Chibi Yuuto's CHRoNiCLEs

Nanase Ohkawa interview from Newtype #8 (Updated)

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 14:32:40 GMT

Here is the interview with Nanase Ohkawa that was published in this month's issue of Newtype magazine, it also features a new Wish illustration:

Click to enlarge it.
It's not really an interview since there is no interviewer, just Ohkawa talking about the anime ^^;

Credits for the scan goes to undini (thank you so much!), who also points some highlights from the interview:

- Kobato.'s world and Wish's world is the same.
- When they were setting the plot for Ioryogi, from the beginning they thought that he did something in the world of Wish and because of that he became like this.
- They don't know how many characters from Wish will appear in the Kobato. anime.
- Ohkawa says that Kohaku knows about Kobato and Ioryogi, but she doesn't want to say anything else since it will be spoiling the anime.

EDIT: Allan Montenegro kindly translated the interview to portuguese and I retranslated it to english:

Two worlds connected

The worlds of "Kobato." and "Wish" are the same!! In the end, there will probably be a lot of readers who cannot hide the surprise upon seeing this new fact! To start with, where the idea came from?

"When we first thought about Ioryogi's creation, we thought about making a mysterious being coming from a world like the Heaven that we first described in "Wish", for some reason, we thought about changing his appearance to the way it looks now. Since we decided that Ioryogi would appear, one could tell that both worlds were connected."

With the animation of "Kobato.", the two worlds will be more closely connected.

"It was a decision that came up during a meeting. We decided that to visually show the world of angels would be easier to understand to story. So, by making Kohaku appear, both stories become much more connected. Even so, in the end the title is still "Kobato.". At the moment, it's not clear how much Kohaku and the other "Wish" characters will appear (laughs). Besides, it is known that Kobato and Kohaku both sing very well, it would be very pleasant to make them sing."

They are not just good at singing, in one way or another, Kobato and Kohaku have a lot in common. What kind of connection there is between them?

"If I tell you that, I would be spoiling a lot (laughs). However, it's established in the anime version that Kohaku knows about Kobato and Ioryogi. The uncommon love that exists in the [Wish] manga is very strong, I think we won't be able to develop Kohaku's efforts [in the anime]. Upon watching the Ending, I thought "I'm so glad! It looks so cute!", it looks good in the anime, very pleasant to watch. I hope you'll like it."

So the Ending animation is already done! And in the end it was an interview. A 3-questions long interview, but an interview nonetheless xD

CLAMP in Paris: more media appearances

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 19:41:33 GMT

I honestly don't know when I'll stop talking about CLAMP in Paris xD Probably when the news stop coming ^^;

First let's start with a new article published in ParisMatch.com featuring a very nice new picture of the CLAMP members. The interview was conceived just before going to the opening party of the CLAMP exposition in Paris.

The article reveals that more than 110 million copies of CLAMP mangas have been sold worldwide so far. Also, Ohkawa tells ParisMatch that CLAMP works 12 hours per day and 25 days per month.

Thanks clamp_now for the tip!

Next, this video provided by HachetteVideos in shows some footage of CLAMP in Japan Expo from July 4.

The video is available in HD quality and I have ripped and uploaded the HD version (72 MB) in MegaUpload for anyone interested in keeping the video.

Lastly, gettyimages has 3 videos from the interview that CLAMP gave to the AFP press agency on July 3. This is the raw version of the interview, all in japanese, no french translation. There are other 2 videos (a raw version and an english version) about shoujo manga with some new CLAMP footage as well.

To download the videos, click on the Download 4:3 preview clip link at the sidebar. Since they are preview clips, all videos are watermarked.

Interview (raw) / Shoujo manga + CLAMP (raw) / Shoujo manga + CLAMP (english)

I love when Ohkawa says "It wasn't as if we decided that we didn't want men, but it just ended up that we were all women" xD

CLAMP NEWS !!

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 01:08:10 GMT

Extremely short edition this time, only the calendars of Kobato., Tsubasa and XXXHOLiC were updated.

~~CLAMP-NET.COM says these updates are from the 17th, but it's still July 16 in Japan. Whatever ^^~~ They fixed it now ^^

- Next scheduled chapters (red means new):

07/10 - Newtype #08 - Drop. 15 (on sale).
08/10 - Newtype #09 - Drop. 16.
09/10 - Newtype #10 - Drop. 17.

- Next scheduled chapters (red means new):

07/15 - Shonen Magazine #33 - No Tsubasa scheduled.
07/22 - Shonen Magazine #34 - No Tsubasa scheduled.
07/29 - Shonen Magazine #35 - Chapter 225.
08/05 - Shonen Magazine #36 - Chapter 226.

