekly column by Michihiko Suwa, the Yomiuri TV producer
December 27, 2004 Original Japanese text
On the 23rd, the premier of "InuYasha – Fire on the Mystic Island" came, and I took part in its curtain speech, too. During the morning, a curtain speech for "Hamtaro Movie series - Hamtaro and the picture-book tower of wonderful ogres" took place. Hamtaro, Aya Matsuura-chan, who performed a voice of AyaHam, and EkoMoni appeared. Including fans of Aya-chan, the theater was crowded with many audiences. In the afternoon, The InuYasha team did make a curtain speech. In the first turn, Kappei Yamaguchi-kun, Ken Narita-kun and director Toshiya Shinohara attended. Moreover, Ban Tomiko-san and Ryo Owatari-san, who performed the movie 4 theme song, Rakuen, thankfully came there as well. Do as Infinity tried dubbing of the movie for the first time. Ban-san and Owatari-san played Princess Kanade and a villager A, respectively. Because Princess Kanade had a lot of lines, assisted by Yamaguchi-kun and Satsuki-chan, she endeavored. She said: "Though it was pleasant, difficult," and talked about the impression of the dubbing and the song. Additionally, a Nihon TV announcer Nobuko Miyazaki-san, who emceed the curtain speeches, performed Firefly A, too. The curtain speech warmed up very much so that Yamaguchi-kun and Narita-san mentioned another anime works in mid-sentence and got off the track. The theater was packed. There appeared to be many young women as well as children. Because Narika-kun was popular among women as good as stars; some women waved fans drawn his name, others yelled "Narita saaaan" in a shrill voice. In the second turn, I also talked from the stage. When I was asked why InuYasha became a big hit in the US, I said, "InuYasha’s advantage is a family bond. The family bonds both among staffers being centered on Rumiko Takahashi-sensei and among characters being centered on InuYasha are a factor of the hits, I think."
On January 10 of next year, we show the last-year movie: "InuYasha – Swords of an honorable ruler" on TV. Because various CDs such as Rakuen and the Sound Tracks are brought to views as presents, don’t forget to watch the program.
This is a last modification of the Anime Diary in 2004. I feel I have a hectic year because InuYasha series ended, Black Jack series started, and the Movie "InuYasha – Fire on the mystic Island" was theatrically released. It is very hard to start a new program. But, indeed I have been very busy, I am content to spend a fruitful year.
We hope your support for Black Jack, Detective Conan, and InuYasha: Yomiuri TV anime programs also next year.
December 27, 2004 Original Japanese text
On the 23rd, the premier of "InuYasha – Fire on the Mystic Island" came, and I took part in its curtain speech, too. During the morning, a curtain speech for "Hamtaro Movie series - Hamtaro and the picture-book tower of wonderful ogres" took place. Hamtaro, Aya Matsuura-chan, who performed a voice of AyaHam, and EkoMoni appeared. Including fans of Aya-chan, the theater was crowded with many audiences. In the afternoon, The InuYasha team did make a curtain speech. In the first turn, Kappei Yamaguchi-kun, Ken Narita-kun and director Toshiya Shinohara attended. Moreover, Ban Tomiko-san and Ryo Owatari-san, who performed the movie 4 theme song, Rakuen, thankfully came there as well. Do as Infinity tried dubbing of the movie for the first time. Ban-san and Owatari-san played Princess Kanade and a villager A, respectively. Because Princess Kanade had a lot of lines, assisted by Yamaguchi-kun and Satsuki-chan, she endeavored. She said: "Though it was pleasant, difficult," and talked about the impression of the dubbing and the song. Additionally, a Nihon TV announcer Nobuko Miyazaki-san, who emceed the curtain speeches, performed Firefly A, too. The curtain speech warmed up very much so that Yamaguchi-kun and Narita-san mentioned another anime works in mid-sentence and got off the track. The theater was packed. There appeared to be many young women as well as children. Because Narika-kun was popular among women as good as stars; some women waved fans drawn his name, others yelled "Narita saaaan" in a shrill voice. In the second turn, I also talked from the stage. When I was asked why InuYasha became a big hit in the US, I said, "InuYasha’s advantage is a family bond. The family bonds both among staffers being centered on Rumiko Takahashi-sensei and among characters being centered on InuYasha are a factor of the hits, I think."
