Peacemaker Kurogane Scanlations

A scanlation blog for Peacemaker Kurogane, by artist Nanae Chrono

[pmkscanlations]

Any idea when we'll get chapter 96?

Unfortunately, I haven't seen anything about Chrono-sensei's hiatus ending. I don't check this blog often lately, but I'm still keeping an eye on his twitter and on magcomi's site so I'll hopefully be able to catch wind of a return when it's posted!

[pmkscanlations]

PMK DVD Booklet Interviews 6

Here’s the last part of the PMK Omou Michi DVD booklet interview series. It also includes a final word from Nanae Chrono himself! Thanks one final time to @/pmkloveadmin and their kind friend yuunsoba who provided the raws for these interviews! Please enjoy!

THE JETZEJOHNSON (Theme Song)

Please tell us your genuine first impression when you were told you’d be in charge of the theme song for this work.

It’s THE JETZEJOHNSON’s Kojima here. Since I’m a fan who enjoyed the original work, I picked it up right away when I received the request. I’m very honored. The request was for “a ballad with English poetry”, with scenes from the original work appearing as a flashback montage. It was a really happy production time for a fan, since I got to create the song and lyrics while imagining what scenes and whose point of view to write from. As an aside, my biggest favorites are Tatsu-nii, followed by Yamazaki and Hijikata(-sama). I’m so sorry.

What did you have in mind when making the music? Did you stick with your initial concepts? Please tell us if you had any difficulties or points that you paid extra attention to.

After getting the request, I decided on the concept for the world of the lyrics immediately. After that, I decided on the point of view. The song is based on “a certain word” which can apply to any character, and I focused on creating “a feeling which is interchangeable for anyone”. The first part overflowed with big hopes, dreams and ambitions, so this is a song in which we – or the characters – can look back on the “beauty”, “ephemerality” and “glitter” that made up their beliefs. The main character of this song is watching the slow fall of the world by themselves from the dirt of a castle somewhere. Past that red-stained horizon, it’s easy to imagine all of the friends who ran together with them. I think that scenery is very ephemeral and precious.

Please let us know if there are any particular parts of the song that you want us to pay attention to.

The title means “rust”. These characters are just running through the end of the Tokugawa period, one of the greatest periods of unrest in our history, without seeking the “right answer” – just valuing their own beliefs. The song’s main character is looking at the setting sun and asking, “what was the right answer?” And their “technique is rusting”. What do they see when they hold their sword in their hand, when that sword and their skills are no longer needed by the times? We’ll see the answer to that for all of them in this movie.

Finally, please leave a message for the fans who watch this series.

The song “Rust” by THE JETZEJOHNSON will be released after screening. Please check it out at your local shop or online distributor! If you listen to the song and then watch the movie again, you might see it in a different light. On top of that, I made this not only with this first part of the movies in mind, but also drew ties with the currently ongoing Hokujou Arc. It’ll be great to listen to this as background music while re-reading the original, now that you’ve seen the film. Finally, I’m a big fan of Tatsu-nii (the gun is mightier than the sword), but please listen to the song not just imagining Tatsu-nii’s perspective, but also Tetsunosuke and Hijikata(-sama).You might see a different point of view. Especially with Hijikata’s POV, it warps to Goryokaku… No, never mind. Well then, please watch part one to the end!

Ryosuke Nakanishi (Music)

Please tell us your genuine first impressions when you heard you would be in charge of the music for the Peacemaker Kurogane movies.

I was really honored and happy! There are a lot of gadgets with a lot of general purpose that we use when making music for TV animation, so I was a little nervous and worried about carefully expressing the scenery and emotions of each scene for the movie versions. But when I was shown the dynamic storyboard and script for the opening scene, my anxieties melted away and I was more and more inspired. I remember learning about the end of the Edo period as a child in school. I felt that I really wanted to express the chaos, hope and feelings of the characters as well as possible.

Due to the series being set at the end of the Tokugawa period, the music likely differs from modern music. Did you have any troubles with this? Also, do you have any favorite music you’d like to share?

This was my first time composing music for shamisen. To really nail it, I listened to a lot of songs performed in the kabuki and geisha districts between the Edo and Meiji periods. It was interesting to learn how many love songs were sang in the geisha districts at the end of the Edo period, which is when the story takes place. Up to now, I only managed to capture the mood of traditional instruments, but this time I had a great opportunity to study them seriously. I had the idea of wanting to express love with just Japanese scales and instruments, so please enjoy it in the movie.

What requests did you receive from the director?

I received orders to act freely and not get too hung up on the idea of making it super Japanese. Of course, I pulled away from Japanese music a bit while making it, but I think I managed to incorporate various phrases and instruments into other songs without getting trapped by genre.

Finally, please leave a message for the fans who watch this series.

I tried very hard not to be defeated by the lively characters on screen and their delicate, swaying emotions. Please go to the theater and have fun!!

WORD FROM THE MANGAKA, NANAE CHRONO

When I received the offer for a Pisume re-animation, it was around the time I was getting serialization back on track. For me, I was just drawing in the hopes of getting old readers to come back and forgive the follies of the past, so my immediate strong thoughts were, “huh!? Are you going to make this into an anime now?! Will people even watch it?!”, which I felt more strongly than anyone. To be honest, all I could think about was the negative idea that “this will definitely fail…”

But as I got to know the enthusiastic people on the production committee and the technical capabilities of WHITEFOX, and learned more about the specific compositions planned, my feelings began to change. They went from “I’m thankful but mostly I’m just sorry” to “this is seriously a great honor, I’ll give it my all, too”. In the past, I pushed onward with a sense of obligation. But now that I’m involved in the main production, the exhilarating feeling I have gives me more of a sense of purpose, so it seems more like an exciting mission.

It’s another TV anime that was broadcast long ago. All of the voice actors who took care of us during the drama CD have a chance to reunite now, and I can’t wait for the movie’s release! There are the character drawings, the movement of it all – not only the voice acting, but everything from the accessory designs to the backgrounds are really wonderful, so I would love it if you watched it again and again!

Even though this is just a shounen manga drawn by an inexperienced person who isn’t super familiar with history, it’s a great honor to release a new animation in the year of the 150th anniversary of the Meiji Restoration, which borrows the names and parts of the lives of people who actually existed. I’m grateful from the bottom of my heart. Please watch the second part of the movies, too. Thank you for reading this far.

[pmkscanlations]

PMK DVD Booklet Interviews 5

Thanks to @/pmkloveadmin and their kind friend yuunsoba who provided the raws for these interviews! Here’s the fifth set; please enjoy!  I’ll be posting the final set tomorrow!

STAFF COMMENTARY Kimiya Shigeru (Director)

I believe the production work has currently reached its climax, but please tell us your frank impressions as the director of the Peacemaker Kurogane movies.

I’ve always wanted to direct something based on the end of the Edo period, so I was delighted to come across this. In particular, I’m a fan of the Shinsengumi, so seeing all the typical characters like Kondo and Hijikata made me excited. I’m also glad that I got to know the lesser-known member Ichimura Tetsunosuke through it.

In working on this movie, were there any things you kept conscious awareness of?

