Guess I'm forever stuck in Soukoku paradise. FREE! | Bungou Stray Dogs | UtaPri | GRANRODEO | Mamo | Hosoyan ❤ ** SoukokuParadise on AO3 ** Japan-based anime features at #my original content tag ** Translations, headcanons, edits at #my works tag ** Header @aktgwr
(Welcome to The City Where the Wind Blows, Yokohama.)
So I was finally able to go around Yokohama! I’ve been in Tokyo for a year and a half but was only able to do this now (why self why). It’s not my first time in the city though, because of the BSD event last February, but this time I got to literally walk around the city which made me fall in love with it instantly!
I did my research but due to limited time, I only got to drop by a few BSD spots. I’ll definitely come back and walk more next time!
Update: Part 2 ・Part 3・Part 4
(Sorry for the low quality photos but I’d just love to share them still ❤)
Motomachi Road - Episode 2
Chinatown - Episode 9
Red Brick Warehouse - Episode 9
Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall (The Jack) - Episode 9
Yokohama Customs Building (The Queen) - Episode 9
Yokohama Stadium - Episode 9
Yamashita Park - Episode 17
And ofc ofc in front of this blessed statue (still in Yamashita Park)
Featuring embarrassed Soukoku fangirl me lol sorry
(Side story: I was with a friend who isn’t an anime fan but happens to be familiar with this statue as she has seen it on TV dramas a few times. When I showed her the Soukoku art, she said, “Why did they meet here? It’s a dating spot!” And I was like, “Uhm, yeah, that’s exactly why” ＼(*＾▽＾*)／)
Anyway I think I know now why Chuuya loves Yokohama
Yay. I wish I could live here. I wouldn’t mind waking up to this scenery everyday. More like, I would love to!
“良い眺めじゃないか。
君が守ったんだ。君の街だ。”
“僕達が守った街。”
Photos mine. For similar Japan-based original posts, you may follow me or track the #my original content tag on my blog.
Bungo Stray Dogs Anime Stellar Radio Interview - 09/26/2023
Sharing some points from the Anime Stellar Radio Interview with Kadokawa Producer Kurakane Chiaki.
"Asagiri supervises everything."
Kurakane shares that sensei always comes to the anime script meetings and has never missed any, despite his busy schedule.
How Kadokawa met BSD
Kurakane's first encounter with BSD was when she saw it on the cover of Young Ace. The person next to her in the office brought the magazine and she just happened to see it. She was amazed and drawn to Harukawa's character design- its beauty and originality captivated her.
About the Character Design
In BSD, the "silhoutte" of a character is very important and distinctive- even if the drawing is just all black you can tell who the character is. When they selected the main illustrator for the anime, they had animators from Bones submit their pieces anonymously. The one whose silhoutte resembled Harukawa's the most turned out to be Nobuhiro Arai (current Character Designer and Chief Animation Director).
On Atsushi as a Character
The appeal of Atsushi as a character can be seen right from the first scene. Despite thinking that he would have to steal in order to live, upon seeing someone "drowning" in the river, he still chose to save them. He could not go against his good-natured heart and character.
Dazai's Treatment to Atsushi and Akutagawa
Regarding the difference in the treatment of Dazai to Atsushi and Akutagawa, Kurakane thinks that Dazai acts like that because he believes that that is the most effective and appropriate way for each of them. Well we don't really know what Dazai is thinking, and we may not agree with his ways especially with Akutagawa, but in the end it does make Akutagawa hold on to his life (despite having an illness) and strive to become stronger. Dazai may be seeing a bigger picture than all of us and probably in his own way, acting with the words of his late friend in mind.
BSD in Real Life
One of the most memorable characters for Kurakane is Shibusawa Tatsuhiko because they got to meet and even eat together with the real literary master's wife. She also mentions that in BSD collabs with literary museums, they also sometimes meet the relatives of other literary masters.
BSD: A Ten-year Project
The anime started around 7.5 years ago, but for them in the anime production team it actually started 9 years ago. Back then, Kurakane was asked by the company's higher-ups to create something that could continue on for 10 years.
With the main anime series, movies, stage plays, games, Wan! anime, collabs, etc. here and there, Kurakane felt like she's been running for 24h for 365 days, so in all honesty, now that the 5th season is finished, she just wants to sleep well and… play with her cat at home.
Kurakane is also one of the people behind the official Twitter account. She recalls that sometimes when she tweets something late at night (while not checking the time), some fans would leave comments worrying about the staff working too much.
Lily
Kurakane shares that of all the songs in BSD, "Lily" holds a special place in her heart because she remembers Kubodera Akira- Mori's first stage actor who died in suspected suicide- saying that he likes the song a lot.
About 「未了」 (Unfinished)
In "A Perfect Murder and Murderer", the last word on the manuscript of Yokomizo- a writer- which was wet with Mushitaro's tear, is 「了」, which means "finished". To give the BSD anime a more literary feel and tone, they chose to have the 「了」.
In a similar note, while the previous BSD stage plays always ended with 「閉幕」 ("end of play" or literally "closing of curtain"), the last play: Cannibalism used the word 「了」 instead, signifying that the BSD Stage Play, as a whole piece, is "finished".
What BSD Is
Kurakane shares that BSD screenwriter Enokido Yoji once said that if a story of how one becomes successful is what a Shonen manga is, then depicting the journey of a defeated person searching for their place in this world is what Literature is.
Those words really stuck with Kurakane like a guiding principle, and so no matter what media form they create BSD in, they strive to remain faithful to its root.
BSD is relatable, as it properly shows those troubles that anyone of us may be experiencing in our lives. This theme of "struggling"- which in itself is "living"- is what they strive to keep at the heart of BSD.
Future Plans
For now Kurakane can't really say anything about the future of the anime, but as they take a rest she hopes they come up with something good for BSD, in whatever form that may be. The only clear plans that they have right now are the Gakuen game, the expo, and some collabs with museums.
BSD Media Timeline
Asagiri-sensei, Harukawa-sensei, and all the staff of BSD have done so much for us for the past decade. We really should appreciate their hard work more! Please support the official accounts and releases as much as possible!
I’m no longer active on tumblr nowadays, so you may follow me on twitter instead @harukaja15
My translations on tumblr are compiled under the tag #bsd translation and #my works
hello!! do you have to enter a lottery for exhibition tickets? thank you in advance 🙏
Hi! I assume this refers to the Blue Lock exhibit, so yes! The "first selection" involves lottery. There's a general sales after that though, where you can buy tickets as long as stocks last.
For the ongoing Osaka exhibit all remaining days are already sold out right now so if you want to go you might want to try the lottery for the other venues instead 😅💙
Translations for the event on BSD’s official twitter
1. Please introduce yourself.
Chuuya: Self-introduction, huh? Before asking someone's name, isn't it right that you introduce yourself first? Come on, say your name.
... Well, forget it. I won't gain anything by knowing your name anyway.
My name?! How persistent.
It's Chuuya, Nakahara Chuuya.
The name's a bit well-known in my old school, you know.
Verlaine: Have you... ever felt solitude?
True solitude is that of a lone comet that flies in space.
Even a lonely comet with no hope of being healed can still fly side by side with others, as long as they have the same loneliness and the same temperature.
Me? I am Chuuya's brother.
2. Please tell us something memorable that happened today.
Chuuya: I don't want to remember it, but it would be Verlaine coming to school.
Seriously, please stop it.
Don't ride my bike without asking for permission.
Nah, don't ride it even if you ask.
Don't just use stuff from my fridge and make a bento.
I make my own bento, you know!
Verlaine: I rode Chuuya's bicyle and it was a pretty pleasant ride. Aside from that, hmm...
There was a familiar face in Chuuya's school, so I went to "greet" them.
They apparently became a teacher there while I was in France, so I went to ask them to take care of my brother.
However, they were out when I got there, so I will go see them again some other time.
3. Is there anything you're engrossed with recently?
Chuuya: Ever since I transferred here I haven't played it much, but it's billiards.
In my old school, I used to play it with my childhood friends whenever we see each other.
Ah, I hope they're doing well.
When I transferred I got a bicycle from this guy Albatross and I really like it.
It's a bright red and flashy one.
Verlaine: My brother is light in weight so as his brother I am worried.
I have been making "bento" that Gin taught me.
Gin's brother has a weak body and she said that she makes good meals for him too.
That brother's name is uh...
Akutagawa Ryuunosuke, I think?
Once you start it, you'll find it profound and interesting.
So even if Chuuya doesn't like it, I still make it.
Today he forgot the bento, so I took the effort to bring it to him.