On January 10 of next year, we show the last-year movie: "InuYasha – Swords of an honorable ruler" on TV. Because various CDs such as Rakuen and the Sound Tracks are brought to views as presents, don’t forget to watch the program.
This is a last modification of the Anime Diary in 2004. I feel I have a hectic year because InuYasha series ended, Black Jack series started, and the Movie "InuYasha – Fire on the mystic Island" was theatrically released. It is very hard to start a new program. But, indeed I have been very busy, I am content to spend a fruitful year.
We hope your support for Black Jack, Detective Conan, and InuYasha: Yomiuri TV anime programs also next year.
12/20/04: Suwacchi Anime Diary - December 20, 2004
The weekly column by Michihiko Suwa, the Yomiuri TV producer
December 20, 2004 Original Japanese text
In this time, I am going to report an event "InuYasha thanksgiving fair." It was held on December 12, 2004 at Hibiya Open-air stage in Tokyo. Unfortunately, it was bad weather on the day. the temperature was as low as 8º C (46º F) even at 12 pm . It also rained. The staff and I were trembling with saying "cold! cold!" Even so, as many as 1500 fans came. It stopped to rain around the start of the event. Voice actors and actress, Mr. Kappei Yamaguchi (InuYasha), Ms. Satsuki Yukino (Kagome), Mr. Koji Tsujitani (Miroku), Ms. Hoko Kuwashima (Sango), Ms. Kumiko Watanabe (Shippo) and others appeared on stage. With Mr. Hasegawa (announcer of Bunka Housou Radio, a host of Anime scramble) and Ms. Mamiko Noto (Rin) emceeing, the event started.
The site was filled with excitement during the event, which warmed up the whole site. Amusing games and shows took place. For example, we played games named "Searching Shards of Shikon" that audiences searched shards of Shikon hidden in the site together with the voice actors, and "Shippo's Ball Delivery" that the audiences rolled a big Shippo-shaped balloon with undulating. Moreover, we showed famous scenes and favorite lines selected by the voice actors on a big screen, and brought on overseas InuYasha-group cosplayers. At last, Ms. Noto did a reading of Ms. Takahashi's letter to the voice actors. Hearing it, a certain actress was moved to tears. Accordingly the event ended in a triumph. In a closing address I said "Let's let 2005 be the year of InuYasha, too," and the audiences responded loudly. I was grateful that the cast and all the audiences could feel united and all the members of the cast got a feeling that they wanted to hold the event again. I became convinced of a big hit of the movie 4 "InuYasha Fire on the Mystic Island" that is theatrically released on the 23rd. It was a great pleasure to be able to confirm the fans' enthusiasm for InuYasha and the ties between the cast and the fans even after the end of its TV series.
Because curtain speeches will take place in Tokyo and Osaka on the premiere, I wish you to come to the theaters. Shippo, Miroku and Kagome are to visit Osaka, and InuYasha, Do as Infinity and I are to go to Tokyo. In addition, hosted by Mr. Tomonori Jinnai who performed in the movie as a voice actor, a promoting TV program titled "Come! Tomonori Jinnai's InuYasha Theater" is scheduled to air on TV. Please check this page to watch the program:
http://www.ytv.co.jp/inuyasha_movie04/tokuban/tokuban.html
Because it won't rerun except for on Yomiuri TV, if you fail to check the schedule, you may never see it.