Above all else, I tried not to change the flavor of the original work. I also thought carefully about the art setting and tools etc., because even though it’s a fictional work, the audience won’t be immersed without creating the world view of the Bakumatsu era. Finally, I was careful not to turn the enemies into mere villains. After all, even with the differing factions, the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate was an era where everyone simply lived according to their own ideas and ideals.

Tell us about a scene you had a particularly hard time directing and put a lot of time into. Please let fans know if there are any points in particular that you want them paying attention to.

There are plenty of parts that mirror real historical fact, so I took care to pay extra attention to Saito’s death chronology records and its consistency with historical timelines. I had the hardest time deciding how far to adjust historical facts and which parts to arrange. Though it’s a small detail, I tried to add a natural Tennen Rishin-Ryu flair to the way they drew and cut with their swords.

In a nutshell, how would you describe Peacemaker Kurogane from the view of a director?

An ensemble drama full of tragedy. As far as easily understood examples go, there’s the budding love between Saya and Tetsunosuke, the brotherly love between Tetsunosuke and Tatsunosuke… All of the main characters in this work are fighting for someone else while suffering. I think even Suzu, who has fallen into the dark path of revenge, still does it out of his admiration and affection for Toshimaro Yoshida. I think there’s something for everyone to enjoy, no matter what relationship diagrams and so on they think up for their favorite characters.

Finally, please leave a message for the fans who watch this series.

In part two, the Shinsengumi will be swallowed up by the times as the battle of Toba-Fushimi starts. It focuses on the previously invincible Shinsengumi suffering its first defeat, and the friendship between Tetsunosuke and Yamazaki, who are each struggling with their own ways of life. Last year marked the 150th year anniversary of the Meiji Restoration. I would like to consider this work a bouquet dedicated to it.

Eiji Umehara (Script & Series Composition)

Please tell us your first impressions for being in charge of the script for this work.

It was a very meaningful and rewarding script to do. I remember rushing to buy Shinsengumi-related books at the bookstore on the day I got the script order. The original work is quite dense and complex. If you move this, you can’t draw that, and if you add this, then that becomes a contradiction. On top of that, it has some heavy drama. While scripting, I often thought things like, “Chrono-sensei often draws things like this, huh?” and “the staff who chose to make this into a movie were brave”.

Where did you stick close to the source material, where did you struggle, and where did you pay the closest attention to?

I always asked, “do they both reflect the feelings of the characters?” The plan was to start filming immediately after the Aburanokoji Incident. So at this point, for example, Shinpachi and Sanosuke had just lost Heisuke, Tetsunosuke discovered the depth of Suzu’s darkness, Tatsunosuke saw how powerless he was… Everyone’s feelings and situations were quite dire. After writing, I was immediately thrust into having to put them all together in the movie and it was a bit more of a barrier than I expected.

As the screenwriter, are there any scenes you want people to pay particular attention to?

First of all, probably the scenes with Tetsunosuke and Saya in general. Even with all of the various things happening, these two make up the main axis of the drama in the first part. Then, the scenes with Hijikata and Okita. As I mentioned, because the original work was so dense, I didn’t have much space to add original elements. However, I wanted to dig down and see a bit more in-depth interaction between these two in particular, so I added back a few scenes that would have been omitted originally.

Finally, please leave a message for the fans who watch this series.

Thank you all for taking time out of your busy lives to watch. While writing the script, I read and re-read the original series and related books many times and became entranced by the world views there. I’m proud to say I’m a decent Peacemaker Kurogane fan, but I’m sure all of you are even bigger fans that I can’t even compare myself to. All staff members brought their all in facing this behemoth of a work by Chrono-sensei. I’d appreciate it if there were parts that tugged on everyone’s heartstrings even a little.

Yoko Shiraishi (Producer)

This work has numerous different forms of media. How did you settle on a movie?

Actually, I’ve been working on Nanae Chrono’s other series since Vassalord. Though that serialization is ending, I heard about Peacemaker Kurogane starting up again and asked if I could take part. We started with talk of a drama CD first but then eventually started discussing a movie instead. It’s been a long time since I’ve made a movie, so I wanted to draw the main character Tetsunosuke with my full heart. That’s why I designed the movie after the theme of the two partings that occur after the Aburanokoji Incident, and Tetsunosuke growing up during it.

From the producer’s point of view, what is Peacemaker Kurogane? Where does its power lie?

I drew the Shinsengumi head-on, parallel to their historically factual story. The Shinsengumi began its decline after the Ikedaya Incident. In it, characters are running away and worrying without caring about looking cool, which felt very human. I was able to empathize. I also cried several times when reading the original when people would die, because my feelings for that character and those around them were so chaotic. As far as characters go, I like both Shinpachi and Susumu, but Tetsunosuke is the one that makes me feel the most emotion.

Did any scenes or lines leave a particularly big impression on you? Please explain why.

The scene where Tetsunosuke and Susumu use Tatsunosuke’s loincloth to play a prank while they’re practicing shooting. I loved how the three had this relaxed conversation in the middle of an otherwise tense movie. Outside of that, the scene where Okita asks Hijikata, “can I have a rifle too?” Even if Okita’s body is yielding, he still wants to be of use to Hijikata and the Shinsengumi. On the other hand, Hijikata wants Okita to live as long as possible, so he doesn’t want to force him too hard. When feelings differ like that, it’s painful and leaves a deep impression.

Finally, please leave a message for the fans who watch this series.

Thank you for watching part one of the Peacemaker Kurogane movies. Part two begins with the Battle of Toba-Fushimi, and things just get rougher for the Shinsengumi from there. But there are still plenty of scenes well worth watching, like their actions and the appearance of a certain nostalgic person. Please look forward to it. I hope everyone will continue on to watch part two.

Toshiki Denyama (Sound Director)

What was your first impression after reading Peacemaker Kurogane for the first time? Did the drama CD or anime change that?

When I think about the path from prosperity to ruin that the Shinsengumi, which bloomed like a flower in a troubling time, took – it imbues the characters with a sort of endearing sadness as they struggle bravely and desperately to live. The already harrowing story of loss becomes even more poignant in movie form. But it’s impressive that a certain level of transparency exists in depicting the hearts of these characters.

Various scenes exist in this show, ranging from daily life to serious matters of life or death. As sound director, what did you keep in mind while working?

Seeing these characters all trying to move forward with deep trauma, it lit a fire in my heart and I decided it was my mission to bring that theme into my work. At the same time, when drawing the Shinsengumi – a dying force – I always kept “partings” and the reason why “here and now” is so precious in mind to explain the regret seeping through the story. That’s remained the same even through the movie.

There are plenty of interesting characters, but do you relate to any on a personal level? Please tell me why.

It’s the second division captain, Nagakura Shinpachi. Rather than just calling him a favorite, it’s more like I want to watch over him. Historically, he survives, so I’m sure he’ll survive in the series. But then I think about what he would have thought, crossing the turbulent times into the Meiji era. I imagine that the weight of his losses and the proof of his life are immeasurable, along with the depth of his feelings.

Finally, please leave a message for the fans who watch this series.