- Next scheduled chapters (red means new):

07/13 - Young Magazine #33 - No XXXHOLiC scheduled.
07/18 - Young Magazine #34 - No XXXHOLiC scheduled.
07/27 - Young Magazine #35 - Chapter 184.
08/03 - Young Magazine #36 - Chapter 185.

Double update for Tsubasa and XXXHOLiC =D

Kobato.'s schedule is nowhere to be seen on CLAMP-NET.COM, not even its manga topic. I think that's a bug, maybe it has to do with the fact that this update is showing even though it wasn't supposed to before the 17th. In any case I will update later if something is added to Kobato.'s schedule ^^

EDIT: Kobato.'s schedule is up! We have a new chapter! ^^

Personal report: meeting CLAMP (Updated)

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:08:20 GMT

Here is the report of my 4th and final meeting with CLAMP in Paris, and it was a very special one.

My favorite meetings with them were the first and last ones. The first was at the opening of their art expo. It was special because it was the first time I saw them and there weren't so many people there, so I got to see them from very very close and I even exchanged greetings with Nekoi and Mokona (surreal).

Japan Expo was great and everything but it was much more distant since I didn't win a ticket for any of the sign sessions.

My last meeting with CLAMP was very special because there were even less people than the party, I could talk to them, give them presents and much more.

The meeting was arranged by my friend, Anne. She works at an important place in Paris in which people can schedule visits. Basically, she invited CLAMP to visit her workplace.

Anne then invited me and other two of her friends (who are also CLAMP fans) to join the visit. The visit was scheduled for Sunday morning on July 5.

We arrived at the place at the scheduled time and they came immediately after.

A middle-aged man entered the reception room where we were at and my stomach sank as I heard him spoke the word "manga" (it was one of the few words that I could understand of his french). He was telling the receptionist that he had a scheduled visit with a team of manga artists. He was the president of Pika, the publisher of CLAMP's mangas in France.

Almost as soon as he finished talking, Nanase Ohkawa entered in the reception room (with all her glory xD). OMG. She was wearing a purple short dress with a white scarf and her hair was tied up like she's being using lately. I was very nervous but happy and couldn't believe myself. It was a weird mix of feelings.

Soon the other CLAMP members entered one by one, I don't remember the order but when I realized all of them were there.

Apart from CLAMP, there were 5 members of their staff, the woman translator that was in Japan Expo and Pika's president.

The visit lasted nearly an hour and it was totally incredible since not only the place was beautiful but also CLAMP was there!

Mokona was visibly the most enthusiastic one. As you know, she really likes antiques and the building we were at was over 200 years old. During the entire tour, she was always the last one because she couldn't stop taking pictures ^^ She kept taking pictures with her cellphone and her camera, and she took pictures with her Gundam figure too. That was very funny XD

There was a moment when I turned around and I saw Mokona aiming with her camera somewhere above my head. I dodged away because I thought I was getting in her way to take the picture, she saw it and seeing my reaction she told me "daijoubu! daijoubu!" (it's okay! it's okay!). And I smiled back, embarrassed xD

At one point, someone from CLAMP's staff was going to take a picture of the 4 CLAMP members, but Ohkawa called everyone to be part of a group picture, and so we (happily) did. The staffer took two pictures with her camera. My friend Anne got to be in the same row as the CLAMP members and Satsuki put her arm over her =)

When the visit was done, I ran with Anne back to the reception room because both of us had left some presents for CLAMP in there. By the time we got back, they were signing stuff for the two friends of Anne.

I wrote my name on a paper and gave it to one of their managers, then I handed him the limited Shikishi that I bought at Japan Expo for them to sign on it. I heard their manager spelling my name to Ohkawa as she wrote it: "a, eru, e, ekkusu" xD

I was dying of joy. Here are the autographs:

Next thing I saw, Anne was giving them her presents. She gave them "La Maison du Chocolat" chocolates (which she knew they liked) and a bottle of champagne. Ohkawa's reaction was a mix of surprise, happiness and "oh, but you didn't have to!" xD

Then it was my turn.

I had studied how to talk to them in japanese in case there was an opportunity like this one, and I was trying very very hard not to mess up xD

Chibi Yuuto: CLAMP-sensei, hajimemashite *soft bow* (CLAMP-sensei, nice to meet you!)
CLAMP: hajimemashite *soft bow* (Nice to meet you!)
Chibi Yuuto: Eto... Boku wa CLAMP-sensei no tame ni dake Burajiru kara kita. (I came from Brazil just because of CLAMP)
CLAMP: Ohh!
Chibi Yuuto: Douzo! *gives package* (Here!)

