I'm scrolling through someone's blog from 2000–2004. It's a personal blog of a young woman, an artist. Throughout the blog she studies in a university, gets a puppy, has family and friends shenanigans, talks about homework, part time job, everyday events. She posts often enough, every few days or so. (Sometimes more, sometimes less). The first post says "This one is going to be my diary to post my random thoughts, not related to Naruto". It doesn't seem to have an identifiable username or any links to her other sites (unfortunately, because she seems to be a very active person in the community)
However, even though it's a personal side blog, she still mentions Naruto-related stuff once in a while.
I'll give you examples here.
Warning!!! Long post!!
Because the blog is in Japanese, and I can't read it, I'm using google translate to understand what's going on. But it's not always very legible, so I will have the audacity to interpret the posts. The excerpts below are summarised and paraphrased at times, for the sake of clarity. Something might be a mistranslation (just because I don't know the language).
2000/12/09 A whim.
I really like the design of this diary, so want to give it a try. I'm planning to write here about my everyday life, unrelated to Naruto. Just some thoughts. This is Sōryū's personal blog!
2001/02/05. Weekly Jump issue 10
Some Naruto thoughts.
Wow… it’s really been so long!!!!! That full-page appearance completely floored me!!! Iruka-sensei in the original manga really is a man of character.
But, as everyone’s saying, the real topic this time is “Kakashi-san.” “Kakashi-san”!!!!
Personally, I would prefer “Kakashi-sensei”… but I guess there's nothing we can do. I'll just pretend I didn’t see it. Just pretend I didn’t see it.
Another thing that really struck me was Iruka-sensei’s sad expression!! Seeing Naruto become more independent from him is really painful for Iruka-sensei, isn’t it?! It just made me love that parent-child dynamic even more.
Anyway, I’m just really happy to see so much of Iruka-sensei again after such a long time~~
2001/02/09 Finally done!
I finally finished my practice report. 175 pages. Very heavy, even though the paper is thin. I worked so hard. I look back at what I wrote early on, and I really don't like some moments and want to fix them, but I deliberately ignore that, otherwise I'll just never finish. Now, all I have left is to write the optional Chinese poem, and submit it all, and I'll be free! Also I'm moving. I'm going to have a bigger room. I'm so excited about it all, I'm not sure what to do. Also, my favourite website keeps hitting milestones, and Iruka-sensei keeps appearing in Naruto, so I'm getting worried. I hope nothing happens to him...
2001/02/19 Haircut.
I went to get a haircut
...and they cut it too short!!
I specifically said that I want to wear my hair up for my graduation ceremony, and need them to be long for that.
"I've left the outermost part uncut, so it'll be no problem to wear it up."
It's too short!!! And I wanted to grow it out, damn it!!! I really don't like that salon. Last time I asked them to trim my hair and they just brushed it for me instead.
...oh no. I wanted to cosplay as Sakura, but now with this hair I look like Ino...
2001/02/22 A feeling of accomplishment
I went out for the first time in a while, did some bookstore shopping. I bought a Naruto anthology and a new sketchbook. It's been a while since I last walked somewhere instead of driving. I feel like I got some exercise out of it.
Also, I started knitting! I started a sweater in November last year, and I've finally finished it!!! I'm feeling very accomplished!
2001/04/08 You can do it, if you really try!
After submitting my book, I took me one day to come up with a new idea and do a rough draft, and then two days to do inking. Somehow I managed a 20 pages book, haha.
It was meant to be a Kakairu gag comic, but ended up being more of a slice of life sory, with a focuse on Iruka and Naruto. A bit of a flop, if you ask me. But since I worked hard on it, I'll release it anyway. I'll just need to make a photocopy of it first.
Also I realised my lack of artistic expressiveness. I keep compairing my work to the work of other artists and thinking of all those things I could've done better. I kept thinking, "Am I really cut out for something like this?", but I was having fun, so I didn't stop.
I'll need to study and work hard to be able to convey even a fraction of my ideas to others.
2001/05/06 Events
I went to events for two weeks in a row. This time I had my own table. It's been 6 months since I last went to a multi-fandom event, so I didn't expect so many of my books to be displayed, and realised just how much fandom stuff I've made.
As you could expect, even though the event was multi-fandom, my table was mainly Naruto.
About sketch requests though... I'm grateful when people make requests, but why is everyone requesting Kakashi?! I know he's more popular, but still, all my album covers feature Iruka, sketchbooks I set up have Iruka, my laminated cards have Iruka on top, and I openly stated Kakashi × Iruka in my circle cut. So why doesn't anyone request Iruka~~!!!!!!
It's always like this. The first requests are always Kakashi or Sasuke… Today it was Kakashi, Sasuke, Sasuke, Naruto. I guess my art of Iruka is not good enough... But don't even like Kakashi……
Let me draw Iruka~~!!!!!