I think people may not be able to fully realize just how precious the “now” is. Even if you think it’s important now, you’ll have to wait until later to truly feel the weight of that importance. I think that’s why stories like this, which depict the bright souls of people who once lived, shake our hearts. Please stay tuned for more!

[pmkscanlations]

PMK DVD Booklet Interviews 4

Thanks to @/pmkloveadmin and their kind friend yuunsoba who provided the raws for these interviews! Here’s the fourth set; please enjoy!

INTERVIEW 11 SHIMADA KAI (Voice actor: Iwasaki Masami)

Please tell us your genuine reaction to the announcement of the movie project.

Surprise! Deep emotion! My enthusiasm gushed forth! Even now, our relationships carry on!

Please tell us your genuine reaction to your first read-through of the script.

In my heart, I felt a deep sympathy for the kind and strong men who lived through the fierce Bakumatsu era. It’s a painful thing.

How was it, revisiting this character after so long? Please tell us your impression of the performance and anything you kept in mind while acting.

Shimada Kai is the kind of person who lived his life righteous in both body and mind. I’m happy to play him.

What scene do you think has the biggest impact, and what scene do you want people to pay attention to?

The scene where a man known as a demon shows utmost kindness. Rather than communicating it directly, it’s communicated through feeling.

This is a story about the Shinsengumi’s great ambitions. After this, what sort of challenges do you want to tackle?

I’ll try to live each day to its fullest and proceed with diligence in mind.

Finally, please leave a message for the fans who watch this series.

I think the most important things remain the same for everyone, regardless of what sticks in each person’s heart or how differently they feel things. Viva Peacemaker Kurogane! Thank you!

INTERVIEW 12 KONDO ISAMI (Voice actor: Takaya Hasi)

Please tell us your genuine reaction to the announcement of the movie project.

I thought, “woah! They’re doing it!” After that, I was just immediately excited that I would get to work with everyone again. They’re fun friends.

Please tell us your genuine reaction to your first read-through of the script.

I ended up looking back on my own youth while reading about these young boys who were swallowed by the big wave of the turning point of that time. Even I get sentimental sometimes, you know?

How was it, revisiting this character after so long? Please tell us your impression of the performance and anything you kept in mind while acting.

As far as Kondo-san goes in this work, we share the same thoughts and opinions. I’m always trying to bring that with me.

What scene do you think has the biggest impact, and what scene do you want people to pay attention to?

Many lines and scenes left a personal impact on me, but I won’t say what they were. It’s everything that will stay in the hearts of those who watch.

This is a story about the Shinsengumi’s great ambitions. After this, what sort of challenges do you want to tackle?

Rather than looking for a challenge, I’m just looking forward to seeing how I might change in the future. I think I’m going to become a strange old man… Nyahaha!

Finally, please leave a message for the fans who watch this series.

Thank you very much. I’m grateful to everyone who watched.

INTERVIEW 13 SAYA (Takahashi Mikako)

Please tell us your genuine reaction to the announcement of the movie project.

I was really surprised! And happy to be able to reprise the role that I played over 10 years ago at the very start of my career. The theatrical release also made me realize just how much and for how long fans have loved the work.

Please tell us your genuine reaction to your first read-through of the script.

“I have to take care!” I got really fired up when I thought about how I could film Saya’s first love as she grew up and her life in Shimabara. After that, when I thought about Saya, I got sad and cried a bit. Saizo was a twist, I was worried he wouldn’t appear (laughs). I was relieved that he did. After all, a mascot character is totally necessary! It’s hard to find such a cute pig with such a grumpy expression.

How was it, revisiting this character after so long? Please tell us your impression of the performance and anything you kept in mind while acting.

My chest was so full that I couldn’t see what was around me (laughs). As expected, considering it’s been over 10 years since I played this role. I felt all emotions strongly, both happiness and sadness. I played her with a more mature voice this time, but I kept the innocence she has about her and was careful not to raise my voice too much. I think my heart was just naturally moved when I heard Tetsu’s lines. I just leave Saizo’s voice all up to chance! (laughs)

What scene do you think has the biggest impact, and what scene do you want people to pay attention to?

Saito-san’s line, “even if it’s just for a second, the time will come when you miss this” really left a deep impression. Since the Shinsengumi is the theme here, I thought it was apt when applied to each and every member. I also want you to pay attention to Tetsu bonking Saya’s head! I could cry! And the cry of Tetsu’s heart at the very end just punched me in the chest!

This is a story about the Shinsengumi’s great ambitions. After this, what sort of challenges do you want to tackle?

All I want to do now is travel alone! I’ve been to Hiroshima in Kanto and Seoul, South Korea before, but I want to go somewhere far away for the first time in ages. I want to ride the Ueda Electric Railway Bessho line in Nagano, visit Bessho onsen, eat delicious local food and enjoy Japan to the fullest.

Finally, please leave a message for the fans who watch this series.

The history of the Shinsengumi really focuses on the daily lives of regular people, and I think you can get the sense that some things don’t change even when the times do. It’d make me happy if you could empathize with Saya’s tragic feelings and accept Saizo’s warmth. Thanks both to the people who have supported us all this time, and to everyone watching for the first time! Please continue to love us moving forward, too!  ♥

INTERVIEW 14 YAMATOYA SUZU (Tachibana Shinnosuke)

Please tell us your genuine reaction to the announcement of the movie project.

The drama CD ended a while ago, so I was quite surprised to hear suddenly about a movie project. But that surprise quickly turned to excitement.

Please tell us your genuine reaction to your first read-through of the script.

The conversational drama that happens between people in this story is interesting, of course, but another highlight are the battle scenes. It was a lot of fun to see it in motion.

How was it, revisiting this character after so long? Please tell us your impression of the performance and anything you kept in mind while acting.

Even in the anime, Suzu’s nastiness was alive and well, so I was able to play him to the utmost while having a great time.

What scene do you think has the biggest impact, and what scene do you want people to pay attention to?

Oh geez, I would say “everything”! (laughs) I think that it won’t give you even a second where you’ll want to take your eyes away!! So please keep them open and watch from the very start to the very end (laughs).

This is a story about the Shinsengumi’s great ambitions. After this, what sort of challenges do you want to tackle?

I want to do too many things, I can’t write them all here (laughs).

Finally, please leave a message for the fans who watch this series.

A work that was already interesting as a drama CD finally became a movie!! How was it? This is the first part, so I’m sure you’re already excited about the next. Surely there will be a lot of Suzu in part 2… no… I’ll really be in trouble if there isn’t (laughs). So please wait a little longer until then! ☆

[pmkscanlations]

PMK DVD Booklet Interviews 3

Thanks to @/pmkloveadmin and their kind friend yuunsoba who provided the raws for these interviews! Here’s the third set; please enjoy!

INTERVIEW 7 SHINPACHI NAGAKURA ( Voice actor: Yamaguchi Kappei)

Please tell us your genuine reaction to the announcement of the movie project.

It was a work I really enjoyed, so I was happy to gather together under the flag of sincerity with everyone once more.

Please tell us your genuine reaction to your first read-through of the script.