Ohkawa took the package, inside the package there was a pack of Brazilian beer. They were all "Biru! Biru!" and I added "Burajiru no biru!" (Brazilian beer).

I had another package in my hands and Satsuki turned around to take it. She took it and extended her hand to shake hands. I shook hands with her but I also went for a hug xD She hugged me back~!

After this the other members of CLAMP came one by one to thank me for the presents and we hugged too xD It was a very awkward moment because when they would give me their hands I would hug them and when they would hug me I would give them my hand LOL Also this moment was filled with "arigatou"s xD They looked slightly shy because of the presents but also very happy so it was a cute mix of feelings X3

The other package which Satsuki took had a bottle of Brazilian sugar cane alcoholic drink known as "cachaça". I also gave them a flyer with a recipe in japanese on how to make the Brazilian drink "Caipirinha", which uses lemon and cachaça as main ingredients:

I saw Nekoi checking out the flyer that I made myself and my stomach sank once again (OMG Tsubaki Nekoi of CLAMP is checking that thing that I once did on Photoshop!).

I saw their translator saying something about the Caipirinha, it seemed like she knew about it because of the expression on her face (the expression of someone who has drank it xD) and also because the way she said it was perfect, no accent at all.

After this, Anne ran out to call the taxis that would take them back to their hotel but upon seeing that she was going away, Ohkawa called her back and they all thanked her and hugged her for her presents. I think this was extremely nice of them because Anne was a little shy when she gave her presents, so CLAMP didn't thank her properly back then.

Each one of the CLAMP members also thanked the other two fans (friends of Anne) who were there, which was very nice of them.

When they were about to leave, waiting for the taxis to arrive, we took another group picture.

As we were putting ourselves into place for the picture, Ohkawa was sort of telling everyone where they should be (you couldn't expect less from Ohkawa, the leader xD) and I was PRAYING, I was HOPING that she would call me, and HELL SHE DID! *-*

She looked at me, said something in japanese and TOUCHED MY ARM as in "come here".

[fanboy]

asjlajlskajlkasjlasjlakjs!!!

[/fanboy]

I died at that moment and went straight to heaven LOL But then I reborn to realize that it was so extremely kind of her to put me beside her in the picture because I was a fan. It was definitely a dream come true.

When we were saying goodbye, they were extremely lovable and kind. They bowed to us and we bowed back to them at least 10 times saying more "arigatou"s and a few "merci"s xDDD It was one moment of politeness overload, so cute xD

That was definitely one of the best days of my life.

Apart from being the professional and talented artists that they are, they are also extremely kind with their fans, I can say it as I was fortunate enough to experience that myself ^__^

I'm very, very thankful to Anne and everyone who has made this meeting a reality.

Edit: Here is a very cute drawing made by Fabrissou (who was there) which illustrates that day very well xD

CLAMP in Paris: Pictures and Videos

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 20:13:21 GMT

This post in an attempt to gather the pictures and videos that I have made while I was in Paris and also the material that appeared on the internet. There are some contributions too from some kind people that I met there who shared their pictures and videos with me.

If you have pictures and videos and would like to share, I would love to have them so please feel free to do it ^^

I tried to make the post as organized as possible, but it might look a bit confusing xD I have separated the material by dates and one for the local press. Furthermore, I've separated each of them in picture galleries and videos.

The videos are in several formats: AVI, MPG, MOV and FLV. You might need a special player or codec to play them correctly.

• July 2, Opening of CLAMP: Les Reines du Manga à Paris

>> Image Galery:
Chibi Yuuto & Benoit Gilbert
CLAMP-NET.COM

>> Videos:

These videos are the same from my July 3 post, but these are the original files in High Quality. Plus, there are 3 new videos.

To download the videos, right click on the image -> Save target as...

All videos recorded by Chibi Yuuto, except videos 02 and 04 recorded by Benoit Gilbert.

• July 3, Signing sessions and CLAMP Cosplay Contest at Japan Expo

>> Image Galeries:
Chibi Yuuto
Mediev.net

>> Videos:

The first video is from their first signing session and the second video is the moment where CLAMP announced the contest's extra winners (the ones to whom they gave their Ioryogi plush toy). The second video is too big so I had to upload it on MegaUpload.

To download the videos, right click on the image -> Save target as... (except for the Cosplay one which is hosted in MegaUpload).

All videos recorded by Chibi Yuuto.