2001/05/26 Taking a break
I spent the morning relaxing and writing my report, and in the afternoon I went to the second-hand book store to sell some of my stuff. I was surprised with how much they payed me.
I took the money and bought a bunch of Fumiko Tanigawa's books. I really love her manga, it's so heartwarming. I want to draw shojo manga like this too.
I looked closely at my bookshelf full of manga. There are so many shoujo manga and shoujo novels. Is Naruto the only shonen manga I own?
...I guess I actually like shoujo manga.
Anyways, I've finished my report, time to work on the other two.
2001/06/02 A stubborn, lonely person
Maybe that’s what I am. Just thinking about it. Here’s my endless rant. Sorry if it makes you feel bad.
After finishing my report, I was reading a novel online and ended up empathizing strongly with one of the characters. I realised I’m really lonely and crave attention from others, even though I know how to be alone. Being alone in a crowd feels sad, but I’m not good at socializing and can’t easily ask for help or affection.
Because of that, I often end up fussing over people, friends even call me “like a mother” rather than an older sister, just so they’ll notice me. I want attention for myself, but I don’t have the confidence to ask for it, and I can’t be straightforward about it either. Some people say I’m strong, but really I’m insecure and clingy, and I pretend to be strong because I’m afraid to show feelings. I even wish I could tell someone directly how I feel, but I lack the courage, so instead I post my thoughts online, hoping maybe they’ll notice.
All of this made me want to draw Iruka like that. A stubborn, lonely Iruka-sensei. Actually, that might be a really good idea.
2001/06/17 Event
I went to the Naruto event “Meccha Naruto”! There weren’t many circles, I was even worried if it was going to be okay. But the attendees… wow. Everyone who bought a program immediately ran to register for cosplay. Almost everyone was in costume! The venue was small, so the main sales area felt kind of empty. But I still got some sketch requests and managed to grab some super cute fanbooks, which made it fun.
I was especially happy to get a lot of requests for Hinata. With the recent story developments, her popularity is getting really high! Hinata is love.
Surprisingly, the Yami no Matsuei and FF9 books I brought also sold out. Some people just walked by saying “Oh, Yami no Matsuei~” without buying, but it still reminded me how popular it really is.
Even though the event was small, it was very fun… though I can’t help wondering why the only-events I attended are always end up little tiny. Am I some kind of jinx!? (sweat)
2001/07/09 Weekly Jump thoughts
Lee is really cute! He’s working so hard, and Gai-sensei had his eye on him! I wonder if he chose to be under Gai-sensei’s guidance on purpose?..
Also, Tenten’s mission as a kunoichi is intriguing. Am I the only one who wants a side story that would explain why she’s considered legendary?
Anyways, Lee and Gai are the best! I really hope Lee wins.
As of Neji... My impression of him got even worse. Saying such things about his teammates isn’t okay. I thought he'd care more, but alas... He seems even more twisted than Sasuke. I’m having trouble liking him, even though I don't want to hate him either.
2001/09/11 Naruto review
Spoilers ahead!
Why did he get killed off?! I'm absolutely shocked. I can't believe he's dead.
You know, Kishimoto-sensei, there's a bit too many disposable characters. You're great at creating characters, the popularity of doujinshi shows it. And it's great. But here's the thing: there are no background or disposable characters, every character matters! And yet… did it have to be Hayate who gets killed off here?!
No! You can't create a memorable character, build him up, get your readers attached, and then just kill him off!
Too many characters in Chuunin's exam ark die for no reason, it's just depressing...
2001/10/28 Jump Fest
I went to Jump Fest with a friend! We didn’t even check the schedule or anything, just knew Kishimoto-sensei would be there, so it was a surprise once we got in.
The Naruto corner was the highlight. Kishimoto-sensei finally appeared, and during a break I saw some cosplayers in the bathroom during the break. They were just hanging out there! A Gaara cosplayer didn't have any eyebrows, that was impressive!
Then there was quiz with signed original forehead protector for a prize, but the quiz itself failed to eliminate almost any contestants, so it ended up turning into a rock-paper-scissors tournament! Girl in Hinata cosplay kept winning in until the very end. Kinda fun.
I drew an illustration on the spot, and a little boy won it. He was so excited.
When Kishimoto-sensei was leaving, he got so distracted by the audience, he bumped into the stage curtain. Cute!
Other corners were fun too. Anime voice actors, One Piece section with Zoro’s VA, and the gorgeous Hikaru no Go anime but Naruto, cosplayers, and that quiz were definitely the best part.
I didn’t buy any merchandise (everything was too expensive), and we got caught up in the rain, but overall it was a really fun day.
2001/11/25 Event
I went to a Naruto-only event, this time as a circle participant! There weren’t many circles, so the sales area felt a little quiet, but that was expected.
As usual, there were so many cosplayers! There were more people with a costume than without one. It was fun just looking at them. I even bumped into a group of Team 10 genin hanging out together, which made me smile.