”Less work!!” And what I thought after that is~ a~ secret. It can’t be helped, since it’s a story that happens after Aburanokoji, you know?

How was it, revisiting this character after so long? Please tell us your impression of the performance and anything you kept in mind while acting.

Shinpattsan is a role I really cherish. I was a little tense since it had been a long time, but I was able to speak every line from my heart, and I really enjoyed playing my role.

What scene do you think has the biggest impact, and what scene do you want people to pay attention to?

I hope that as you watch the scene in the summary montage at the beginning, you can feel the friendship, tragic parting and overflowing emotions coming from Shinpachi, Sanosuke and Heisuke in every part of it.

This is a story about the Shinsengumi’s great ambitions. After this, what sort of challenges do you want to tackle?

I want to do my best at rakugo!!

Finally, please leave a message for the fans who watch this series.

I’m incredibly grateful to be reunited with everyone and work on this series again in the form of a theatrical release, all thanks to the ongoing voices of everyone who has supported us. As the Shinsengumi, there’s a sad fate ahead of them, but I’d appreciate it if you could watch over their future together.

INTERVIEW 8 HEISUKE TODO (Voice actor: Toriumi Kousuke)

Please tell us your genuine reaction to the announcement of the movie project.

It’s been some time since the TV series, so I was initially quite surprised to hear about it. I was also really happy to get the chance to work with everyone and play this character again.

Please tell us your genuine reaction to your first read-through of the script.

The lively and fun memories of those earlier days popped into my head, you know? But since it’s set in stone historically-speaking, I know what lies ahead for them…

How was it, revisiting this character after so long? Please tell us your impression of the performance and anything you kept in mind while acting.

Well, I’m up first… (laughs). I got to dive into the role straight away.

What scene do you think has the biggest impact, and what scene do you want people to pay attention to?

Since the whole story flows alongside passage of time, please focus on the entire piece instead of one single point.

This is a story about the Shinsengumi’s great ambitions. After this, what sort of challenges do you want to tackle?

I wonder… On the other hand, is there anything you want to see me try?

Finally, please leave a message for the fans who watch this series.

They’re all still running forward, so I hope that you all can run alongside them and keep an eye on them on their journey.

INTERVIEW 9 SANOSUKE HARADA (Voice actor: Nomura Kenji)

Please tell us your genuine reaction to the announcement of the movie project.

I was really happy! There was some nostalgia, but for the most part, being reunited with everyone again raised my spirits the most. I’m sure that the big screen will really bring the soldiers to life~ I’m honored to play Sanosuke there. I hope many people will watch this story!

Please tell us your genuine reaction to your first read-through of the script.

It felt like the part of the story going into the Shinsengumi’s decline had finally started. At last~ Kondo-san got injured~! After that, everything just starts falling apart… There was a scene with Heisuke that made me sad, too. I wanted to do more with the Idiot Trio, you know?

How was it, revisiting this character after so long? Please tell us your impression of the performance and anything you kept in mind while acting.

Since Sanosuke is the type to express himself honestly, I want to convey his emotions in an easily understood way! It’d be great if we could have fun as the Idiot Trio as a result, but… Well, the story’s like that… It’s rough~ But Sanosuke values his friends greatly, and he’ll carry on living as the Shinsengumi’s 10th division captain! Please watch him express his way of living with your own eyes and ears!

What scene do you think has the biggest impact, and what scene do you want people to pay attention to?

For Sanosuke specifically, there’s a scene where he tells the soldier that killed Heisuke that he didn’t do anything wrong. I thought his feelings as a captain were expressed well there. Please pay attention to Sanosuke’s one cool scene!

This is a story about the Shinsengumi’s great ambitions. After this, what sort of challenges do you want to tackle?

Unlike the warriors here, I don’t have any big ambitions, but…In the future, I want to discover more possibilities for myself. I can’t say how things will go for sure, but I want to be involved in as many works as possible, and I think it’d be great to create a play that would stick in everyone’s hearts.

Finally, please leave a message for the fans who watch this series.

How was it? It must have been fun! I’m sure it was thrilling! The Bakumatsu period is really interesting! We can’t experience that sense of urgency in the same way these days, after all. Let’s dive into this unique world view together. Please look forward to the next part!

INTERVIEW 10 SAITO HAJIME (Voice actor: Matsuyama Takashi)

Please tell us your genuine reaction to the announcement of the movie project.

“It’d be nice if it gets a movie someday, right?” That’s a common conversation for works that have just started, but very few of them actually make it that far. It’s thanks to everyone’s strong feelings that this series got a movie, even after all this time. Thanks! And congratulations!

Please tell us your genuine reaction to your first read-through of the script.

Saya and Tetsunosuke, Tetsunosuke and Tatsunosuke, Tatsunosuke and Yamazaki, Hijikata and Okita… It’s a script bursting with plenty of things to think about.

How was it, revisiting this character after so long? Please tell us your impression of the performance and anything you kept in mind while acting.

Saito Hajime. He locked away his heart due to the pain of seeing the future. With his quiet and cold manner of speaking, he thought he was going to get through all rough times ahead with ease, but… Ichimura Tetsunosuke... I wonder if I’m overdoing it…

What scene do you think has the biggest impact, and what scene do you want people to pay attention to?

I think everyone should pay attention to Saya. As a character who doesn’t speak, it puts a lot of pressure on everyone around her. Of course, the strength of the viewer is also necessary in these cases.

This is a story about the Shinsengumi’s great ambitions. After this, what sort of challenges do you want to tackle?

Sorry if this is totally out of the blue, but I want to try operating a drone!!

Finally, please leave a message for the fans who watch this series.

What did you think? What’s the summary of everyone’s thoughts on Peacemaker Kurogane? I’d be happy if you liked it even a little. I’d be even happier if you continue to love this work. Saito Hajime is looking forward to the day that we can meet again.

[pmkscanlations]

PMK DVD Booklet Interviews 2

Thanks to @/pmkloveadmin and their kind friend yuunsoba who provided the raws for these interviews! Here’s the second set; please enjoy! As a note, I’ll be tagging all interviews in this series as pmk dvd booklet interviews in case anyone misses one!

INTERVIEW 3: YOUNG ICHIMURA TETSUNOSUKE (Voice actor: Kobayashi Yumiko)

Please tell us your genuine reaction to the announcement of the movie project.

“Eh?! You’re doing more Peacemaker Kurogane!? Eh?! An anime?! Eh?! A movie?? Eh!? Can I come?! Eh!?!? Yay!!” I remember having a wild conversation on the phone like that when I first heard the news (laughs). As a big Ichi fan, I was really happy to see Tetsunosuke and everyone else moving on a screen again!!

Please tell us your genuine reaction to your first read-through of the script.

As expected of a movie!! Thick!! And rich with substance!! Historically speaking, the Shinsengumi will fall shortly after this, but I’m happy… I was really drawn to it even knowing what’s ahead! I’m looking forward to the next part already!

How was it, revisiting this character after so long? Please tell us your impression of the performance and anything you kept in mind while acting.