+ Videos:
CLAMP signing session: http://www.dailymotion.com/search/clamp/video/x9ufrf_clamp-seance-de-dedicace-japan-expo_fun
CLAMP's introduction in the cosplay contest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kd9uILFuW8I

• July 4, Signing sessions and CLAMP Public Conference at Japan Expo

>> Image Galery:
Chibi Yuuto

• Press

This interview was made by the french press agency AFP in the backstage of Japan Expo. There is one version in french and one in english. The french version has more footage than the english one.

I've ripped the videos and uploaded them to my server (in case anyone would like to keep them forever ^^).

To download the videos, right click on the image -> Save target as...

You can watch the same videos on stream in the following links:

English -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoeI3TjvnKY
French -> http://video.aol.fr/video-detail/rencontre-avec-le-collectif-clamp-japanexpo/3735842867

EDIT: Updated to add three new pictures of the opening ceremony of the CLAMP Exposition provided by CLAMP-NET.COM, showing the CLAMP members shaking hands with the Culture Secretary of Paris, Christophe Girard, and the Libarian in charge of the Paris Bibliothèques, Danielle Pourtaud.

Kobato. TV anime, Wish, Code Geass R2 news

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:30:19 GMT

Check out the new illustration for the Kobato. TV anime in this month's issue of Newtype magazine, in which it's possible to see the Wish crossover:

Click on Original image (4.7 MB) to check the same illustration in higher resolution.

Still no sign of the Nanase Ohkawa interview that is also carried in that issue.

It seems like they will be taking the connection with Wish really seriously. Wish is credited in the staff as being the original manga in which the anime is based on (along with Kobato.). It's like the TV anime will be a merged adaptation of Kobato. and Wish. That certainly gives enough material to cover in 24 episodes, knowing that Kobato. has only 4 ongoing volumes.

Still on the Kobato. anime, the official website has been renewed! Make sure to check it out!

New names were added to the staff list:

Original work: CLAMP (Kobato., Wish)

Director: Mitsuyuki Masuhara
Series Supervision: Morio Asaka

Series Composition:Michiko Yokote / Nanase Ohkawa
Script: Mamiko Ikeda / Miharu Hirami / Reiko Yoshida / Tsutomu Mizushima / Yuka Yamada

Character Design: Hiromi Kato
Chief Animation Director: Satoshi Tazaki

Color design: Harue Ono
Art director: Hideyuki Ueno
Director of Photography: Kouhei Tanada
Editing: Kashiko Kimura

Sound director: Masafumi Mima / Toshihiko Nakajima

Music: Takeshi Hama
Music production: FlyingDog, Inc.

Animation: MADHOUSE

I have a few points to make about the updated staff. Most of its members has already worked in previous CLAMP anime adaptations, which is a very positive thing. Many of those worked in Card Captor Sakura, which is even more positive.

Morio Asaka (CLAMP IN WONDERLAND, Card Captor Sakura, Chobits) has joined the staff as series supervisor, which is very nice.
Nanase Ohkawa is no longer alone in charge of the series composition, she is now sharing the role with Michiko Yokote, who also worked with Ohkawa as series compositor of the XXXHOLiC anime.

Also, Nanase Ohkawa is not listed among the series' scriptwriters, this probably means that she won't be writing too many episodes. I'm not very happy with this news, I was expecting Ohkawa alone would write a fair amount of episodes, but at least she will be supervising all scripts and hopefully writing a few.

The director of XXXHOLiC's anime, Tsutomu Mizushima, will be one of the scriptwriters. I thought that was surprising.

Sound and color supervisors have previously worked in the Card Captor Sakura anime, which is good!

Music will be in charge of Flying Dog, which means the artists of the opening and ending themes shall probably be one of these. My bet is on ALI PROJECT and Maaya Sakamoto =)

The website has a production blog too, which I'll keep looking for any interesting info. Right now they have a short interview with the director, which again he mentions that the characters of Wish will appear a lot in the anime.

Kobato. TV anime is scheduled for the Autumn.

Moving to Wish now, the same official website of the Kobato. anime mentioned above reveals that volumes 3 and 4 of Wish's new edition will both be released on September 26, a month after the release of volumes 1 and 2.

Lastly, we move to Code Geass R2.

The latest Newtype magazine and also CLAMP-NET.COM announced that CLAMP will draw a new illustration of Code Geass R2 that will be part of the Newtype pinup calendar.

The illustration will be used in the calendar for the month of October and will be published in the next Newtype magazine, which will be out August 10.