December 20, 2004 Original Japanese text
In this time, I am going to report an event "InuYasha thanksgiving fair." It was held on December 12, 2004 at Hibiya Open-air stage in Tokyo. Unfortunately, it was bad weather on the day. the temperature was as low as 8º C (46º F) even at 12 pm . It also rained. The staff and I were trembling with saying "cold! cold!" Even so, as many as 1500 fans came. It stopped to rain around the start of the event. Voice actors and actress, Mr. Kappei Yamaguchi (InuYasha), Ms. Satsuki Yukino (Kagome), Mr. Koji Tsujitani (Miroku), Ms. Hoko Kuwashima (Sango), Ms. Kumiko Watanabe (Shippo) and others appeared on stage. With Mr. Hasegawa (announcer of Bunka Housou Radio, a host of Anime scramble) and Ms. Mamiko Noto (Rin) emceeing, the event started.
The site was filled with excitement during the event, which warmed up the whole site. Amusing games and shows took place. For example, we played games named "Searching Shards of Shikon" that audiences searched shards of Shikon hidden in the site together with the voice actors, and "Shippo's Ball Delivery" that the audiences rolled a big Shippo-shaped balloon with undulating. Moreover, we showed famous scenes and favorite lines selected by the voice actors on a big screen, and brought on overseas InuYasha-group cosplayers. At last, Ms. Noto did a reading of Ms. Takahashi's letter to the voice actors. Hearing it, a certain actress was moved to tears. Accordingly the event ended in a triumph. In a closing address I said "Let's let 2005 be the year of InuYasha, too," and the audiences responded loudly. I was grateful that the cast and all the audiences could feel united and all the members of the cast got a feeling that they wanted to hold the event again. I became convinced of a big hit of the movie 4 "InuYasha Fire on the Mystic Island" that is theatrically released on the 23rd. It was a great pleasure to be able to confirm the fans' enthusiasm for InuYasha and the ties between the cast and the fans even after the end of its TV series.
Because curtain speeches will take place in Tokyo and Osaka on the premiere, I wish you to come to the theaters. Shippo, Miroku and Kagome are to visit Osaka, and InuYasha, Do as Infinity and I are to go to Tokyo. In addition, hosted by Mr. Tomonori Jinnai who performed in the movie as a voice actor, a promoting TV program titled "Come! Tomonori Jinnai's InuYasha Theater" is scheduled to air on TV. Please check this page to watch the program:
http://www.ytv.co.jp/inuyasha_movie04/tokuban/tokuban.html
Because it won't rerun except for on Yomiuri TV, if you fail to check the schedule, you may never see it.
12/06/04: Suwacchi Anime Diary - December 6, 2004
The weekly column by Michihiko Suwa, the Yomiuri TV producer
December 6, 2004 Original Japanese text
This time I'll talk about InuYasha. On the 8th of this month, Avex is to release InuYasha Drama CD. Its title is InuYasha - Hourai Island with the storm and the festival (InuYasha Arashi to Matsuri no Hourai-Jima). It was me who wrote its script. It took a month to complete it. As already written in this diary, I met with typhoon in a trip for Okinawa with the staff this September. Making the use of that incident, I was plotting the story.
For obtaining the very rare sweet named Houraitou which InuYasha members have desired to eat since they heard the rumor, they go to a festival hold in Hourai Island once in a year. If they can clear hurdles such a quiz, they are allowed to entry a competition to obtain Houraitou. But, it seems to be not easy to get Houraitou due to rivals. Before going to Hourai Island in the movie, I wish you to step in Hourai Island in this Drama CD. Moreover, this CD contains the first InuYasha Award as well, which is that the five awards such as “Award for the best duo” and “Award for the unhappiest woman” are founded, and then the most deserved characters are chosen among InuYasha characters. Please check who receives which award by listening to the CD. Additionally, main characters' messages are recorded on the extra track. I expect the messages make you feel their enthusiasm for the movie and the good teamwork.
On the 22nd of December, Soundtrack CD titled InuYasha - Guren no Hourai-Jima Music Series produced by Mr. Kaoru Wada is also released by avex. Please listen to the CD because the large-scaled orchestral sounds with traditional Japanese musical instrument give the atmosphere of the movie before the premiere. The point of the soundtrack is a chorus. The chorus that makes you imagine the characters is included as a movie song related to the story. Don't forget to check who sings the song!