This time, the story is about Tetsunosuke who’s become an adult. The role of young Tetsunosuke was pretty small, but I was really overwhelmed to be voicing him in motion again. My hope is that the scene will be a symbol of the Shinsengumi at its brightest. I played out Tetsunosuke’s daily life hanging out with his friends with that in mind.

What scene do you think has the biggest impact, and what scene do you want people to pay attention to?

I personally enjoyed the scene where Tetsunosuke became aware of his feelings for Saya. I thought it was a good representation of all the growing up that Tetsunosuke’s done, which you don’t see a lot of in his youth. Also, I loved Susumu, the best friend who pushed Tetsunosuke forward. I really felt he was a great guy! Susumu is the greatest friend to have! (laughs)

This is a story about the Shinsengumi’s great ambitions. After this, what sort of challenges do you want to tackle?

English and jogging. For the last ten years, I’ve put up this challenge on New Year’s and say “I’ll accomplish it this time!” I think I’ve probably been saying this since the Peacemaker Kurogane anime was airing. Time flies fast, huh… Of course, I haven’t managed it yet this year…

Finally, please leave a message for the fans who watch this series.

How was the first part of the Peacemaker Kurogane movies? As a fellow Ichi fan, I also have the DVD release!! For the sake of this project, myself, the cast and many others have risen to the challenge with full vigor and passion. It would make me happy if everyone could watch over Tetsunosuke and the others until the very end. Please look forward to the next part!

INTERVIEW 4 HIJIKATA TOSHIZO (Voice actor: Nakata Jouji)

Please tell us your genuine reaction to the announcement of the movie project.

Will the war at the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate, which even Chrono-sensei has prepared for, finally begin…? It’s the kind of turbulent period that Saito Hajime aptly addressed by saying, “even if it’s just for a second, the time will come when you miss this”. Since there’s no changing historical fact, I just have to do my best to ensure that my acting truly represents those who lived their lives in full. For this first part, I’d appreciate it if you could feel the weight of the choices they all made.

Please tell us your genuine reaction to your first read-through of the script.

While mixing historical facts a bit, I think the Ichimura brothers in Peacemaker Kurogane might come to the rescue.

How was it, revisiting this character after so long? Please tell us your impression of the performance and anything you kept in mind while acting.

It made me feel like I was entrusted with the lives of many soldiers.

What scene do you think has the biggest impact, and what scene do you want people to pay attention to?

I’ll leave that to the viewers to decide. I’d love it if everyone could just enjoy the presence of each and every character who’s active on the big screen with surround sound.

This is a story about the Shinsengumi’s great ambitions. After this, what sort of challenges do you want to tackle?

I don’t have any dreams, but I’m healthy as always.

Finally, please leave a message for the fans who watch this series.

How was it? The world of Peacemaker Kurogane has started to move once more. It’s been a long time, so I hope you were all nostalgic and excited to see Tetsunosuke and his friends again. Next up is part two. Thank you for your support!

INTERVIEW 5 OKITA SOUJI (Voice actor: Saiga Mitsuki)

Please tell us your genuine reaction to the announcement of the movie project.

I was surprised to hear it was getting another anime, and even more surprised to hear it was a movie! Honestly, I was extremely happy, since I knew I’d be able to see everyone else again.

Please tell us your genuine reaction to your first read-through of the script.

I thought, “ah, it’s Tetsu-kun, it’s the commander, it’s Hijikata-san, it’s Okita-san” and so on, and I was reading through it pretty slowly at first to indulge my nostalgia. But soon enough, the story gripped me and pulled me in.

How was it, revisiting this character after so long? Please tell us your impression of the performance and anything you kept in mind while acting.

Just as Okita is Okita, I did my best to convey his thoughts and feelings to the audience and walk through the story together with him.

What scene do you think has the biggest impact, and what scene do you want people to pay attention to?

I can’t choose. There are too many great things to see, so I can’t choose. So, all of them!!

This is a story about the Shinsengumi’s great ambitions. After this, what sort of challenges do you want to tackle?

I’m in the middle of the challenge called “staying an actor for the rest of my life” (laughs).

Finally, please leave a message for the fans who watch this series.

How was it? I’m sure you were drawn into the world of Peacemaker in no time, right? There’s a sequel, too, so I hope everyone enjoys watching both.

INTERVIEW 6 ICHIMURA TATSUNOSUKE (Voice actor: Ueda Yuuji)

Please tell us your genuine reaction to the announcement of the movie project.

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen the characters in motion. Technology and techniques for expressions and so on have changed since the TV anime, so I’m interested in seeing how the new creators tackle this work.

How was it, revisiting this character after so long? Please tell us your impression of the performance and anything you kept in mind while acting.

I was thinking that it’s been a long time, but it didn’t really matter. Nothing’s changed. Both Kobayashi’s Tetsunosuke and Kaji’s Tetsunosuke are Ichimura Tatsunosuke’s precious, precious little brother.

What scene do you think has the biggest impact, and what scene do you want people to pay attention to?

A turbulent record!! “The theatrical release of Peacemaker Kurogane Part 1 – Omou Michi”!! A turbulent record!! “The theatrical release of Peacemaker Kurogane Part 1 – Omou Michi”!! A turbulent record!! “The theatrical release of Peacemaker Kurogane Part 1 – Omou Michi”!! (In the stylings of a certain commercial...)

Finally, please leave a message for the fans who watch this series.

Whether you’re a long-time, loyal fan of the franchise or brand new to it, how was your stay? This is just the first part, though. Please take a look at part two if you’re interested.

[pmkscanlations]

PMK DVD Booklet Interviews 1

Thanks again to @/pmkloveadmin and their kind friend yuunsoba who provided the raws for this booklet! I’ll be posting the interview translations in parts over the next few days. Please note that I’ll just be doing text posts due to the newer, stricter restrictions re: posting magazine images & the scan donator’s request! Thank you and please enjoy the first set!

INTERVIEW 1: ICHIMURA TETSUNOSUKE (Voice actor: Kaji Yuki)

Please tell us your genuine reaction to the announcement of the movie project.

Peacemaker was a project I took on along the way while auditioning about 4 years ago. It was a great honor to portray an older Tetsunosuke, who showed great growth even in the original work. At the same time, I was very nervous. I was involved with the drama CD initially, so this was my first time doing post-recording for the anime side of things. I dreamed of working as a voice actor when I was in school, so being able to do this was deeply moving for me.

Please tell us your genuine reaction to your first read-through of the script.

This makes me sound like a total newbie, but I just thought, “Uwah! It’s a Peacemaker Kurogane script!” (laughs). The drama CD script was just paper, so I was delighted to see a fully bound script with a picture of an adolescent Tetsunosuke on the cover. While Kobayashi Yumiko kicked the whole thing off with a line from a young Tetsunosuke, there are plenty of heroic scenes between then and the main storyline, so I felt like making the tonal change would be quite difficult. There are scenes of tragedy and scenes that make you laugh, and throughout it all, I was reintroduced to the variety of expressions these characters wear. As Tetsunosuke, I was also left thinking “what will happen next?!” because of how it ended. I’m sure everyone who watched felt the same, but I’m just excited for the continuation.