I didn't have a bag for it so I put it in my attache case, and the contents of the bento did not get mixed up so I think it's okay.
4. Please tell us your plans for tomorrow.
Chuuya: I'm thinking of meeting my friends in my old school.
Also, I'm wondering how is it going with the guy I fought and parted ways with.
Well, wherever I go I am who I am anyway and there will always be chances to meet as long as we're alive.
How do I say it, I just felt like I want to see them now that I think about it.
Verlaine: This isn't for tomorrow, but it is a season with good weather so I'm thinking of going to a peaceful countryside place with Chuuya.
It would be better if there's a sea.
Yes, only the two of us brothers.
... go on a trip together.
Wouldn't it be nice to have that "what if" scenario?
SK8 Love Masquerade Seiyuu Event – 07/04/2021 Afternoon
Seiyuu Cast:
Hatanaka Tasuku - Reki
Kobayashi Chiaki - Langa
Nagatsuka Takuma - Miya
Miyake Kenta - Shadow
Midorikawa Hikaru - Cherry
Matsumoto Yasunori - Joe
Koyasu Takehito (VTR) - Adam
Ono Kensho (VTR) - Tadashi
Report under the cut!
■ INTRODUCTION
Reki and Langa did the intro (voice over only), where they issued guidelines before the start of the event like not being allowed to eat in the venue (which saddened Langa), and having to turn off their phones (Reki took care of turning off his phone and Langa's). Langa also had a hard time reading some kanji in the guidelines and Reki helped him.
The event of course starts with Adam, appearing in a VTR welcoming everyone to the masquerade. He calls "Langa-kun and the others" to enter the stage. Throughout the event, Adam appears through the VTR as the host of the masquerade.
The seiyuus appeared with masks on (but eventually took them off when they spoke).
■ "OUR INFINITE TALK" CORNER
A "video message" from Koyasu appears as an introduction, though the only thing shown on the video is his mask on top of a table.
Question #1: Since Sk8 is an original anime, you did the acting without knowing how the story would go later on. What development particularly surprised you?
● Koyasu: I didn't expect that Adam would be THIS amazing as a character. I really loved Adam. (VTR shows Adam in the last ep in his funeral outfit and skateboard)
● Nagatsuka: That Langa is TOO good. I thought it would be a story about Reki and Langa moving up the ladder together, but Reki was eventually left out.
● Hatanaka: I was surprised about what happened to Hiromi getting beaten up later on.
Kobayashi: I was surprised that he would end up getting along with everyone, like he's gotten the Mom role now.
Midorikawa: He's indeed gotten cuter towards the end.
Matsumoto: We were talking in the backstage earlier how there would be a spin-off where the Manager falls in love with Shadow (not Hiromi).
Hatanaka: But the Manager was shown with someone else in the last ep
Miyake: I'm sure that's just one of their relatives!
● Kensho (appearing through a VTR where he's in his Tadashi outfit): Didn't expect that Adam and Kikuchi grew up and have lived together since they were little, and that Kikuchi is actually older than Adam. I never thought that I'd ever get to play a role who's older than Koyasu's (Note: irl Koyasu is 54, Kensho is 31 yrs old)
Question #2: What about SK8 shocked you the most?
● Matsumoto: I thought SK8 would be more about sports, but it turned out to be really crazy! I honestly thought like, "What the hell is the director thinking?"
● Nagatsuka: I was surprised that even getting off the skateboard is counted. Well, there's Joe who rode using his hands, which in a way is still considered riding, but Adam got off and even hit someone with a skateboard.
● Hatanaka: And even when someone gets hit the people around were just calm about it like it's something normal
● Midorikawa: But hitting others is bad! That'd hurt A LOT! Moreover, at first I was thinking that the exhibition moves like Love Hug is impossible irl, but Cherry sometimes would give explanations so that's interesting and made me think that it might actually be possible.
● Matsumoto: But Joe's style is really unbelievable! I tried it at home ("Rocket style" but with no skateboard) but it was impossible!
● Director Utsumi (answer is shown on-screen): When I received the first draft written by scriptwriter Ookouchi, I was surprised that Kikuchi answers Adam with "Wan!" in the last ep. (Note: Wan! is a dog sound in Jpn) In the end it was replaced with "Hai! (Yes)".
*The seiyuu cast then rewatched the scene in the event.
Cast: Now the only thing we can hear is Kikuchi saying, "Wan!"
Question #3: If you can have Carla for a day, what would you ask her to do?
● Hatanaka: I want her to tell me to "Calm down, Hatanaka-san" whenever I get nervous. I want her to get mad or control me. (The cast laughs at his wordings because of the possible implied meanings)
● Kobayashi: I want Carla to guide me because I get lost easily.
Matsumoto: Just use your phone!
Midorikawa: That doesn't have to be Carla, you know.
● Midorikawa: I want Carla to guide me during recordings, saying things like, "Your next line is coming in 3, 2, 1..." or "For the next line, you should put more emotions".
Question#4: Which character unexpectedly got more/less screen time?
● Kobayashi: The glasses girl voiced by Hayami Saori. She appears in a few episodes and I thought she would have an important role to play later on, but nothing happened.
● Nagatsuka: I was curious to know more about Harry.
● Hatanaka: I was thinking that Reki actually didn't skate that much throughout the anime.
● Matsumoto: Midorikawa and I were thinking that Reki doesn't seem much like a protagonist.
■ LIVE VOICE ACTING CORNER
Adam asks the seiyuus to reenact the scenes again,
Reenacted eps:
#2: Joe-Cherry bickering scene, Langa going to Reki's garage scene
#6: Skating scene when they arrived in Okinawa, Reki-Langa "I will protect you" scene, "Papa" Joe scene
#8 Shadow vs Snake scene
#7 Reki-Langa "breakup" scene
#10 Reki-Miya Hospital scene, Reki-Langa reconciliation scene
Hatanaka and Kobayashi did the Infinity bump (with proper social distancing)
The Palm trees aka ED was played/shown at the end of the corner
Reki and Langa were having a talk after. Langa said that he also wanted to hear Adam's scenes again. Reki then said that he also wanted to hear the "Love hotel guy" too.
Langa: Ah, Reki you never gave any explanation about the love hotel incident.
Reki: Okay! Let's just go and impersonate Adam!
Langa: You're dodging the question.
Reki (imitates Adam's voice): Langa-kun! Love Hug!
Langa: No Reki, it's "Love hug" (English accent)
Reki: That's not the point!
Langa: Okay, I'll go next (in impersonating Adam). Reki-kun! You're lovelyyyy!!
Reki: That's wrong! He's not gonna say that!
■ LIVE PERFORMANCE CORNER
ASH DA HERO and Yuusuke perform the insert songs.
■ Announcements like Blu-ray and Goods promotion
Host Club SK8 - Original Drama CD coming out
Behind the Mask - Adam version coming out
In the goods corner, Hatanaka took the Reki puppet, waved it and with a tiny voice , "Are you all having fun?"
■ Picture-taking with the audience
■ Farewell greetings
■ ENDING
Reki and Langa again did the voice over as guide at the end of the event. Langa is hungry after the event. When Reki asked him what he wants to eat,
Mainly a report on the additional scenes or scenes that hugely differ from the movie
PLS DO NOT REPOST AND SPREAD IRRESPONSIBLY
Tag spoiler posts, Credit as necessary
All photos come from the official press release
Please read these points before proceeding! ↓ ↓ ↓
Summary of the BSD Stage Dead Apple Synopsis
Under the cut for Spoilers!
▼Beginning
The play starts with Atsushi looking for Dazai (as tasked by Kunikida to attend the ADA mtg) Differing from the movie, he doesn't find him.
Atsushi meets Shibusawa on the street instead when Shibusawa saved an elderly crossing the street, making him think that Shibusawa is a kind person.
Atsushi thinks that they have met somewhere before but can't remember it exactly.
Kyouka then meets Atsushi about the Ability Users Suicide Case.
▼Akutagawa pursues Shibusawa
Chuuya and Akutagawa are talking on the phone. Akutagawa is tasked to pursue Shibusawa as the perpetrator of the Dragon Head Conflict.
However, Akutagawa was physically attacked by Dazai from behind - he snapped Aku’s neck, then stepped on him - causing him to lose consciousness (though he recognizes Dazai before passing out).
Dazai then comes with Shibusawa.
▼Chuuya and Akutagawa scene
The day when Dazai took Akutagawa to the Port Mafia is shown. Akutagawa wakes up from the dream and remembers Dazai attacked him.
An Ability user suddenly comes out of nowhere. Akutagawa fights him and realizes that he can't use Rashomon.