December 6, 2004 Original Japanese text
This time I'll talk about InuYasha. On the 8th of this month, Avex is to release InuYasha Drama CD. Its title is InuYasha - Hourai Island with the storm and the festival (InuYasha Arashi to Matsuri no Hourai-Jima). It was me who wrote its script. It took a month to complete it. As already written in this diary, I met with typhoon in a trip for Okinawa with the staff this September. Making the use of that incident, I was plotting the story.
For obtaining the very rare sweet named Houraitou which InuYasha members have desired to eat since they heard the rumor, they go to a festival hold in Hourai Island once in a year. If they can clear hurdles such a quiz, they are allowed to entry a competition to obtain Houraitou. But, it seems to be not easy to get Houraitou due to rivals. Before going to Hourai Island in the movie, I wish you to step in Hourai Island in this Drama CD. Moreover, this CD contains the first InuYasha Award as well, which is that the five awards such as “Award for the best duo” and “Award for the unhappiest woman” are founded, and then the most deserved characters are chosen among InuYasha characters. Please check who receives which award by listening to the CD. Additionally, main characters' messages are recorded on the extra track. I expect the messages make you feel their enthusiasm for the movie and the good teamwork.
On the 22nd of December, Soundtrack CD titled InuYasha - Guren no Hourai-Jima Music Series produced by Mr. Kaoru Wada is also released by avex. Please listen to the CD because the large-scaled orchestral sounds with traditional Japanese musical instrument give the atmosphere of the movie before the premiere. The point of the soundtrack is a chorus. The chorus that makes you imagine the characters is included as a movie song related to the story. Don't forget to check who sings the song!
The weekly column by Michihiko Suwa, the Yomiuri TV producer
September 22, 2004 Original Japanese text
After the air of the finale of InuYasha, the viewers have posted many comments to the guest book at the official site. We thank you for the many comments. The most comment is the following opinion: "I wish you to resume the air" and "Please continue the show because it has been still the halfway". It appears to me that you have all regarded the finale as the end of Part I. Although the finale seems the forced plot because the manga series continues, I am proud that we can show the viewer the staff's feeling for InuYasha. The Comments about the appreciation to the program also make us very happy. The finale's rating is high. Following the manga series, we are planning to consider projects of the post-movie 4 with all the staff members. Now, Please see the movie 4.
I has, so far, been in charge of many TV anime programs such as City Hunter, YAWARA! and Young Kindaichi's Casebook. But, none the less, it is sad that the air of the program finishes. YAWARA! TV anime series was broadcast from 1989 to September of 1992, when Barcelona Olympics was hold. It stopped despite the manga series had gone on yet like InuYasha. But thanks to viewers' encouragements, in 1996, when Atlanta Olympics took place, the rest of the manga series could be animated, which was shown on TV as a two-hours special. InuYasha also started in 2000, the Sidney Olympics year, and finished in 2004, the Athens Olympics year. I felt a deep emotion because it looked like a circumstance. InuYasha is the second longest anime series among programs I has produced. The longest series is Detective Conan (Case Closed), which still continues.
Voice recordings have been scheduled on a same day of the week every week. But when a new program begins, in many cases, the voice recordings are set to a different day of the week that suits voice actors' schedules. The change in the day of the week varies my daily and bodily rhythms as well. When I feel the change in the rhythms, sometimes, I reawake the realization that the program has ended, and then I feel sad.
September 22, 2004 Original Japanese text
After the air of the finale of InuYasha, the viewers have posted many comments to the guest book at the official site. We thank you for the many comments. The most comment is the following opinion: "I wish you to resume the air" and "Please continue the show because it has been still the halfway". It appears to me that you have all regarded the finale as the end of Part I. Although the finale seems the forced plot because the manga series continues, I am proud that we can show the viewer the staff's feeling for InuYasha. The Comments about the appreciation to the program also make us very happy. The finale's rating is high. Following the manga series, we are planning to consider projects of the post-movie 4 with all the staff members. Now, Please see the movie 4.