Quite some time has passed between the drama CD and the movie, but please tell us if you carried over any impressions from then into your acting this time.

When I played Tetsunosuke in the drama CD, it was the Hokujou Arc, so I didn’t have a chance to play the lively Tetsunosuke that everyone thinks of until now. Because of that, it was a really tough place to start, and I had to overcome my concerns and anxieties that I wouldn’t match up with the mental image everyone had. The “Tetsunosuke” in me is energetic, bright, and able to face any conflicts head-on, just like the version depicted in the movies. So I was happy that I got to play both the young version and the adolescent version that I imagined. With these fresh feelings, I was able to take that along with the “Tetsunosuke” created by Kobayashi Yumiko and really dive into the character.

What scene do you think has the biggest impact, and what scene do you want people to pay attention to?

I was happy to see a young Tetsunosuke at the start. It paints a good picture of the events that led him to the current story arc that the movie covers. After that, I very abruptly went into a montage of famous lines and scenes, so I got to say a lot of high-impact things in every way (laughs). I think that’s how I was able to manage the switch to the energy of the Shinsengumi’s sharpness and the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

I think the most notable scene is where Tetsunosuke goes to buy Saya’s freedom! Naturally, the story is full of tons of interesting drama, but I think that stories about pure love are universal regardless of era or rank. I think this will become particularly important to Tetsunosuke, who will surely be embroiled in battles from here on. Even the flashback scene between those two in happier times reminded me of just how big of a presence Saya has in Tetsunosuke’s life.

The scene where Hijikata talks to Tetsunosuke about Saya’s miuke* is impressive, isn’t it? To Tetsunosuke, what kind of person is Hijikata Toshizo?

From Tetsunosuke’s childhood, Hijikata has been an overwhelming presence. As a man, human being and warrior, he’s unbeatable, you know? That’s why I think there are both parts he admires and parts that he can’t understand. I think Hijikata is a lot like a father to him in that respect. Tetsunosuke didn’t carry out his orders with full obedience and backtalked instead of respecting him. I’m sure that Hijikata will become an even more important person in the future, and Hijikata will likely undergo changes himself, but I hope their relationship will carry on as-is.

This is a story about the Shinsengumi’s great ambitions. After this, what sort of challenges do you want to tackle?

2017 was the year of climbing Mount Fuji and having unprecedented peach wars. With that all done, I’m mostly focusing on myself and my daily life again. I want to handle each job as a voice actor with precision and care.

Also, I’ve been saying this for ages, but someday I want to master conversational English. I like to travel, and learning English would help me expand my circle of communication and enjoy the world even more fully. So I’d like to study when I have time.

Finally, please leave a message for the fans who watch this series.

Thank you for viewing the show! It’s delightful to see that a work I have such strong personal ties to has made it to theaters, and that so many people have come to see it.

Many dramas cover the history of the Shinsengumi. With the amount of time they’ve spent together and all of their meetings and partings, it feels like they’re really here, and I hope you can enjoy this first part of the movie set.

How will this Tetsunosuke, with all of his growth, handle the conflicts that may appear with Suzu, Saya, and the Shinsengumi that he views as a family? Fortunately, the development will continue, but I think the glimpses of their will to live and hope are charm points of the series. Please watch over us until the end. Thank you!

INTERVIEW 2: YAMAZAKI SUSUMU (Voice actor: Sakurai Takahiro)

Please tell us your genuine reaction to the announcement of the movie project.

Even though it’s been a long time since the anime, my first thought was that I’m happy to be involved in the franchise even all these years later. I still remember the original TV series, so seeing Tetsunosuke grown up gave me a sense of time passing by in both the show and also real life. Because of that, it all feels fresh even though it’s a continuation of an old story.

Please tell us your genuine reaction to your first read-through of the script.

It was really nostalgic (laughs). The cast’s feelings toward the work is strong, and I was reminded all over again of how this story has the power to connect people. Even though about 15 years have passed since the anime, I didn’t feel the gap. Despite the strong nostalgia, there was no confusion or stumbling. I think it must be because Kobayashi-san and Kaji-kun are there supporting the foundation.

Quite some time has passed between the drama CD and the movie, but please tell us if you carried over any impressions from then into your acting this time.

Yamazaki’s really grown, huh? It feels like he climbed a mountain with his older sister, and from his line about retiring, you can guess that he’s peeled away his old veneer and done some growing up. Since he can see so many things and people around him clearly - including Tetsunosuke - and is someone with many connections, I was struck once again by his importance as a character.

The gap that changed moment by moment and developed into something serious was also deeply impressive.

What scene do you think has the biggest impact, and what scene do you want people to pay attention to?

Okita’s line where he says, “If there are extra rifles... could you give one to me?” really left a big impression. I was wondering what he meant... Whether they’re aware of it or not, I think most characters in this series are desperately trying to live. But among them all, Okita, who gave off a feeling of loneliness, caught my eye. Even though Yamazaki wasn’t in the scene, I couldn’t help but wonder what sort of words he’d have for Okita if he had been. I was also impressed by the unchanged parts, like the Ichimura brothers using Tatsunosuke’s loincloth for target practice, and the way that things shifted bit by bit toward more serious developments.

The Shinsengumi members are all fascinating people, don’t you think? What’s your impression of Saito Hajime, one of the key players?

I used to think that even among the Shinsengumi, Saito Hajime stood out as particularly manic, but he’s really gained a lot of popularity through these stories, hasn’t he? In my mind’s eye, I associate Saito Hajime with Takashi Matsuyama-san’s take on him, which involves the strong image of a slight downer who’s very mysterious. I think that in this story, Saito’s humanity – or backbone, rather – became visible.

This is a story about the Shinsengumi’s great ambitions. After this, what sort of challenges do you want to tackle?

To be honest, I can’t join this challenge... (laughs). I guess I want to play a role I haven’t before. It’d be nice if I could see a version of myself that I haven’t yet. Rather than trying to master something in a totally new field, I think I’d do best with deepening my own strengths.

Finally, please leave a message for the fans who watch this series.

I think that the shape and depth of the story will change depending on who’s viewing it, but if you feel something when you watch it, I hope you can cherish those emotions. There’s also a sequel, so please keep an eye out. Thank you!

[pmkscanlations]

PEACEMAKER KUROGANE CHAPTER 95

DOWNLOAD (mega): Here READ ONLINE (imgur): Here

Thanks for your patience with the slight delay on translations for this chapter! Please support Chrono-sensei if you can by buying the manga if it’s released in your country, and enjoy! The next chapter’s release date is currently undetermined, but I’ll drop a note as soon as more information comes out!

[pmkscanlations]

And finally, just wanted to leave a quick note that I’m quite busy this month so the chapter 95 scanlation might come out a few weeks late! The Japanese version is currently available and free to read on magcomi for those interested in taking a look. Thanks for your patience and understanding! ❤️

[pmkscanlations]

So I recently rewatched this and it's killing me not knowing what happened after the second movie where do I read from? Just to satisfy my need for having proper ending?