Chuuya comes to save him. Apparently, it's an Ability that got separated from its user.
Chuuya then explains Shibusawa's Ability and says that the mist engulfing Yokohama is actually the breath of a dragon.
Akutagawa then asks why Chuuya's Ability doesn't separate from him.
Chuuya answers that his Ability is quite special and isn't something small that can be taken easily by this fog. And if his Ability happens to separate from him, it will be the end of Yokohama.
Chuuya gives Akutagawa a new mission - to kill Dazai, because he's the one who took Shibusawa to Yokohama.
Akutagawa laughs, saying that he doesn't believe that because the Dazai now wants peace in Yokohama.
Chuuya laughs at him. He says that he's known Dazai for 7 years and were once partners so he knows Dazai - he knows that no one can tell what Dazai is thinking. There's a monster inside Dazai that no one can understand.
Aku claims that he can understand Dazai so Chuuya asks him why Dazai left the Mafia, but Aku couldn't answer. Chuuya says that he doesn't care if Aku looks up to Dazai but as for him, he's never looked up to Dazai even once. He then tells him to his face that Aku going all "Dazai-san, Dazai-san" and accepting everything he says - is probably the reason why Dazai doesn't approve of him.
Aku gets mad and attacks him to no avail. Chuuya taunts him further saying that if he doesn't do something about this mist, he'll remain weak.
Rashomon appears in the background. Chuuya says that Rashomon is just looking at him and not attacking him as if putting Aku to a test.
Chuuya says that without his Ability, Aku can never land a single punch at him.
Aku accepts the mission and says that he will beat Chuuya right after.
▼White Trio at Mukurotoride
Dazai walks to the center. There's a voice-over of Oda when he told Dazai that the good or bad side doesn't make much difference to him.
Shibusawa arrives.
Dazai says he's happy working with him.
Fyodor arrives saying that Shibusawa shouldn't believe Dazai. (Fyodor does a mini violin performance, talk about grand entrance lol)
It seems that Dazai didn't know beforehand that Fyodor is part of the plan.
Fyodor says that he's just a rat on the side that will help a bit.
Dazai realizes that Fyodor's role is to keep him in check.
Shibusawa says that he can actually accomplish all his plans on his own without them, but it would be boring.
Dazai agrees that it indeed wouldn't be boring because no one knows who will betray who.
▼Atsushi, Aku, Kyouka in the Mafia passage
Atsushi argues with Aku on the way, saying things that it's his fault that Kyouka suffered in the Mafia. He told them that he should never come close to Kyouka ever and talk as if he knows her.
Aku then retorts back asking Atsushi what he actually knows about Kyouka.
Atsushi says that he knows a lot stating things like Kyouka likes tofu and bunnies, and hates lightning.
Aku asks him about her past but Atsushi wasn't able to answer. Aku narrates that Kyouka's parents were killed by Demon Snow and she was picked up by the Mafia, and was then trained by a Port Mafia Executive known as the best Assassin in the world (in reference to Verlaine).
Aku then adds that he also knows that Kyouka hates flies and dogs, and likes ghosts and hydrangeas. He knows more about Kyouka so it's his win.
Unable to come up with other things about Kyouka, Atsushi resorts to bickering.
Atsushi: You're a sore loser!
Aku: Orphanage castaway!
Sushi, visibly hurt from Aku's comeback: You don't change clothes!
Aku, visibly hurt from Sushi's comeback: I wash it every time!
Sushi: Huh? Do you also wear that when sleeping?
Aku: I'm gonna kill you!
They were then stopped by Kyouka.
Before they go out of the passageway, Kyouka attempts to check if her phone can connect somewhere.
Aku gently stops her telling her that that phone is the one used to control her Ability and would be bad if it connects.
Kyouka says that there's nothing to worry about because there's no signal.
Kyouka asks him if Aku tried the Mafia's communication device and Aku says that it can't connect too.
(Note: When Aku talks to Kyouka his voice is calm and softer than usual)
Atsushi, feeling out of place, silently watches them from the side. "You two, you actually get along well, huh..."
▼Demon Snow Battle
The trio go back outside the streets and comes to face Demon Snow. They ran back to the Mafia passageway but Demon Snow just follows them and slices the door. Byakko then also appears.
Kyouka's phone rings. When she answers it, the scene flashbacks to the time when her parents died (same scene with the manga) with her mom explaining what truly happened, and then advises Kyouka how to control Demon Snow.
They were able to beat Demon Snow after and the Ability goes back to Kyouka.
▼More Aku, Atsushi, and Kyouka
Aku, Atsushi, and Kyouka continue to walk in the mist-covered street. Atsushi suggests to Kyouka that they should hold hands so they don't get separated. Kyouka agreed and held out her hand, but then asked Atsushi about Aku.
Sushi: Eh?
Kyouka:
Sushi: Eh?
Kyouka: Should I hold his hand?
Sushi: No way!
Kyouka: Then you should hold his hand
Sushi: Ehhhh, t-there's no way I would... i-it's Akutagawa...
Kyouka:
Sushi: Aahh, there are no other hands in here so fine!
Atsushi settles to offer the dangling part of his belt for Aku to hold on to (lol he's pointing his ass in the process because the belt is on his back like a tail). Aku reaches for it, but was taken away by Rashomon before Atsushi and Kyouka can see him
▼Aku vs Rashomon Battle
Aku uses his gun to fight against Rashomon. Just when he thought he won, he is then caught and pierced by Rashomon. At first Aku thought that Rashomon is fighting him to test if he's worth it as Rashomon's "owner", but then realized that Rashomon is actually filled with wrath - Aku's wrath towards his weak self.
Scenes flashback to Chuuya telling Aku why Dazai doesn't approve of him, of Atsushi telling him that he lost against him and is still not recognized by Dazai, and of Dazai telling him that his new subordinate is better and he doesn't need Aku.
Aku makes Rashomon remember all these, of what they went through, of what they are mad about, of what they both desire. If Aku doesn't beat Rashomon then he will be a part of Shibusawa's collection and will never get what they desire.
Before Rashomon ends Aku, he sets the bomb off and beats him eventually.
Aku returns to Atsushi and Kyouka thereafter, and Atsushi was surprised to see him covered in bruises.
▼White Trio Betrayal Scene
Fyodor sees Dazai suspiciously trying to enter the Draconia room. They went inside after Fyodor tells him that Shibusawa is not there. Dazai reveals his motives to Fyodor, and Fyodor hands him the crystals. Before Dazai can touch them Shibusawa stabs him from behind. Dazai dies. (scenes are almost the same as the movie)
After Dazai dies, Shibusawa also kills Fyodor, grabbing him on the top of his head, lifting him up, and then breaking his neck.
Shibusawa laughs (like a villain) saying that his plans succeeded.
▼More Aku, Atsushi, and Kyouka
Aku, Atsushi, and Kyouka are riding an elevator, standing side by side. Because the ride is taking quite long, Atsushi tries to make small talk to relieve the awkward atmosphere.
Sushi: Your Ability has returned to you, right? How does it feel?
Aku: None of your business.
*silence*
Sushi: Looking from this angle, your nose looks nice. (literally "you have a high-bridged nose" used as a compliment in Jp)
*silence*
Sushi: Aahh, with this three the talk is going nowhere..
Kyouka: *tries to narrate Momotaro (a popular Jp folklore)*
Sushi: Ah, I'm sorry Kyouka-chan, I didn't mean to force you
▼Chuuya at the Special Ability Dept
Chuuya arrives at the Special Ability Department Office. He is stopped by the guards but Chuuya beats them all (fight scenes were shown).
Chuuya arrives at the main office, but Ango is only showing up in the scene via a video screen. Tsujimura is in the office btw.
Chuuya and Ango talk about the government's involvement with Shibusawa (same with the movie).
Chuuya threatens Ango that he will kill the people in the office if Ango doesn't tell him about the case of Shibusawa now.
▼White Trio
Shibusawa takes Dazai's Ability crystal, but realizes that it is not the one he's been looking for.
Fyodor suddenly appears from his back, shooting Shibusawa with a gun.
Apparently, the one Shibusawa killed earlier was not Fyodor himself, but his separated Ability.
Fyodor then kills Shibusawa with a knife, making him remember his death (same with the movie).
▼Dragon Appears
Fyodor does his poetry speech about the dragon lol
The dragon appears as animation in the background.
Deadly Drive plays as bg music after!
Ango asks Chuuya to fight the dragon, believing that only his Ability can do it just as when they fought Guivre in the past.