I has, so far, been in charge of many TV anime programs such as City Hunter, YAWARA! and Young Kindaichi's Casebook. But, none the less, it is sad that the air of the program finishes. YAWARA! TV anime series was broadcast from 1989 to September of 1992, when Barcelona Olympics was hold. It stopped despite the manga series had gone on yet like InuYasha. But thanks to viewers' encouragements, in 1996, when Atlanta Olympics took place, the rest of the manga series could be animated, which was shown on TV as a two-hours special. InuYasha also started in 2000, the Sidney Olympics year, and finished in 2004, the Athens Olympics year. I felt a deep emotion because it looked like a circumstance. InuYasha is the second longest anime series among programs I has produced. The longest series is Detective Conan (Case Closed), which still continues.
Voice recordings have been scheduled on a same day of the week every week. But when a new program begins, in many cases, the voice recordings are set to a different day of the week that suits voice actors' schedules. The change in the day of the week varies my daily and bodily rhythms as well. When I feel the change in the rhythms, sometimes, I reawake the realization that the program has ended, and then I feel sad.
The weekly column by Michihiko Suwa, the Yomiuri TV producer
September 13, 2004 Original Japanese text
Detective Conan (Case Closed) airing on the 20th is a digitally remastered version of Episode 184: Cursed masks laugh icily (Noroi no Kamen wa Tsumetaku Warau). The original version of the episode was broadcast in 2000. Because it is the first filler double episode, I have a special feeling for the episode. Mr. Ochi who was usually in charge of animation director created the script of the episode. One of the features of Ochi-san's works is twin sisters. Also in this episode, twins show in an interesting setting. The twins look like a perpetrator. But is that true? This episode is one of the best works, where a trick that people who watch it for the first time can't so much as imagine is prepared. I want you to try to fine the perpetrator. I think that the highlight is a scene of a room where 200 eerie masks are scattered. The scene probably has a strong impact on you. Wait till it airs.
In the meantime, do you remember that I wrote in the previous diary that InuYasha Anime team made a trip to Okinawa? In this diary, I'll talk about an accident in the trip. Though we went to Miyako Island in Okinawa, Typhoon Songda hit it during the trip. Of course it is mere accident, but I feel like that the typhoon said, “Don't let the Anime end”. And more, this typhoon caused us unable to go back to Tokyo. But on account of this situation, I felt the members' greatness that I couldn’t understand usually. For example, they warmed up to change the mood, and suggested what to do after that, which made me impressed. I thought the sides different from usual were able to show to me. Owing to that, though it was late to go back to Tokyo, we decided to enjoy a trip that one can experience only in the typhoon, so we watched angry waves from a beach and observed tourist spots and a salt factory in the storm. It was good as well to meet a lot of local people to talk about many things. After all, the trip which was planned to be three-day two-night became five-day four-night. I think the members were in trouble since each member has its own work. But inversely, the solidarity among the InuYasha anime team has gotten stronger thanks to staying together for a long time, I guess. So, first, let's go for the movie!
September 13, 2004 Original Japanese text
Detective Conan (Case Closed) airing on the 20th is a digitally remastered version of Episode 184: Cursed masks laugh icily (Noroi no Kamen wa Tsumetaku Warau). The original version of the episode was broadcast in 2000. Because it is the first filler double episode, I have a special feeling for the episode. Mr. Ochi who was usually in charge of animation director created the script of the episode. One of the features of Ochi-san's works is twin sisters. Also in this episode, twins show in an interesting setting. The twins look like a perpetrator. But is that true? This episode is one of the best works, where a trick that people who watch it for the first time can't so much as imagine is prepared. I want you to try to fine the perpetrator. I think that the highlight is a scene of a room where 200 eerie masks are scattered. The scene probably has a strong impact on you. Wait till it airs.