XXXHOLiC #15 Sales Report

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:37:08 GMT

Another post that I had to postpone due to my trip =)

• Amazon.co.jp Comics Daily Ranking

06/23

1st - The Unknown Japanese of Japanese People
2nd - Ookiku Furikabutte Vol. 12
3rd - Minami-ke #6
4th - XXXHOLiC #15

06/24

1st - Ookiku Furikabutte Vol. 12
2nd - The Unknown Japanese of Japanese People
3rd - Minami-ke #6
6th - XXXHOLiC #15

06/26

1st - MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM THE ORIGIN
2nd - Minami-ke #6
3rd - Ookiku Furikabutte Vol. 12
6th - XXXHOLiC #15
24th - XXXHOLiC #15 - Limited OAD Edition

06/27

1st - MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM THE ORIGIN
2nd - Minami-ke #6
3rd - Ookiku Furikabutte Vol. 12
9th - XXXHOLiC #15
24th - XXXHOLiC #15 - Limited OAD Edition

• e-hon Comics Daily Ranking:

06/25

1st - Ookiku Furikabutte Vol. 12
2nd - Skip Beat! #22
3rd - Kekkaishi #25
4th - XXXHOLiC #15

06/26

1st - Ookiku Furikabutte Vol. 12
2nd - XXXHOLiC #15
3rd - Minami-ke #6

06/27

1st - Ookiku Furikabutte Vol. 12
2nd - XXXHOLiC #15
3rd - Minami-ke #6

• Tohan Weekly Ranking:

06/24~07/01

1st - Ookiku Furikabutte Vol. 12
2nd - XXXHOLiC #15
3rd - Minami-ke #6

07/02~07/08

1st - PLUTO #8
2nd - Kuroshitsuji #7
3rd - KATEKYO HIT MAN REBORN! #25
7th - XXXHOLiC #15

• Oricon Weekly Ranking:

06/30~07/06

1st - Ookiku Furikabutte Vol. 12
2nd - XXXHOLiC #15
3rd - Kuroshitsuji #7

07/07~07/13

1st - PLUTO #8
2nd - KATEKYO HIT MAN REBORN! #25
3rd - Kuroshitsuji #7
8th - XXXHOLiC #15

I missed some rankings due to my trip, but to me the most important one is Oricon, because it has the numbers =D

According to Oricon, XXXHOLiC #15 sold 258.048 copies and 80.962 copies in its first and second weeks, respectively. The current overall sales is of 339.010 copies. This number is for the normal version only, it doesn't include the OAD sales.

Not bad at all =)

CLAMP in Japan Expo - Day 2

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:53:00 GMT

A week later (sorry about that! XD), here's my report of the 3rd day of Japan Expo, 2nd and final day of CLAMP's activities.

Picture by Stephane Viallon

They did two signing sessions and one public conference at the end of the day.

I can't make a faithful transcript of the conference because I can't speak french, but I will try to point out the highlights.

I was in the 4th or 5th row, but the stage was really high so it was very difficult to see it even at the front row. The hall supports 15.000 people but I don't know how much of its capacity was used, but there was a lot of people in there.

They screened CLAMP IN WONDERLAND 2 twice, the audience cheered every time a popular character appeared (CCS and TRC got the loudest feedbacks). Then the hostess (the same as the CLAMP Cosplay Contest) appeared and introduced the CLAMP members. They bowed to the audience and introduced themselves.

They sat on chairs and the talk show started. Before starting asking the questions submitted through Japan Expo official website, they were asked about their first impressions about the country. They answered that they were very happy to be there and that the architecture and the people are beautiful.

Then the questions. The most asked question was the meaning of CLAMP's name. Nekoi answered that it means a "pile of potatoes" and Ohkawa completed saying that it wasn't any of the four of them who came up with it.

Some of the other questions included:

- How they met each other:

Mokona answered that Satsuki, Nekoi and herself studied in the same school and they met Ohkawa through a mutual friend.

- Who does the home tasks such as cleaning and cooking:

Satsuki answered that at the time of their debut, they all did home tasks. Nowadays they no longer live together so they are responsible for their own homes.

- Why most of CLAMP's main characters are orphans:

Ohkawa answered that these characters are more vulnerable and it's easier for the reader to feel attracted to them.

- Continuation of CLOVER:

Ohkawa said they were very sad to answer such question, but it will be finished one day and they are aware of its popularity.

- Continuation of X:

Same answer for CLOVER, "it will be finished one day". Ohkawa joked in protest saying to the other CLAMP members "why is it always me the one answering this question?", and they replied "that's the leader's job".

This was very funny because after she gave her answer, Ohkawa LEANED sideways laughing, almost reaching the translator's lap, which was sitting next to her xDD She was totally expecting the question and feeling a little embarrassed about it xD

You can check them answering this question at the end of this video.