I totally get you! Hopefully they'll make more movies in the future, but for now: The anime from the 2000s covers the events of Shinsengumi Imon Peacekmaker (technically the prequel to PMK but considered essentially the same series, chapters 1-30!) The first movie roughly covers chapters chapters 32-35, skipping chapters 31.1 and 31.2. The second movie roughly covers chapters 36-42. If you want to read on from where the second movie ends, you could pick PMK up from there! There are currently 95 chapters and the series is ongoing. However, I'd personally suggest reading the entirety of PMK when/if you have the time, just because the movies did unfortunately skim over quite a lot of really good content! Hope this helped!

[pmkscanlations]

Do you plan to go back and translate the untranslated volumes at some point?

Hello! There should be no untranslated volumes left at this point! I've translated chapters 49 onward, and other scanlation teams have covered from chapter 49 and earlier. Hijikata_toshizou_official has a very handy chapter masterlist here: https://hijikata-toshizou-official.tumblr.com/chapter-master-list You can also find the entire series from start to finish on batoto! Hope this helps!

[pmkscanlations]

I'm not sure how to post here but I wanted to thank you for continuing to translate PMK. I feel like it's very rare to have Shinsengumi fiction that goes all the way up to their last days. I'm a fan of Saitou and this manga is heaven sent for me not only because I'm a Shinsengumi fan but I spent too much time decades ago researching Saitou's first wife Yaso and their life during exile in Aomori Gonohe. I'm so happy to have a fictional face and a "story" for this pair! Thank you - Hajimenokizu

Thanks so much for swinging by to comment! I totally agree - it's definitely rare to see so much of the Shinsengumi's history covered in such detail! I was excited to see Yaso show up, too, along with a lot of other figures of the time who rarely ever get mentions in Bakumatsu stories. Chrono-sensei definitely pours a lot of his time and attention into detail and it really shows! Happy to help by bringing the story over to the English-speaking side of the fandom. ❤️

[pmkscanlations]

you're the backbone of the pmk community, thank you for your hardwork and dedication in scanlating and translating the manga for all of us 🙇‍♂️

This is such a sweet comment, thank you so much! ❤️ I'm just glad to give whatever I can and be a part of such a wonderful community.

[pmkscanlations]

Cho!Animedia Peacemaker Interviews

An interview with Kaji Yuki and Tachibana Shinnosuke, the voice actors for Tetsunosuke and Suzu in the Peacemaker Kurogane movies. The original interview can be found here!

Tetsu is sunnier, while Suzu is more “unpleasant”. Once again, we ask that you please share your thoughts, feelings and reactions on part one of the movie project, “Omou Michi”.

Kaji (Kaji Yuki, VA for Tetsunosuke): Since I was Tetsunosuke’s voice actor for the drama CD, this project was my first time entering the animation side of Peacemaker Kurogane. It was a theatrical release on top of that, which was a huge honor and deeply emotional for me. I think that through voicing the young Tetsunosuke in the drama CD, I was able to gain recognition from the audience of this beloved piece of media. Part one of this movie helped me recapture the feeling of being a part of the “Peacemaker Kurogane” franchise. During the opening, I got to travel around and participate in speeches with the staff, and it was delightful to experience the reaction of fans firsthand.

Tachibana (Tachibana Shinnosuke, VA for Suzu): I was also in the drama CD, but I really wanted to see a growing Tetsunosuke and Suzu in motion as soon as possible. Since there are so many action and battle scenes, I thought from the start that it would be a shame just to portray it all with only sound, and I wanted to see it animated quickly. So I was really happy to hear about this high-quality animation, but… Well, Suzu only made some appearances in part one and didn’t have many speaking scenes… (laughs).

Kaji: (laughs) Yeah, part one was like that.

Tachibana: But I’m still happy to watch the newly animated version of “Peacemaker Kurogane”, which will finally cover the adolescent times of Suzu and the others.

Between the time of the Drama CD and now, have you two felt any growth or changes regarding your characters?

Kaji: As Tachibana-san mentioned, it’s a big deal that the characters are moving around on screen now, as opposed to being audio-only. In the 7th volume’s drama CD, there were a lot of times where we saw a Tetsunosuke who had closed himself off, and the movie brings to light a much brighter, more vibrant side. It made me really happy to feel the differences when playing a Tetsunosuke who was bursting with energy. In the first part, there’s Tetsunosuke and Susumu’s interactions, the lively conversations of the Shinsengumi, and his romance with Saya… By depicting a Tetsunosuke in the spring of his youth like this, I felt like I was able to accomplish finding another version of him within me. But of course, considering the original work will follow along with the flow of history, the Shinsengumi’s future is hazy... Since I know that, I’m actually in more pain the more happy scenes I see.

What about Suzu?

Tachibana: Suzu’s been falling into his dark side since the drama CD, so I don’t think much has changed in that way. It feels to me like he’s still dragging along that same kind of darkness and gloom. I was able to undertake the roles in both the drama CD and movies with that in mind. Still, it’s an even stronger nastiness when there’s animation involved – or rather, the animation conveyed a certain obstinacy. So I was more emphatic and stronger with my acting in the movie. Well, but the most memorable thing for me was finally being able to see the lacquered skull (laughs). I could only imagine it until now. With that included, I think I was able to keep the feeling from the drama CD and give a performance to match the animation.

Part two, otherwise known as “the whole audience will be moved to tears”. Please share your thoughts, feelings and reactions regarding part two of the movie project, “Yuumei”.

Kaji: For Tetsunosuke, part one was relatively light and positive, but… At the very end, he and Saya literally passed right by each other, going in opposite directions. I felt a big “gap” there. The same goes for the “gap” between the Shinsengumi and their times. I wonder if they’ll be able to continue going against the flow of the era… Though of course, from their perspective, that concern is a long way off. As expected, the contents of part two weighed heavily on my heart and it felt like my chest was constricting all over again when I played it out.

Tachibana: Yeah… For me, Suzu finally got to speak (laughs).

Kaji: That’s it.

Tachibana: Yep. (laughs) I really just thought “he finally talks”. But my frank first opinion when I read through the whole script was, “oh, so this is where it ends!” After watching part one, I wondered where they would take part two and what would be a good ending point for it, and had lots of thoughts jumbling around about that. But when I saw this, I thought, “I see, this is the perfect way to make all viewers cry”. That’s one way to end it, and it’s an ending that will stick in everyone’s hearts. To put it simply, I felt like the ending did a good job. But I also thought, “if it’s going to end here, make a sequel”.

Kaji: That’s the exact feeling!

Tachibana: “There’s still more, right? I’m begging you…” (laughs) That really was the feeling.

Kaji: I want to see it… But when I think about the future of the Shinsengumi, there’s really nothing left but pain.

Tachibana: It’s really nothing but pain. Nothing but pain, but for Suzu, there’s still more to come (laughs).

Kaji: Yeah… If “that future” doesn’t come…

Tachibana: Right, if things don’t continue, we’re just left with Suzu’s dark side.

Kaji: Yeah, that’s right. Moreover, Tetsunosuke and Suzu still haven’t even had dialogue together yet.

Tachibana: That’s true.

Kaji: I’m looking forward to acting in that scene, and as a fan, I want to see it animated.