Chuuya complains that the government just always does nothing but order people around while not getting their hands dirty.
He accepts the mission and asks Ango's life in return.
▼Chuuya vs Dragon
Plane scene with Tsujimura is almost the same as the movie. Chuuya throws his gloves and activates Corruption.
This scene involves his actor Uechan flying in a harness, where he did flips a few times. On his background is an animation of the levitated rubbles and the building he used to throw at the dragon.
Bless Uechan's throat for all the screaming
▼Soukoku scene
Chuuya shouts Dazai's name, and punches him waking him up. Dazai touches his cheek to deactivate Corruption. (Same lines with the movie, yes Dazai is still Snow White)
Chuuya asks him to let go but Dazai refuses saying that the place they are in is where the mist is the most concentrated and Arahabaki will end up separating from him.
▼Atsushi reflection with Byakko
Atsushi realizes that the orphanage director must have known that he killed Shibusawa, but wondered why he never told him.
The orphanage director appears at the end saying that he hid the truth from Atsushi because he thought Atsushi wouldn't be able to accept it and would be crushed (mentally) once he knew about himself.
▼Aftermath
Bokura plays in the bg
Aku leaves
Dazai arrives saying that Atsushi was saved because of them
Atsushi butts in saying that Dazai was the one who did
(same lines with the movie)
After Atsushi says the "more beautiful" line, Oda's voice-over plays when he told Dazai to go to the side that saves people because that's a little bit more beautiful.
▼Aftermath Chuuya
Ango calls Chuuya saying that the battle is finished thanks to them, and now he's ready to give his life in return.
Chuuya just laughs at him saying that his life isn't enough to pay for this. He also tells him that he understands that Ango was just a small fry in the government six years ago so wasn't able to do anything about the Shibusawa case. Ango thanks him but still tries to insist but Chuuya hangs up.
Akutagawa shows up, but he doesn't bow at Chuuya (unlike in the movie) and just continues walking after Chuuya told him that Dazai is alive. Chuuya calls him to lend his shoulder because he can't move and gestures him to come closer.
Aku does and Chuuya laughs at how unwilling he looks and asks if Aku is still mad that Chuuya called him weak. Aku says that he's not bothered at all.
Chuuya tells him that he shouldn't worry because they're both included in Dazai's plans, which means that Dazai thinks that they are essential in beating Shibusawa.
Aku remains silent. Chuuya then tells him that as Dazai's ex-partner, he's gonna say it - that Dazai approves of Aku. At the very least, Chuuya does approve of him too.
Aku just says that he's nothing compared to Chuuya.
▼Days after
Atsushi and Kyouka are back at the Agency, where they wave off to everyone as they go on a new mission.
Voice-overs of the ADA stage play cast were played sending them off.
Tanizaki: Take care!
Naomi: Stay safe!
Kunikida: Don't forget your report after.
Ranpo: Get me sweets on your way home!
Yosano: If possible, go back here with injuries, okay?
Kenji: Let's eat some gyudon later!
Fukuzawa: Atsushi, Kyouka, take care and come back safely.
▼Closing
Chuuya talks to Mori on the phone, reporting that the mission has been accomplished.
However, he gets instructed to do the send-off or the farewell greeting to the fans on the stage.
Chuuya, angrily to the audience: What are you looking at, huh?
Send-off? *takes a sit elegantly and stares at the crowd*
Ugh, okay,, *stands up*
Be careful not to be engulfed by the mist when you go home, okay? See ya.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks for reading! Please support the official accounts and releases as much as possible!
I’m no longer active on tumblr nowadays, so you may follow me on twitter instead @harukaja15
My translations on tumblr are compiled under the tag #bsd translation and #my works
Context: If you've read some SB spoilers, you know they met again in Code 02 for Chuuya to protect Shirase against Verlaine, and in Code 03 Shirase saved Chuuya's life.
Under the cut for spoilers!
Two months after the Assassin King incident.
Former Sheep member Shirase Buichirou is at the port, staring at his watch in irritation.
He is in the passenger terminal at the port of Yokohama, where travelers come and go, carrying their huge luggage. Shirase stood in front of the ship's accommodation ladder, glaring at his Swiss wristwatch, then turned his eyes to the port's entrance.
Shirase is waiting for someone.
Shortly after, a huge motorcycle came from the other side of the port.
The crimson red motorcycle, which passed through the vehicle lane, drew nearer all the while avoiding the passers-by in the road, then stopped at the end of the pier.
The driver then got off the motorcycle and walked towards Shirase.
"Yo, seems like I made you wait."
It was Chuuya.
"You're late, Chuuya!" Shirase yelled. "It's the departure of THE great person you owe your life to, you know?! What the hell were you doing?"
"Just some stuff…"
Chuuya took out a hat from the motorcycle compartment, and with his finger under the brim, twirled it around as he walked.
"You, you like that hat? It's his, right?"
"Yeah." After a few more spins, Chuuya put the hat on his head with a thump. "Ticks me off that it's my brother's hand-me-down, but it comes with a handy tool, you see… What time are you leaving?"
"In five minutes," Shirase looked at his watch once again. "Chuuya, you smell of incense. You went to visit the graves again, right? That's why you got late… Seriously, you're too sentimental when it comes to your friends. You carry too much baggage with you, Chuuya. Doesn't that wear you out?"
"And you don’t carry way too much, Shirase." Chuuya said as he approached and stopped right beside Shirase.
"That's not being sentimental, you know. Just dropped by to say thanks for that bike."
Chuuya pointed at the motorcycle he rode on with his chin. The streamlined vehicle just stayed there in silence.
"Hmmm… whatever," Shirase replied nonchalantly, shoving his hands into his pocket.
Silence fell for a while.
Chuuya looked up at the passenger ship. It is a white, big, and old yet sturdy ship.
"You're actually going to London, huh?" Chuuya said after looking at the ship as if he was dazzled by it.
"Feeling defeated? Well, you know, the Future King has to settle in and occupy big places, after all!" Shirase proudly laughed. "I came to realize some things after all that happened. That puppet detective who died, the Assassin King, they're crazy unbelievable beings. The world is really a big place! Using the wealth I stole from the research facility as capital, I'll make a name for myself in London! And you'll see, one day I'll be the King of an organization bigger than the Port Mafia. And when I come back, I'll hire you if you want, Chuuya."
Chuuya let out a sigh and shook his head, seemingly in disbelief. "I'm looking forward to that then."
At that time, they heard the sound of the ship steam whistle, followed by the voice of a woman from the speakers making some announcements.
"Time to go."
Shirase picked up the bag at his feet, and turned to face the ramp.
Chuuya called out to Shirase who's starting to walk away. "Take care, Shirase. Even if you're dying in London, I can't go there to save you, okay?"
"Hahaha. You take care too, Chuuya. Even if you're dying in Yokohama, I can't go back here to save you, okay?"
"Yeah, yeah." Chuuya smiled, a slightly confused look on his face.
"Hey, you're not taking this seriously, huh? But nine years ago under that bridge, and just recently at the research facility, I've saved your life twice! Don't tell me you've already forgotten that, huh?"
"But in exchange, you've also stabbed and tried to kill me once, right?"
"Even if we subtract that, then one time still counts."
Chuuya laughed. Shirase also laughed.
Shirase proceeded to walk up to the front of the ramp. Then he faced Chuuya again and held out his fist towards him.
Chuuya also held out his, and lightly bumped them together. Then they swung their fists, one above and the other below to bump them again in the middle, then repeated the motion in the opposite way. Then they bumped their elbows together, and lastly, struck their own chests with their fists.
It was a greeting gesture once used by the Sheep, exchanged only between the members.
"See you."
Shirase and Chuuya turned their backs on each other and started walking.
Neither of them looked back.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks for reading! Please support the official accounts and the release of the novel! The digital copy is available on Book Walker!
I’m no longer active on tumblr nowadays, so you may follow me on twitter instead @harukaja15
My translations on tumblr are compiled under the tag #bsd translation and #my works
*Does not contain any spoilers regarding the actual events in the novel
Please do NOT repost this translation anywhere.
Hi, it's been a while. This is Asagiri Kafka.
Have you been doing well?
How was the seventh novel written under Beans Bunko, "Bungo Stray Dogs: STORM BRINGER"?
As compared to the previous six, this novel is the longest, most laborious, and the one written in a lot of different places all the while groaning as I think about the this and the that, and all the possibilities that could happen.
To those who have all the novels with you, try lining this up on your bookshelf. It's so thick, the width is unreal. Up to now, the longest one was "55 Minutes" but even so, the afterword in that book starts from page 308. What's up with you now, Asagiri?