- What was the "business" that Syaoran had to take care of at the end of CCS:

Ohkawa said that we'll have to check out their future works if we want to know the answer. She also asked everyone in the hall to not post this on the internet xD

- Why there are no kisses in their works:

Ohkawa pointed to Nekoi and the latter answered that there is one small kiss in Wish and Ohkawa (I think) added the one in CLOVER too. Ohkawa then said "but maybe that's not enough for the french people?" (audience laughs). She also said that they have never been asked this question in Japan.

- Favorite works:

They went with the usual "we like them all" answer, but later they went into details.

Mokona said she liked working in Miyuki-chan in Wonderland, Nekoi likes XXXHOLiC, Satsuki likes Duklyon and Ohkawa's answer was CLOVER.

- Sources of Inspiration:

Ohkawa replied to this one saying the usual answer that she has no major sources of inspiration, but sometimes dreams serve as such. The others mentioned a few manga titles that inspired them that I don't recall right now. Mokona's inspiration comes from Fine Arts which she used to skip school and go watch exhibitions at museums, she actually said she didn't read manga when she was younger.

- Turning points in their 20 years of career:

For Satsuki it was when she moved to Tokyo for the first time after their debut. Her parents were very worried, but they called to tell her they saw her manga in the bookstore (I thought that was the sweetest answer).
For Mokona it was seeing her work in a bookstore shelf.
For Nekoi it was seeing her work in a tankoubon instead of being just in the magazine.
For Ohkawa, everything the other 3 said, plus their visit to France (this was followed by huge cheers from the audience, of course).

After the questions, they were asked to draw an illustration live. It was a XXXHOLiC illustration with Watanuki, Yuuko and the Mokonas, so the drawing was made by Mokona and Nekoi at the same time, with Satsuki's assistance.

While they were drawing, the hostess and Ohkawa kept exchanging a few words. She asked why Ohkawa doesn't draw, for which she replied "you would be disappointed". Upon hearing Ohkawa's answer, the hostess then asked if the other 3 members wouldn't want to ever write the scripts for their mangas. Ohkawa said that the scripts are only written by herself, but Satsuki writes essays and she mentioned her book that was recently released in Japan.

When the drawing was almost done, the hostess asked Ohkawa to check if the drawing was "Ok", and Ohkawa replied that since the director of XXXHOLiC is Nekoi, she should be the one to answer that question (but Nekoi didn't say anything because she was still drawing xD).

Ohkawa said that they aren't used to draw in that size of paper and when they are drawing, they can turn the page around to meet their needs, but they couldn't do that this time. The frame was also a bit shaky so Satsuki was holding it all the time.

It was really a precious moment to see all 4 of them working together, looking at the same paper, with Ohkawa coming in and out to give the other 3 some directions (she really looked like a boss, just coming from time to time to check them on xD).

Ohkawa asked if all mangakas that come to Japan Expo must draw something and the answer is yes.

It took them around 20 minutes to finish it. You can check some great pictures of the drawing in this link.

Picture by Benoit Gilbert

After that, the CLAMP members walked to the front of the stage and the whole audience stood up and greeted them. For me this moment was very special, it was like a mentor-student situation. My biggest idols, CLAMP, up above the stage and myself, long-time admirer, standing up and clapping to them. I was clapping for all the joy they have provided me for the last 8 years. And I felt proud of them to see the entire huge room clapping them.

Next, the hostess said they had a surprise for them, that's when Yui Makino (Sakura's seiyuu) appeared on the stage.

Yui Makino was wearing a Kimono that she borrowed from Mokona. She said that as soon as she found out she would be going to France, she asked Mokona to borrow a few of her Kimonos. Also, all the coordination (jewelry and stuff) was given by Mokona.

Later Makino said that she actually asked Ohkawa to come into their conference (so it wasn't really a surprise xD).

The hostess asked Yui Makino to say something in Sakura's voice, and she goes "What should I say, Ohkawa-sensei?". Ohkawa has a hard time to remember any lines and Yui adds "You can't remember Sakura's lines?" or something xD

Then, Ohkawa says that Yui Makino will say a line that is not in the manga at all, which turns out to be "Syaoran daisuki!" (I love you, Syaoran!), Ohkawa said that it was "specially for France".

Yui Makino goes to the front of the stage and says the line. And the audience goes crazy.

Before she leaves, Yui Makino says that she was doing her live show a few hours before and she noticed how popular Tsubasa is and so she is very thankful to CLAMP for creating the manga. And then she leaves.

Next, the hostess asks CLAMP to show a few of the exclusive CLAMP products being sold at Japan Expo (t-shirts, postcards, etc). I thought this was a very weird moment and rather unnecessary, with the CLAMP members showing up the t-shirts (as if they needed this sort of advertisement).