Right before leaving, we ran into a TV crew doing a segment on “families with strong hobbies.” They were looking for families who cosplayed together, but since it was a small event, they ended up interviewing me and Yukiya instead — we weren’t in cosplay at all. I’ve honestly never seen a whole family cosplay together. Only mothers cosplaying with their kids, but mever full families.
I guess cosplay is something people really notice… or maybe they just thought it would be interesting for TV . Either way, there are some pretty creative people out there. Or is cosplay really such a social phenomenon? (Probably not).
2001/11/26 Weekly Jump review.
Okay… major spoilers ahead. But it's really just so cute!!
Neji and Hinata~~!!
No matter what anyone says, it’s Neji and Hinata!!
I mean, she’s just so cute! Really, what a cute girl!!!! Hinata-chan is absolutely adorable~~!!
Neji, who’s not twisted at all, was cute too.
Hinata-chan hiding behind her father when their eyes meet? Cute!
Hinata-chan training hard? Cute!
And for some reason, Neji watching her happily? Also cute!!!!
Everyone, everyone was just so cute~~!!
…But, do siblings really split into main and branch families like that? I always thought main and branch families were more like distant relatives...
2002/03/31 Event
I went to an Iruka-uke event. I mean, it was supposed to be Iruka-only, but in reality it was mosly Kakairu (hahah).
Takamura-san attended too. They came all the way form Hiroshima, and we ended up sharing a table. I don't usually share space with other artists so this was fun! Despite it being an Iruka event, we were mostly talking about completely unrelated things like Golden Week and Fujimi's Idaiga.
The best part of the day was getting a sketch drawn by a circle I really like! And it was such a great cketch too!! I couldn't stop showing it off to everyone.
After the event ended, me and Takamura went to a restaurant and spent over two hours chatting about all sorts of things, mostly Naruto. It was a great day!
2002/04/08 Weekly Jump opinions.
Spoilers ahead!
Shikamaru is so cool! …but please don’t die. I really, really don’t want him to die. Still, going up against that many Sound ninja, I think there's little hope for him. He was insanely cool, but even so, I’m really worried about where this is going.
Also, about that thing, the summoning of the dead. Does that mean the dead actually have consciousness and are talking? Or is it more like Orochimaru doing ventriloquism? Because if they’re conscious, fighting the current Hokage just feels… strange, doesn’t it?
And on top of that, the First and Second Hokage are brothers? I already thought Konoha was very young, just from the fact that there have only been four Hokage so far, but if the First and Second were brothers, then how new is this village, exactly? And since those two were revived as they were, that means they died when they were that young, right? That just makes Konoha feel even younger…
Also.. they were buried, right? And apparently the graves were managed so loosely that even the First and Second Hokage’s bodies could be used like that… Well, I guess it’s fine. Whatever. I don’t know… Something about this feels kind of… off.
Anyways! For now, Shikamaru, do your best.
2002/07/29 Diary roundup p.4
My impression about this week's Naruto:
I never expected to see a two-shot like this in an actual magazine! It's so unexpected.
...yet somehow it reminded me of something I've seen in doujinshi before.
2002/10/03 Voice Actor day!
I watched the NARUTO anime. I missed the very beginning, just a little bit. When I watched ending credits, it seemed like Shikamaru and others had some voicelines too.
I missed that, unfortunately. But I got to see Hinata, so that’s something!
For me, Naruto himself didn’t feel off at all; it was fine. Iruka-sensei… well, his voice overlaps a bit with another character, so…
I was surprised to hear Mizuki-sensei voiced by Miki-san. I was like, “Huh? Is that… Miki Shin-!?”
Later that night, I was watching "Yonimo Kimyō na Monogatari", and I was surprised to hear Hayashibara’s voice there too. I realized midway through, “Wait… this voice…??”
Since her face wasn’t on screen, her name wasn’t in the newspaper listings, and I wasn’t sure… But sure enough, her name appeared in the ending credits. Wow, she’s appearing in all sorts of places now.
Today turned out to be a day for unexpectedly hearing unexpected voices.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Overall, reading this diary turned into quite a journey. First of all. This fandom never changed, huh? It's exactly the same as now.
Secondly, it's so weird. I've just sat and read 4 years worth of someone's life. Her hobbies, events, family trips, hangouts with friends, obsessions over manga and bands, her spending valentine's day playing otome games, her occasional depressive episodes. She moved cities, got a dog, graduated, got a teaching license, moved cities again... Taught kids calligraphy in primary school, lost her job, got a new job...
Eventually the website started lagging and she moved to a different blog. She left the link in her last post, but it's a dead non-working link.
I'm not sure why I did it. But I don't regret it.
She must be what, 46 or so now? I wonder if she's still fujoshing. I wonder if she still does art. I wonder is she's still active in any fandoms.