If I may add, this novel is set as the continuation of the novel "Dazai, Chuuya, 15 years old" which was released about a year and a half ago. That one is the prequel, and this is the sequel. The mystery behind the Arahabaki and Verlaine incident in Fifteen has now been unraveled in this book. Don't tell me someone actually charged in here without having read the prequel? I am hoping there isn't. If you did, then I'm sorry. After all, you might be mad and say that "It's not clear at all!" "Of course, we wouldn't know that!" "Using 'Dazai, Chuuya, 16 years old' as the title would have been kinder of you, you know?" And yes, you are indeed right, I don't have any excuses at all. (The good thing about speaking here in the afterword is that no matter how mad people get and I apologize, physical punches will never come my way).
So basically what I want to say is that, together with the prequel this story is a veeery long one.
But the reason why this novel became this long can be explained in a few words.
Do you remember? In the afterword of "Dazai, Chuuya, 15 years old", I wrote that I am hoping to squeeze in enough information in the sequel so that I can finally say that “The Double Black past arc is now complete!”
Yes.
That's it.
There was too much than I imagined.
The immensity of Chuuya's character. Being able to write a character this deep and feel the greatest pleasure of having people read it is one thing, but at the same time I was also worried, wondering if it was okay to publish something this big... but in the end, we're here, and it has been released.
But even if this much has been written now, stories that have not been told yet still remain. How Chuuya would continue to fight from now on, how he would become an Executive. What sort of feelings Chuuya held when Dazai left the Mafia, and how he would grow from there.
But for the time being, I would like to leave that destiny of Chuuya to the power of your imagination. What lies ahead of his path, for now, would remain a secret, but I can only tell you one thing that's for sure — that road is not a smooth and easy one.
For the publication of this novel, I have been blessed with support from a lot of people. To my partner, Harukawa Sango-sensei, who has always adorned the novels with their ever-beautiful and perfect artworks.
To Shirahama-sama, the editor who has always been patient and forgiving with the schedule and proofreading of my work. The publication and sales team, the bookstores, and to everyone else I am indebted to. Thank you very much.
Let's meet again in the next novel.
Asagiri Kafka
~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~
Thanks for reading! Please support the official accounts and the release of the novel! The digital copy is available on Book Walker!
I’m no longer active on tumblr nowadays, so you may follow me on twitter instead @harukaja15
My translations on tumblr are compiled under the tag #bsd translation and #my works
Translated a short Chuuya scene from the first chapter! (Pages 41~46)
Please do NOT repost this translation anywhere.
*The first 60 pages have been released for free preview in Book Walker
Official release of the whole novel is on February 27!
Context: For Chuuya's first anniversary in the Mafia, his friends gave him some documents and "that" picture revealing his past
Under the cut for spoilers!
"Why?" Chuuya looks at the picture in his hand.
"This... Ain't this gonna be against Boss' orders?"
For the Mafia Boss, the secrets behind Chuuya's existence are shackles that keep him bound to the organization. As long as they remain hidden, Chuuya could never betray the Mafia.
But Pianoman just shrugged.
"The order is, to keep watch if you'd find out or not about it, NOT to keep the secrets from you."
Chuuya stared at him, weighing his words.
"Why?" Uneasiness flashes across Chuuya's face for a moment. "Why'd you have to go this far?"
"You're asking us why..?" Pianoman looked at him as if the answer is so obvious. "I already told you. It's your first year anniversary in the Mafia."
"But..."
"This is not a big deal at all, you know?" Lippmann answered, a bit confused at the way Chuuya is acting, and looked at everyone.
"But well, if you would let me say it, hmm.." then with a matter-of-fact expression he continued, "That's because we're friends. Was it different back then with the Sheep?"
It was.
The look of distress on Chuuya's face answered the question.
In the Sheep, everyone relied on Chuuya. The opposite of that never happened.
"How about you look at it this way, Chuuya-san?" Lippmann held out his hands, his face showing a gentle expression.
"That is not a present from us. That is a 'flag'. Back in Ancient Rome, the military would raise a flag only for one reason, and that is to state this: 'We are here, the troop of the chosen ones.' So when either one of the six in here gets into trouble, remember this flag. And under that flag, we would gather... We have high hopes for you."
He said and cocked his head a little.
"Hehe... What an excellent speech by Lippmann. No wonder countless women have fallen for such words.." Doc says as if he's talking to himself.
"Well, I'm not sure about that," Lippmann answered with a cool expression.
"But yes, the official name of this youth party is 'Flags', which came from that metaphor I just shared. Though I think the only one who remembers and uses this name is the founder Pianoman?"
"Flags?" Albatross tilted his head on the side. "I think it's the first time I've heard this..."
"Hey, hey, you're already forgetting? Such a pain, you are. We've talked about this, right?" Pianoman looked around asking them, but not a single one reacted even a bit.
"Wait, don't tell me you guys do not really remember this at all? It was a name we've thought over for three months?"
Everyone turned their eyes away from Pianoman.
Chuuya was the only one who fixed his eyes on the picture in his hand, not at the image reflected in there, but on the thing itself as if it holds all the answers to his questions.
"Chuuya, Happy Anniversary of joining the Mafia," everyone said to him.
For a moment, for just a few seconds, Chuuya's expression turned to that of a child who doesn't know what to do.
He looked at them one by one, at the documents in front of him, at himself who's reflected in the picture.
"What's wrong?" Pianoman asked, and that's when Chuuya came back to his senses.
"Th-"
He tried hard to make an angry face, and opened his mouth as if to yell at them but he wasn't able to come up with any word.
Everyone's face contorted in confusion as they looked at Chuuya.
Chuuya hurriedly turned his back, faced the store entrance and shouted. "Aahh! So that's how it is, huh!" His voice is unnecessarily loud.
"So in short, you wanted to take me by surprise with this, move me and make me cry and apologize, huh? That's your play, right?!"
"Huh? No, not really..."
"As if I'd fall for that! Listen, I'd never fall for that, got it?!"
With his face still turned away from everyone, Chuuya took his violent steps towards the door.
"I'm going home! Listen, don't follow me, okay? And don't you dare look at my face!"
With a blank look on his face, Pianoman's eyes roamed over everyone, then he spoke to Chuuya.
"Okay? Well if Chuuya's going home then we can't do anything about it. According to my schedule, the plan was to play billiards with everyone after this. I guess we'll just help ourselves then."
"Even if our main guest is going home?" Lippmann raises an eyebrow.
"We got no choice, right? There's a lot of dry sake. It's been quite a while so let's relax and relieve stress from work. We also have a prize for the winner, you know."
"That's great."
"So that's how it is, Chuuya. Take care on your way home!" Albatross turns to wave his hand at the door.
"Suit yourselves!" Chuuya kicked the door open, and went out of the store.
Everyone looked at each other's faces, and without saying a word turned to look at the door.
Silence passed by for 10 seconds... 20 seconds.
No one has said anything, no one has moved even an inch.
30 seconds... and before a whole 40 seconds pass, the door slightly opened.
"You pieces of shit... go over the rules. I'm gonna take home all the prizes, got it?!"
There at the door stood Chuuya, who's wearing an expression mixed with equal parts of frustration and anger.
"I knew it!" Pianoman said with a smile.
~~And they went playing billiards after~~
Thanks for reading! Please support the official accounts and the release of the novel! The digital copy is available on Book Walker!
I’m no longer active on tumblr nowadays, so you may follow me on twitter instead @harukaja15
My translations on tumblr are compiled under the tag #bsd translation and #my works
Aside from the usual fan art and ao3 fics, please know that we also welcome twitfics, threads, headcanon posts, cosplays, img/video/audio edits, memes, etc.!
While Prompt 2 and/or Prompt 3 might interest you, Prompt 1 especially gives you the freedom to create any fluff as long as it fits the timeline~
Thank you so much for the report on the haikyuu New Years event! It was super fun and very interesting to read all of the actors’ thoughts about this season and the growth of the characters. Translating, summarizing, and putting everything together must have taken a lot of work though o: Thank you very much for all your effort, and for sharing this with the haikyuu community! 💖
Me reading this message:
Thank you so much for this!
All the time and effort to do that is now worth it knowing that the message has reached someone! It’s like the ball has been set ‘properly’ to a teammate hehe 🏐
I really enjoyed the event! I love Inarizaki and the seiyuus are so adorable 😭🦊 They shared a lot of interesting points and I wish more people would know about it! 💖
Linking the report here!