Finally, they show the extra costume that CLAMP designed for the Tekken 6 game. They said to be very satisfied with the 3D outcome as they knew it would be hard to do it.

Mokona joked that in the original plan for the costume, the lion on Jin's shoulder spills champagne xD And the knees spill wine and red wine xD She added that she doesn't think these features are available in the game, though. But she concluded "if someone from the game staff is hearing this, please take it into consideration" xD

Before leaving, they thanked everyone for coming to the conference and the sign sessions, and also that they were inspired by France's architecture and for that reason we might be seeing some of it on their future drawings.

And then they left the stage followed by another huge wave of clapping.

In my opinion this wasn't a very insightful conference as very little new information was given. My favorite moment was probably seeing them drawing live, that was one of a kind. I would like to thank Benoit who was sitting next to me and translating the whole conference to me ^^

In the upcoming days I'll be sharing the complete audio recording of the conference.

CLAMP in Japan Expo - Day 1

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:00:32 GMT

Second day of Japan Expo, first day of CLAMP activities.

Today there was a sign session and the CLAMP Cosplay contest. I left after the contest so I don't know if there was a second sign session. I heard a rumor that it got canceled but I have to confirm that. The Cosplay Contest did end much later than planned so maybe it's true. Anyone can confirm that?

The signing rooms at Japan Expo are in an open area, basically anyone can watch the artists doing the signs, even if they haven't won any tickets, which is pretty cool.

I think the first session had around 50 to 100 people, and CLAMP greeted each one of them and the fans were able to talk to them and ask questions. If anyone here won a ticket or knows someone who has, and if they asked any questions, please let me know the question and answer! ^^

Unlike the signing sessions from the USA and Korea, CLAMP did not give a special signing board do sign on, you could bring anything for CLAMP to sign on.

They were very generous with the fans, Mokona took pictures from two girls with her cellphone camera because of the way they looked.

Later there was the CLAMP Cosplay contest where CLAMP were the judges. Each member chose a winner individually and CLAMP as a group chose another winner.

Satsuki Igarashi chose a CLOVER group with Suu, Kazuhiko and Oruha.
Mokona picked a Code Geass duo with Cornelia and Euphie.
Tsubaki Nekoi chose a Blck and White Mokona duo.
Nanase Ohkawa picked a Sakura Kinomoto.

CLAMP as a group chose a Card Captor Sakura duo made of a Sakura and a Syaoran. I really liked that duo, the performance was so funny and the music was great, it was one of my favorites.

The winners got CLAMP's autographs and other official goodies such as clearfiles and shitajikis.

However, originally there should have been only one winner picked by CLAMP as a group, but there was a duo from Tsubasa made of a Syaoran and a Sakura that CLAMP liked so much, that they decided to give them a priwe too.

They promised to draw something to them and they also gave to them their Ioryogi plush toy that used to be in CLAMP's studio and that Nekoi carried around everywhere in their events.

I have a few pictures and videos, but I'm not allowed to share them until monday but please look forward to them!

On other news, CLAMP was featured in today's edition of the french newspaper Le parisien. They were interviewed in their hotel room just before leaving for the opening of their art exhibition that I mentioned yesterday. There's a very cool nez picture of CLAMP members sitting on a bed.

Click to enlarge it.
Special thanks goes to flowright for scanning the article!

CLAMP in Paris: first appearances (Updated)

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:09:51 GMT

Hi everyone! Yesterday was amazing, I saw CLAMP for the very first time!! It was at the opening of the CLAMP art exposition from Paris. I plan to do a more detailed report, with pictures and videos, not only from yesterday but also the next upcoming events concerning CLAMP in Paris, once I'm settled down because ever since I came here I haven't got too much "computer time" ^^'

In the meantime, please check kei_san77-san's great report from CLAMP's appearance at the opening of their exhibition here.

Here's a video with Mokona shot by me! They were all extremely nice and polite to everyone, as you can see from the video.

I've met some few LJers already and it has been great, here's hoping that I shall meet a few more of you!

EDIT: Here are two more videos. The first one is from CLAMP's arrival to the place and the second one is after they came out of the building where they were interviewed by three local TV channels, and they kindly spoke to everyone who was waiting outside for them.

CLAMP NEWS !!

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:23:05 GMT

Posting from Paris! Sorry I'm late, but it was just bound to happen while I'm here ^^'

- Next scheduled chapters (red means new):

06/10 - Newtype #07 - Drop. 15 (on sale).
07/10 - Newtype #08 - Drop. 16.
08/10 - Newtype #09 - Drop. 17.

Nothing changes for Kobato.