In the meantime, do you remember that I wrote in the previous diary that InuYasha Anime team made a trip to Okinawa? In this diary, I'll talk about an accident in the trip. Though we went to Miyako Island in Okinawa, Typhoon Songda hit it during the trip. Of course it is mere accident, but I feel like that the typhoon said, “Don't let the Anime end”. And more, this typhoon caused us unable to go back to Tokyo. But on account of this situation, I felt the members' greatness that I couldn’t understand usually. For example, they warmed up to change the mood, and suggested what to do after that, which made me impressed. I thought the sides different from usual were able to show to me. Owing to that, though it was late to go back to Tokyo, we decided to enjoy a trip that one can experience only in the typhoon, so we watched angry waves from a beach and observed tourist spots and a salt factory in the storm. It was good as well to meet a lot of local people to talk about many things. After all, the trip which was planned to be three-day two-night became five-day four-night. I think the members were in trouble since each member has its own work. But inversely, the solidarity among the InuYasha anime team has gotten stronger thanks to staying together for a long time, I guess. So, first, let's go for the movie!
09/08/04: Suwacchi Anime Diary - September 8, 2004
The weekly column by Michihiko Suwa, the Yomiuri TV producer
September 8, 2004 Original Japanese text
I think that the best highlight in the finale of InuYasha aired on the 13th is what happens to the relation between InuYasha and Kagome. Additionally, the appearance of all-star cast, Sesshomaru, Naraku, Kagura, Kanna, Kikyo etc, is one of the highlights as well. With speculating the journey up to the present, InuYasha uses a shard of Shikon and attacks Naraku with Tessaiga. InuYasha and Kagome do the collaborations different from usual. Check what is become of the relation of the two! In the finale, the closing song is so unusual that it will amaze you. Also, the five characters do send you messages in the epilogue. Don't miss it! Though, in the last voice recording, some voice actors and staff members were tearing, the finale could cause you a most agreeable sensation, I suppose. When I watched the completed work, I was also satisfied with it strongly.
I'm very happy to meet with the work “InuYasha” and to produce its TV series that is deeply loved by all. From now, I'll take a trip for Okinawa with 28 persons of the staff and the voice actors. To be honest, Okinawa is related to this work. We have gotten the plot of the movie from an outlying island in Okinawa. After the voice recording, we have often gone to an Okinawa restaurant. “InuYasha” has received power from Okinawa, I think. I don't expect that this trip for Okinawa is the last time. Though the broadcasting is ending, I want to go to Okinawa with all because the manga series has continued and the movie 4 is scheduled to come out. Also after this, we wish to follow “InuYasha”. Wait till the further activity of InuYasha anime team!
September 8, 2004 Original Japanese text
I think that the best highlight in the finale of InuYasha aired on the 13th is what happens to the relation between InuYasha and Kagome. Additionally, the appearance of all-star cast, Sesshomaru, Naraku, Kagura, Kanna, Kikyo etc, is one of the highlights as well. With speculating the journey up to the present, InuYasha uses a shard of Shikon and attacks Naraku with Tessaiga. InuYasha and Kagome do the collaborations different from usual. Check what is become of the relation of the two! In the finale, the closing song is so unusual that it will amaze you. Also, the five characters do send you messages in the epilogue. Don't miss it! Though, in the last voice recording, some voice actors and staff members were tearing, the finale could cause you a most agreeable sensation, I suppose. When I watched the completed work, I was also satisfied with it strongly.
I'm very happy to meet with the work “InuYasha” and to produce its TV series that is deeply loved by all. From now, I'll take a trip for Okinawa with 28 persons of the staff and the voice actors. To be honest, Okinawa is related to this work. We have gotten the plot of the movie from an outlying island in Okinawa. After the voice recording, we have often gone to an Okinawa restaurant. “InuYasha” has received power from Okinawa, I think. I don't expect that this trip for Okinawa is the last time. Though the broadcasting is ending, I want to go to Okinawa with all because the manga series has continued and the movie 4 is scheduled to come out. Also after this, we wish to follow “InuYasha”. Wait till the further activity of InuYasha anime team!