Haikyuu To the Top New Year’s Online Event! Inarizaki High School Special Team Meeting~ Karasuno Still on to the New Year’s Vibe~ 01/10/2021
Haikyuu To the Top New Year’s Online Event! Inarizaki High School Special Team Meeting~ Karasuno Still on to the New Year’s Vibe~ 01/10/2021
The report is late, but still posting this for the record!! It’s long and detailed but the talks were really interesting so please read until the end! I promise, you won’t regret it! I also put Haikyuu pictures for easier understanding (but no seiyuu pics from the actual event besides those from the official accounts).
The event was held on 1/10 but there was an archive viewing on 1/23~24 so I watched it again <3
The event starts with a prerecorded video of a mini skit by the voice actors. The video shows the Inarizaki members at the club room at the start of the year (not animated, still images only moving once in a while).
Atsumu: I won this year, Samu! I got more New year postcards than you!
Osamu: But you’re also including the ones sent from business establishments! They don’t count!
Atsumu: Doesn’t matter! They’re addressed to my name, anyway! You’re just a sore loser!
Suna enters the room and they notice that he seems to be happy. Osamu assumed that it’s probably because he got a lot of money from New Year, but warns him that if he spends too much, Kita-san would scold him telling him to save money properly.
Atsumu: Ah! Must be nice to be you, Suna! Because we’re twins, we have to divide and share the money we get from our grandparents! I envy you!
Osamu: *sighs* If I were an only child, I'd get to buy delicious stuff and enjoy all the food by myself!
But Suna clarifies that it’s not because of the money he got why he’s happy, but actually because he got “excellent luck” from the fortune this year.
The twins didn’t expect him to bother about such things, and they said that they don’t actually believe in that because as twins they’re often told to share the same fate.
Kita enters the room and everyone greets him a Happy New Year. Kita greets back and tells them to get ready for the meeting and the practice. Osamu suddenly asks a question before they go though.
Osamu: I heard from Aran-kun before that Kita house’s “ozouni” (Japanese soup with rice cakes traditionally eaten during New Year) is really delicious. Is that true?
Kita: Ah well, it’s made by granny after all, so there’s no way it’s not.
Osamu: Please let me eat that next time!
Atsumu: That’s unfair!!! Let me too!
Kita: *chuckles* Oh, you’re pretty enthusiastic about this, huh. Well, it’s good to properly eat such food during New Year after all. I’ll let you next time.
Twins: Thanks a lot!!
Osamu: Ahhh~ Can’t wait to eat Kita house’s ozouni!
Suna: Osamu, you really do like eating, huh.
Kita reminded them to not get carried away and take care of their bodies. They then go to proceed with their meeting.
The seiyuu event starts with the Inarizaki members greeting a Happy New Year. They’re also happy that Inarizaki is the main focus of this event.
For convenience, they’ll be referred here as follows.
Miyano Mamoru (Atsumu’s seiyuu) - Mamo
Kabumoto Hideaki (Osamu) - Kabu
Nojima Kenji (Kita) - NojiKen
Shimazaki Nobunaga (Suna) - Zakki
They’re all wearing Inarizaki-themed kimonos for the occasion and showed it off with the camera tilting down to up, focusing on each of them, as they also turned around.
Kabu is wearing a matching arm warmer, which he mistakenly calls “warm armer” (Mamo corrects him laughing), that volleyball players apparently use during games. He also shares that he spent the New Year alone (due to the pandemic situation), meanwhile NojiKen went to the Haikyuu exhibit during the holiday and was really impressed with the experience.
There were also seiyuu events held last year but since the anime was still ongoing at that time they cannot fully talk about everything, but now they can go talk without any hesitation. This is also the first time that the four of them gathered for a Haikyuu event.
Zakki has been open about his love for his team in past events and this time he also expressed that with a full smile.
Zakki: I’m really very happy (that we’re all here)! *cute mini jumping/shaking gestures* Ah, i LOVE Inarizaki! I REALLY love this team, it’s the best! Even if I knew that we’d end up losing, I still felt like we were definitely gonna win.
Mamo: But we did lose
Zakki: Don’t say it!
The MC of the event entered afterwards and the seiyuus formally introduced themselves one by one (they almost forgot lol).
Karasuno was then introduced. They also appeared in a mini skit first.
Hinata arrives at the gym first. However, inside the gym Mt. Fuji appeared out of nowhere. He was surprised for a second, but then thought that he’d go climb it anyway.
Kageyama enters the scene chasing a flying hawk.
Kageyama: Oy boke! Hinata! Catch that bird! Fly!
Hinata jumped and jumped but wasn’t able to catch it.
Kageyama: Oy! How dare you let it go! What was with those little jumps anyway? You wouldn’t reach it with that!
Hinata asked what was that all about and Kageyama said that the hawk matches Mt. Fuji. And with that, Hinata realizes that the only thing lacking for a good luck charm is an eggplant (“nasu” in Jpn).
Hinata: Kageyama! “Ore ni nasu!” (Tr: “Bring the eggplant to me,” but this is a play on the “Toss to me” line which sounds similar in Jpn “Ore ni tosu!”)
Kageyama refused, complaining about it and they started to argue.
The sound of alarm suddenly rings. Hinata wakes up from the dream*, and heads out to go to practice.
*Hatsuyume - the first dream of the year deemed to be important in Jpn culture. Dreaming of Mt. Fuji, hawk, and eggplant is particularly considered to be lucky.
The Karasuno seiyuus then join the rest in the studio saying their greetings.
Murase Ayumu (Hinata) - Ayu
Ishikawa Kaito (Kageyama) - Kaito
Haikyuu Back to the Top!
The seiyuus selected their most memorable scenes from the season.
Ayu and Zakki apparently chose the same: Hinata’s “Nice receive” scene.
Zakki particularly loves the silence that follows after the receive, and Kageyama’s “Nice receive” (he claps when it was shown on the VTR).
He loves Inarizaki and really wanted to fight and win with them and felt very frustrated when they lost, but he can’t really help but admire this Karasuno scene. The people who were watching the game couldn’t believe what happened that everyone’s feelings synced and they all fell silent. The silence held so much meaning, he thinks that the events and all the drama that occurred for them to reach this turning point gave the scene life, despite the lack of sound, and it was really beautiful. It’s a scene made by everyone. It also happened that he was at the studio during the recording and he saw how Kaito and the director gave so much thought about how Kageyama would say the “Nice receive” line to Hinata.
Ayu adds that the Inarizaki match is indeed very important to Hinata’s growth and this scene is a testament that Hinata’s path was right, and all his efforts weren’t in vain. He also likes the monologue by Japan National Team coach Hibarida in this scene, saying that Hinata’s life as a volleyball player which would still continue from then on, was acknowledged.
Mamo and Kabu’s chosen scenes were also shown together - Twin’s Quick.
Kabu chose the last quick of the game, while Mamo chose all.
For the first quick, Mamo especially liked the moment when it zooms to Atsumu. The reverse quick was also impressive.
Mamo: *pointing at the VTR* Isn’t this amazing? This is reverse, you know!
Kabu still doesn’t want to believe that their last quick got blocked.
Mamo chose all because of the build-up and growth that happened during the match. The quick attack was something the twins just tried on a whim, but their guts, playfulness, and talent were really amazing.
The last quick was particularly memorable to Kabu because Osamu can be seen as the more reserved of the two, and while the twins carry the same thing inside them their approach and expression of things differ. But in the last scene, Atsumu and Osamu gave their all and really synced 100% perfectly.
Mamo adds that the first and last quick had the same lines, but the tension was very different and he really liked the juxtaposition. As the actors they were also carried away and really let their voices go all out in the last one, and he even thinks that Kabu and him synced perfectly that their voices sounded very alike.
On the other hand, the Karasuno members were also asked for their opinion.
Kaito: Aahhh, no matter how many times I watch it, it’s really amazing. And because it’s the quick attack that we’ve been doing ever since, I still feel irritated, like *points at his face* this area below my eye really twitches unconsciously. That’s our attack! Don’t do it!
Ayu agrees and says that he really likes that last rotation in the game, that if it weren’t for that rotation, if it weren’t Kageyama and Hinata there, Karasuno would not have been able to block that attack. As he also shared in the Jump Festa last time, it’s theirs and they’re the ones who knew it the most so it’s only perfect that they were the ones who were able to stop that.
The next scene shown was the one Kaito picked which turned out to be unexpected to everyone - Atsumu’s happy scenes compilation.
Kaito explains that they might think that he’s just fooling around, but he actually has a serious reason for choosing this. Kageyama and Atsumu are both setters with similar personalities, they love volleyball, and are very straightforward to their dreams. And while he does like Kageyama’s demeanor, he admires Atsumu’s attitude towards volleyball so much.