Tachibana: Thinking about the “gap” that Kaji-kun mentioned, it probably applies to everything.

Kaji: It feels like everything is shifting bit by bit.

Tachibana: Tetsunosuke and Suzu are also out of sync. The same goes for the Shinsengumi and their era, and Saya and Tetsunosuke. Various “gaps” start to emerge, and I guess that’s what creates the drama. Even the second part ends with a “gap”. That’s why many pieces of the story are still hazy, but it really gets you thinking and makes you want to see the next part. If you look at it like that, I think the second part has become a movie you can watch from a lot of angles and enjoy in numerous ways.

This time, were there any requests from the directors or directions that left an impression on you?

Kaji: The second part ends with Tetsunosuke’s narration, and I remember having lots of discussions about the atmosphere and how to tackle the script. In addition to what had been brought up, I had ideas about what kind of nuance was better. On the flip side, they’d suggest that I redo parts in different ways to try them out. Is it the opinion of a neutral storyteller, or is it something that contains Tetsunosuke’s thoughts? That’s one key to figuring out what I wanted to do. I’d be happy if you could pay attention and listen to it closely. The Shinsengumi is about to leave Kyoto, but in the case of Tetsunosuke and the others, they’ll just move forward, carrying out their unchanging beliefs and justice. I was aware the whole time that even though this was a moment of despair for them, as long as they looked ahead, it wasn’t over yet.

And what about Tachibana-san?

Tachibana: Right, well, the directors told me “please relax and go all-out with the lines”. There’s a line from Suzu at the beginning of part one, but the movement of his mouth was really fast, and I felt like my characterization would change if I matched it. I said something like, “this doesn’t really suit Suzu, does it?” and the directors immediately said “please just totally ignore the speed” (laughs). It turns out they match the speed to the lines later.

Kaji: That sort of thing makes me happy.

Tachibana: Yeah. We care about portraying the character’s feelings, you know? Anyway, regarding Suzu, the staff and I were able to talk and I could add a little more color to the second part. I was told that “it’s okay to be stickier and more stubborn”, and I feel like I created those kinds of feelings by emphasizing his nastiness and the eeriness that comes from it.

What was the biggest appeal about one another’s characters this time?

Kaji: I’ve only known “the current Suzu” since I started playing Tetsunosuke, but hearing Tachibana-san’s voice in the studio this time… I felt how big his presence is for Tetsunosuke again, and it weighs even heavier on my heart than before. Tetsunosuke hasn’t met this Suzu yet, who has essentially changed into a different person. But no matter what, he’ll have to face Suzu again one way or another... Him having that conversation with Suzu is a scene I definitely want to try, so I would be delighted if I could someday.

And what about Tetsunosuke through the eyes of Tachibana-san?

Tachibana: Well, he’s straightforward and genuine, right? After all, those are some of his best and strongest points. It’s a contrast to Suzu, who’s completely twisted (laughs). That sort of honesty and steadiness isn’t something a lot of other Shinsengumi members have, so I think that’s his big charm point.

What if there’s hope for Tetsunosuke and Suzu in the future? From here on, it’s all hypothetical - but in a “what-if” scenario, what would you hope for the story of these two?

Kaji: If we’re completely setting aside the flow of the original work (laughs), then I would want to see them reconcile. I’d want to see them become friends again, despite not knowing if they’ll survive to the next day, despite living in an era where you never know who you’ll lose. I think the ideal for me would be seeing them meet each other as soon as possible in their truest of forms, and getting along closely like they did as children.

When they were kids, they played around in Shimabara like a couple of puppies.

Kaji: Yeah, they did. I’d love to see the two of them as adults chatting away happily again.

What about you, Tachibana-san?

Tachibana: If we’re really talking “what-if” scenarios – I’d love to see some fights happen in a setting completely unrelated to the original work. Something like West Army versus East Army.

Kaji: What the heck kind of answer is that!? Doesn’t that sound like the Sengoku period? (laughs) Tetsunosuke vs. Suzu!?

Tachibana: Yeah! Tetsunosuke vs. Suzu!

Kaji: Are you saying their relationship should end with a fight?!

Tachibana: Well, yes. But I want them to be competing until the very end.

What started this fight?

Tachibana: What started it… Huh, I wonder… Maybe something like stealing a steamed bun (laughs).

Kaji: You’re going with a reason like that?! (laughs) It’d be nice if they could just use swords that are too soft to cut people.

Tachibana: Alright, let’s do it with soft swords and soft skulls (laughs). We’ll really beat each other up, it’ll be tons of fun (laughs).

Kaji: It’ll be great (laughs). But seriously, I do want to see their real future.

Tachibana: It feels like the fate of Tetsunosuke and Suzu is just starting to unfold, so I’d also love to see their story from this point on get animated, too. That’s the best “what if”.

[pmkscanlations]

Thanks to @pmkloveadmin and their kind friend yuunsoba who provided the raws, I have scans for the magazine that came with the PMK movie DVDs. It contains interviews with various members of the cast/crew, plus a word from Nanae Chrono! I’ll be working on these and uploading them in batches, though I’ll just be doing text posts due to the newer, stricter restrictions re: posting magazine images & the scan donator’s request! I’ll also be posting the interview done by Tetsu & Suzu’s voice actors, which is available on Cho! Animedia, so keep an eye out!

[pmkscanlations]

I'm joining the other anons to once again THANK YOU for all the hardwork! You are who is keeping the fandom alive because otherwise nobody would know what's going on in the manga. Speaking of which, I can't believe we are so close to reach the final stage of the story of the Shinsengumi because once the battle of Aizu ends we'll jump to Ezo again and with that we'll have a ticking clock to the moment of the prologue with Hijikata sending Tetsunosuke away and then his death in the battle of Hakodate....considering the manga started in 1999 and went through changing editorials and hiatuses, is amazing how far Chrono-sensei has come and now he is so close to the end! I think PMK is one of the few Shinsengumi manga who has portrayed the whole story of the Shinsengumi from Ikedaya to Ezo, and my biggest wish and that of the fans is that once the manga is done we'll have a proper anime reboot like many other old series are having right now that animates the story from beginning to end. Sorry the long message but I got carried away lol. Once again thank you!

Thanks so much for this sweet message, anon! I'm always so glad that I can bring PMK content to English-speaking fans even if this isn't a very large fandom, haha. Also, I know! We're really getting close to the end now. Hard to believe that this wild ride that's lasted for over 20 years could be ending soonish, huh? It's going to be strange once it's all wrapped up, like saying goodbye to an old friend. Prayer circle for a proper anime reboot for sure, though; I feel like we'd all love to see movie-quality animation set to the entire proper story!

[pmkscanlations]

Hi! I just wanna say thank you so much for the scanlations. I just got back into pmk after ten years and was scared that I would not be able to find any updates and seeing such an active scanlations and blog make me really happy! Thank you for your hard work! Let’s keep supporting pmk and chrono sensei💕💕

Thanks so much for stopping by to comment! Even though it's a small and old fandom, it warms my heart knowing that people still come back after so much time. ❤️ Here's to many more years of supporting Chrono-sensei and PMK!