08/24/04: Suwacchi Anime Diary - August 24, 2004
The weekly column by Michihiko Suwa, the Yomiuri TV producer
August 24, 2004 Original Japanese text
On the 14th of this month, we notified on the site that Black Jack is starting at 7:00 PM on the 11th of October, and then the InuYasha message board on this site has received a lot of feedback. I am very pleased that you all seriously think of the work and have posted your feelings for InuYasha. As you have already known, InuYasha is to end at the one-hour special program on the 13th of September. It is due mainly to that the TV series has already caught up to the manga series. Filler and canon episodes have animated alternately so far. But because both restoring Shikon Jewel and beating Naraku are now in process in the manga series, we cannot complete the story in the TV anime series. We, the staff, intend to keep enjoying the further story in the manga series created by Ms. Rumiko Takahashi. At the end of the finale, the five voice actors/actresses are scheduled to send messages to the viewers. Please don't miss it!
The last voice recording took place last week on the 19th. At the time, I gave flowers to Mr. Kappei Yamaguchi (actor of InuYasha) and Ms. Satsuki Yukino (actress of Kagome) and the sound staff. After that, 50 voice actors, actresses and the staff held a party to celebrate the finale. In order to add an extra movie clip to a DVD that is scheduled to go on sale in the US where InuYasha gets very popular, the voice recording and the party scenes, and comments from the voice actors and actresses were recorded with a TV camera, which made the party warm up. In addition that the movie 4 Fire on the Mystic Island (Guren no Hourai-Jima) comes out in theaters this December, sound track CDs, CD dramas and related goods will continuously be released. Also in the future, We, all the staff, have decided to focus our feelings on InuYasha. We would like you all to continue to cheer InuYasha as much as have done till now. InuYasha is a very important work also to the staff. We want to follow the work in some way in the future. Although InuYasha ends, we are going to air good anime works on the block from 7:00 PM through 7:59 PM on Monday for entertaining you all.
August 24, 2004 Original Japanese text
On the 14th of this month, we notified on the site that Black Jack is starting at 7:00 PM on the 11th of October, and then the InuYasha message board on this site has received a lot of feedback. I am very pleased that you all seriously think of the work and have posted your feelings for InuYasha. As you have already known, InuYasha is to end at the one-hour special program on the 13th of September. It is due mainly to that the TV series has already caught up to the manga series. Filler and canon episodes have animated alternately so far. But because both restoring Shikon Jewel and beating Naraku are now in process in the manga series, we cannot complete the story in the TV anime series. We, the staff, intend to keep enjoying the further story in the manga series created by Ms. Rumiko Takahashi. At the end of the finale, the five voice actors/actresses are scheduled to send messages to the viewers. Please don't miss it!
The last voice recording took place last week on the 19th. At the time, I gave flowers to Mr. Kappei Yamaguchi (actor of InuYasha) and Ms. Satsuki Yukino (actress of Kagome) and the sound staff. After that, 50 voice actors, actresses and the staff held a party to celebrate the finale. In order to add an extra movie clip to a DVD that is scheduled to go on sale in the US where InuYasha gets very popular, the voice recording and the party scenes, and comments from the voice actors and actresses were recorded with a TV camera, which made the party warm up. In addition that the movie 4 Fire on the Mystic Island (Guren no Hourai-Jima) comes out in theaters this December, sound track CDs, CD dramas and related goods will continuously be released. Also in the future, We, all the staff, have decided to focus our feelings on InuYasha. We would like you all to continue to cheer InuYasha as much as have done till now. InuYasha is a very important work also to the staff. We want to follow the work in some way in the future. Although InuYasha ends, we are going to air good anime works on the block from 7:00 PM through 7:59 PM on Monday for entertaining you all.
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