Kaito: “I’m having so much fun right now!!” The way Atsumu expresses that, as a human I want to work and live a life like Atsumu who enjoys doing what he loves so much, and is able to openly express it to the world. Atsumu’s way of playing volleyball, those smiles, the voice that holds all the experiences he’s had - i REALLY like them.
Mamo was glad and grateful with the compliment and agrees, sharing that sometimes at the end of a hard day’s work he’s also like Atsumu who’d go tell himself, “Ah! Ain’t today’s me so amazing?!”
He says that Atsumu is so carefree and thinks that there’s nothing wrong with expressing how he feels at the moment, especially when he’s strong because he’s doing his best everytime. It’s the result of his efforts and he takes pride in it. That is why he can express that smile that loves volleyball very much.
The last scene was the one NojiKen selected - Kita’s “Aren’t my teammates amazing?” scene (starting from the “I don’t have any regrets” line).
While watching the VTR,
NojiKen: Ah, I’m gonna cry..
Mamo: This scene would really make you cry… I did cry during the recording.
Kabu: Aran-kuuunnn T.T
NojiKen: It’s very admirable.. Ah, I really wanted them to win..
Mamo: Ahhhh... He’s the best captain...
NojiKen shared that he was torn between choosing this scene or the scene when Kita got his uniform. During the recording the seiyuus, just like the Inarizaki team, fought with their all, only thinking about victory despite them knowing the end result.
So when the team lost, he really felt so frustrated and if it was him, he’d really want to shout and cry. But Kita-san doesn’t have any regrets, and his choice of words here showing the maturity of his heart really struck him.
NojiKen: Kita-san wasn’t crying in the scene, so during the recording I shouldn’t cry too. But after that, I did cry a lot. I think that in the corners of Kita-san’s heart he was really frustrated but hid it, and when he was left alone, he probably shed tears, too.
Mamo: Ahh, what a really nice talk this is..
NojiKen: So frustrating..
Zakki: I really wanted us to win..
For the next corner, the seiyuus were asked (beforehand) to
describe the Karasuno team and the Inarizaki team in one word.
Their answers were compiled and due to the short time allotted for discussion, only a few answers were discussed.
NojiKen: Karasuno = Turkish ice cream
They’re like that ice cream that unbelievably stretches a lot which he likens to Karasuno growing and improving consistently physically and mentally. Moreover, when you buy the ice cream, the vendor usually won’t hand it to you right away and you’d keep chasing for it, and just like that, Karasuno is a team that isn't easily “captured” by their opponents.
Zakki: Karasuno = Sticky sticky love volleyball (they were laughing at Zakki’s lack of vocabulary)
Zakki also defended his answer that well, Karasuno is sticky and stretches out too that no matter how far the opponents go they will stick to them persistently. And because they are sticky, no matter how much they stretch out they won’t get cut easily amidst difficult situations, remaining connected. And because they love volleyball, they don’t stretch out in pain, but happily.
Inarizaki = Go go go head-on love volleyball
Inarizaki has overflowing spirits and potential and they always go for any challenge, almost without limits. He thinks that if Kita-san wasn’t there to steady the hold they’d go flying too much and even collapse somewhere. And of course since they all share that love for volleyball, despite the differences they are able to face everything head-on.
Kaito, to Zakki: You’re saying something so good but because of the word choice it gets negated!
Mamo: Karasuno = comrades; Inarizaki = family
Inarizaki gives off a strong family vibe not only because the twins are literally brothers, but because of the role of each member like one is a responsible parent (Kita), an older brother (Aran), an inexpressive cheeky little brother (Osamu/Suna?), etc, and he likes it. Whereas Karasuno are more like comrades in arms fighting together.
Ayu: Inarizaki = Despair
This team has a lot of potential and it’s as if they don’t have any weaknesses. They can stop the good momentum of the opponent to get back on track, and when the momentum is on their side they also have Kita-san who can prolong that despair. He says that when he first read them in the manga, he was like “it’s impossible to beat them!”
Kaito: Inarizaki = Growth period
Inarizaki is always ever-growing all the while they're having fun, and that road to “ripening” is unstoppable, making this team a formidable opponent.
The next corner featured fortune-telling by a tarot card reader named A.M., which was then revealed to be Ayumu Murase. In private life, he revealed that he enjoys tarot card reading and does it almost everyday. He drew the cards of the other seiyuus beforehand to determine their luck in “battles” this year.
Since this corner isn’t about Haikyuu, I won’t report it in detail.
Basically they were ranked based on their luck, and Ayu explained the readings for each one of them.
Kabu
Mamo
NojiKen
Zakki
Kaito
Since Kaito ranked the lowest, he was given a lucky item - a golden volleyball.
New Year Postcard Pick up Corner
After that, they proceeded to the New Year Postcard Pick up Corner, where cards sent from fans were displayed on a board. This was led by Ayu and Kaito and two cards were picked which contained greetings and questions from the senders.
1st card - Share a moment when you felt like you got hooked on your job again (just like Haikyuu characters did to volleyball).
Ayu and Kaito both answered that it was getting to work in Haikyuu. Kaito expounds that Haikyuu reflects real life as they don’t always win, despite being the main characters. They continue to grow as actors too, and when they get to meet one another in the next seasons they all get to enjoy the new battles they face together.
2nd card - What do you think is Kageyama’s weakness?
Kaito thinks that Kageyama may be seen as strong but he’s not a perfect setter and is continuously supported by the people around him.
Meanwhile, Ayu thinks that as a setter Kageyama may be seen as smart who is good in studies as well, but then the fact that he’s actually just on the same level as Hinata in studying, is cute.
M-1/K-1/S-1/H-1 GranPri
The event then proceeds to the “Grand Prix” program, where three selected scene cuts (VTRs) for each character are shown. Each seiyuu would vote which scene they think represents the character best. After the initial voting, they’d engage in a discussion stating the reason for their choice (though because of time restriction not everyone can speak) where they can persuade others to change their votes. After that they make a final vote.
Miya-1 GranPri: Osamu
Scene 1: from Ep16
Scene 2: from Ep21
Scene 3: from Ep22
Initial Votes:
Zakki
Mamo, Kabu, Ayu
Kaito, NojiKen
Discussion: Kabu remembers that he wondered about how Osamu would talk in this scene, as he’s frustrated but chose to say such words. He talked to Mamo about it and since Mamo/Atsumu would strongly say his lines, Kabu/Osamu also settled to assert his point with more conviction (”Let me finish what I’m saying!”).
Since Kabu discussed his experience that way, other seiyuus were easily convinced to change their answer to 2. Though NojiKen states that his favorite number is 3 that’s why he voted for 3. (So yeah, this didn’t turn into a discussion at all lol)
Final votes: 2 - everyone
Miya-1 GranPri: Atsumu
Scene 1: from Ep4
Scene 2: from Ep21
Scene 3: from Ep24
Initial Votes:
Kaito, Kabu
Mamo, Zakki, Ayu
NojiKen
Discussion: Kaito had a hard time choosing but ended up voting for 1. He says that scene 1 definitely gave a strong first impression of Atsumu. He got disappointed in Kageyama because he didn’t get thrilled on his by the book’s way of playing volleyball. Mamo adds that when they recorded this Atsumu really appeared as a strong, mysterious senpai character, and Kaito who watched it, honestly said that he’s scary. Kaito adds that there is more impact because he was on the receiving end of those words.
Everyone was a bit silent and looked like they got convinced of Kaito's answer, but Zakki begged to differ. He says that because of scene 1 being scary, people would wonder what kind of person Atsumu is, and once they see scene 2 they’d understand where he is coming from. They’d see that Atsumu is a very earnest person who goes straight forward to what he wants and has to do. In an instant, all of Atsumu’s appeal/charm as a person, as a player is shown.
Zakki: Won’t everyone begin to like Atsumu because of this scene?
NojiKen was about to defend his answer, apparently he has a proper reason this time for voting 3, but the time limit bell rang before he had the chance to do so.
Final Votes: 2 - Zakki, NojiKen, 1 - the rest
Kage-1 GranPri
Scene 1: from Ep7
Scene 2: from Ep19 (Kalm Kageyama)
Scene 3: from Ep24 (Setter Dump)
Initial Votes:
Kaito
Ayu
Mamo, Kabu, NojiKen, Zakki
Discussion: NojiKen says that scene 3 exhibited Kageyama’s sharp intellect as a setter that thoroughly thinks about the strategy. Kabu adds that with this, he thinks Kageyama was able to get even with Atsumu from the goody two-shoes remark.
Ayu thinks that scene 3 was indeed impactful on the opponent side (that’s why all Inarizaki voted for it), but for a teammate the presence of a ‘Kalm Kageyama’ is impressive as it shows a different side of him when playing so he went for 2.
Kaito finds scene 1 a very important turning point for Kageyama as Hinata makes him a king. A king is someone who can’t exist without his own people, so a king only becomes one because he is chosen. Up to now Kageyama has been nothing but a lonely king, so that act from Hinata for the first time ever officially made him the King of the Court. And from that, scene 2 is born showing a King, and then scene 3 shows that this King can also act like this.
Final Votes: 2 - Kaito, 1 - the rest
It was a surprise that after everything Kaito said, he ended up the one changing his answer but he didn’t give any explanation about it.
Suna-1 GranPri
Scene 1: from Ep19
Scene 2: from Ep19 (the old man discussing Suna’s ability)
Scene 3: from Ep20 (Suna wanting to find Kita’s weakness)
Initial Votes:
Mamo, Kabu, Ayu
Kaito
Zakki, NojiKen
Discussion:
Mamo: 3 is Kita-san’s scene!
Zakki: And 2 is the old man’s scene!
Kaito defends 2 saying that core training is very hard and he looks up to Suna for being able to master that. But when he thought about 1 again, he says that 1 is indeed a good scene and considers changing his answer right then lol. Meanwhile, NojiKen actually wanted to choose 1 but Kita-san was in scene 3 so he voted for that.
Mamo: Well, that was Kita-san’s cute scene after all!
Zakki was about to explain about 1 but was cut by the time limit bell.
Final Votes: 4 - Zakki, 1 - the rest
Zakki explained that he likes 1 but the scene he liked the most was the exchange when Tsukki got back on Suna, so he chose 4. Mamo agrees and teases the staff that they should have chosen to put that scene in the selection instead.
Kita-1 GranPri
Scene 1: from Ep20 (scene cut starts from Aran and Kita going home until this “chanto yannen” scene)
Scene 2: from Ep20 (Kita analyzing the 2nd years one by one)
Scene 3: from Ep24 (“I’m a human invited to a monster’s ball.”)
Initial Votes:
1 - Mamo, Kabu, Zakki, Ayu, Kaito
3 - NojiKen
Discussion: NojiKen continues fooling around by choosing 3 even if he actually likes 1. Mamo says that he actually likes the scene before 1, the moment when Kita-san got his uniform and proceeds to tease the staff again to put that scene instead. But Kabu says that he likes that going home scene, surprised that Kita-san can laugh like that and Aran was also cute for getting confused at what Kita-san was talking about. Kaito adds that scene 1 also shows us the level of friendship that Kita-san and Aran have. Kita-san laughed but Aran didn’t look surprised, meaning that he has seen it before - Aran knows Kita-san’s smile.
Final Votes: 1 - everyone
Hina-1 GranPri
Scene 1: from Ep1
Scene 2: from Ep13
Scene 3: from Ep24
Initial Votes:
1 - Mamo, Kaito
3 - Kabu, NojiKen, Zakki, Ayu
Discussion: Kaito was very hesitant in making a decision again but ended up with 1. Ayu starts the discussion saying that 1 and 2 are indeed very Hinata-like, but 3 left a big impression on him, seeing Hinata become someone who is able to give his teammates a moment to breathe in the middle of a game, showing how much he has grown. He was deeply moved when he read it in the manga and when he watched it in the anime again.
For a moment Kaito wanted to change his answer to 3, but then explains that 1 is the very starting line of To the Top. Because of that, not only Hinata but Karasuno was able to face and fight Inarizaki like this. Mamo comments on a different note. He wasn’t in the studio during the recording of 1 but when he watched it again now, he felt impressed and realized how along with Hinata Shoyo, Murase Ayumu the seiyuu has also grown a lot. That one short scene makes Ayu’s development very clear, for being able to voice act like that. Ayu was so happy and grateful he immediately changed his answer to 1.
Final Votes: 3 - Kabu, NojiKen, 1 - the rest
New Year Postcard Pick up Corner 2
After the Granpri, they went to the New Year Postcard Pick up Corner again, led this time by Mamo and Kabu.
Mamo: Hi! We are Hyogo’s Miya twins!
Mamo reads the 1st card though there was no question, it’s from a mother writing about his 6-yr old son who loves Haikyuu, particularly Atsumu. Mamo is glad and thinks that people of different ages really do watch Haikyuu. Kabu adds that it would be nice if this can actually inspire someone in the future to play volleyball.
Mamo: Yeah, like hearing someone say that because of Haikyuu they became a setter, or a professional player.
2nd card - Do you have anything that’s like Kita-san’s concept of “Repetitive, Methodical, Thorough”?
Kabu answers that this applies to his work as a stage actor where they keep doing the same things properly everyday for months.
New year’s Play-offs
The next games that followed were more related to New Year but less of Haikyuu so I won’t be reporting them in detail too (also because it’s probably only funny if you get to watch them playing the game). The seiyuus were divided into two: Team Atsumu with Mamo, Zakki, Ayu, and Team Tobio with Kaito, Kabu, and NojiKen.
Game 1 - Guess the Situation of the First Dream: Sleep Talk Nuance Quiz
Mechanics: One of the members will sleep talk using a random line from the anime. There are four situations given where the line can possibly be used, and out of the four the other members will guess what kind of dream their teammate had.
This game was played 4 times, with 2 turns for each team. Both teams won once.
Game 2 - Two-attack First Drawing
Mechanics: One member has to guess the word that his two other teammates will draw together. The challenge is that they can only draw using one pen stroke or without lifting their pen.
Each team only got one turn, and both didn’t get the correct answer.
With the two teams ending up in a tie, they were both declared winners and the prize is... Kita House’s Ozouni! A Hyogo-style ozouni was prepared for them. NojiKen led the serving of the food.
NojiKen: You have to do cooking properly, too. (“Oryouri mo, chanto yannen”)
The event now comes to a close. The seiyuus say their
last message to the fans.
Zakki: I hope it was made clear that this is how fun the atmosphere is during recordings. I really love Inarizaki and the Haikyuu team. I will continue to hope that there will be more chances to spend time with everyone again. Please continue supporting Haikyuu from now on too!
NojiKen: Due to the pandemic situation, voice recordings were taken separately, but still this kind of teamwork was born. During these hard times, please watch/rewatch Haikyuu a lot of times and exercise your hearts and mind. Thank you!
Kabu: I have been invited to participate in a lot of Haikyuu events since last year and then for the first time these 4 Inarizaki members have gathered, and I really had a good time. I hope you all enjoyed it too. Looking forward to your support.
Mamo: I’m really glad that I can experience youth again at my age through Haikyuu. With the current situation where the norm is no longer the usual, I’m really happy that we were able to finish and present this Inarizaki match to you, thanks to the efforts of all the staff who have carefully considered how we can work best while taking the necessary health precautions. From here on too, we will continue to bring entertainment to the fans like usual, and I’m hoping that we can work again and act for the future stories too of Haikyuu.
Kaito: Did you have fun watching, everyone?
*answers himself acting as a viewer* Yes! We had fun! Thank you!
Thank you for all your comments! It’s been more than a year since we started working for Haikyuu To the Top and despite all the difficulties brought about by outside influences (particularly the pandemic), I’m really happy that we are here now and were able to say, “That was fun!” with everyone. Let’s keep the flame burning for Haikyuu!
Ayu: As what everyone has also mentioned, the current situation has made me realize more the value of each and every episode we created. Precisely because the normal everyday things have ceased to become normal, being part of a work that can touch people’s hearts when they watch it and make them appreciate volleyball more, makes me feel really proud. I’m really grateful to the staff. Hinata and everyone’s path will still continue from now on and I really hope we can continue to work with this team until the end.
After their goodbyes, NojiKen was tasked to lead the last greeting as the captain of Inarizaki, which is the main in this event.
NojiKen: Thank you everyone for watching us ‘til the end. Thank you!
All together: Thank you!!!! *cute bye bye waves*
Photos/Posts from Official Accounts
And that’s it!! It was a fun fun fun 2.5 hrs event! I’m really glad that despite the current pandemic situation we can still have seiyuu events like this.
I just want to say that I’ve been watching Haikyuu all these years, but unexpectedly, the Inarizaki match is the moment I felt that I got hooked on Haikyuu *cries*
I just really really LOVE Kita-san soooo much, and the Miya twins T.T !!!!
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Though for long reports like this, tumblr is really perfect :)
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