• TV Anime:

CLAMP-NET.COM informs that the anime adaptation of Kobato. will feature characters from Wish! An interview with the series compositor and CLAMP member Nanase Ohkawa is expected to be published in the next Newtype issue, which will be out July 10. A new illustration drawn by CLAMP will also be carried in the same issue.

- Next scheduled chapters (red means new):

06/24 - Shonen Magazine #30 - No Tsubasa scheduled.
07/01 - Shonen Magazine #31 - No Tsubasa scheduled.
07/08 - Shonen Magazine #32 - Chapter 224.
07/15 - Shonen Magazine #33 - No Tsubasa scheduled.
07/22 - Shonen Magazine #34 - No Tsubasa scheduled.

- Next scheduled chapters (red means new):

07/06 - Young Magazine #32 - Chapter 184.
07/13 - Young Magazine #33 - No XXXHOLiC scheduled.
07/18 - Young Magazine #34 - No XXXHOLiC scheduled.

And by the way, the opening of the DATABASE and CLAMP@MOBiLE sections has been delayed to August, probably due to CLAMP's trip to Paris. It was originally planned for a July opening.

Clearer view at CLAMP's costume for Tekken 6

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:10:45 GMT

MyCom and GameSpot have articles about the upcoming release of Tekken 6, in the MyCom one it's possible to see the extra costume designed by CLAMP for the character Jin Kazama:

It's also possible to check how the costume will look like in the video game itself (extremely faithful if you ask me!).

Also, by the way, I sort of have an announcement to make! Tomorrow I'll be flying to Paris, France, where I'll be attending to Japan Expo! No need to say that I will do as much as I possibly can to bring as much info as I possibly can! Also, I would like to meet as much people as I possibly can too xD If you're going, make sure to meet me (how? I've no idea, but just do it xD)

My trip also implies that there might be some delay of posting the possible news that might come up during the period while I'm there, and while I would like to apologize in advance, I honestly hope that you can understand that =)

I'm very excited and hoping to meet some of you there!

XXXHOLiC Shunmuki OAD 2 Raw + Scans (Updated)

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:47:08 GMT

Here are two torrents (probably the same file though) to download the OAD of XXXHOLiC Shunmuki Part 2:

Torrent 1
Torrent 2

Pick only one of the two sources, no need to download both =)

Update: Direct download link: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=55SWGC55

Update 2: cardcaptorkiki has scans of XXXHOLiC #15 (including the cover, box, dvd, etc.) in here.

XXXHOLiC OAD sequel announced!

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:16:25 GMT

XXXHOLiC #15 has been officially released today in Japan and along with it, the limited edition that comes with the OAD of XXXHOLiC Shunmuki Part 2.

Today the official website of the Tsubasa and XXXHOLiC OADs updated to announce the production of a brand new OAD for XXXHOLiC.

The new installment will be released with the limited edition of XXXHOLiC #16. PRODUCTION I.G and Tsutomu Mizushima (director) will remain in the staff.

The release date is still undecided.

The obi strip that comes with XXXHOLiC #15, apart from announcing the OAD sequel, it reveals that the XXXHOLiC comics have sold so far over 10 million copies.

Double congratulations to XXXHOLiC!

More details about the OAD will be given in due course. Stay tuned!

Pictures from Kiyokazu Fujimoto's lecture

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 15:43:54 GMT

hiro_bnk has let me know that the Desucon website has put up a picture gallery including 12 pictures from Kiyokazu Fujimoto's lecture from June 6.

You can check the pictures here. Make sure to click on the pictures to see them in high resolution.

I spotted one tiny mistake in Fujimoto's slideshow, CLAMP attended Anime Expo in 2006, not 2007 xD

Really interesting! I loved his slideshow, it looks so neat!

Change in XXXHOLiC's schedule

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:10:48 GMT

CLAMP-NET.COM updated XXXHOLiC's schedule to include a break, postponing its return by a week.

The new schedule becomes the following:

06/15 - Young Magazine #29 - No XXXHOLiC scheduled (on sale).
06/22 - Young Magazine #30 - No XXXHOLiC scheduled.
06/29 - Young Magazine #31 - No XXXHOLiC scheduled.
07/06 - Young Magazine #32 - Chapter 183 - Beginning of tankoubon 16.

Also, CLAMP-NET.COM no longer lists color pages, not even for XXXHOLiC, how bad is that? xD

CLAMP IN AMERICA pushed to 2010

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:19:38 GMT

Several online stores such as Amazon have been listing the release date of CLAMP IN AMERICA to February 23, 2010. The official website of publisher Del Rey confirms the postponement for such date.

Although no official word has been given, one of the reasons for the change could be due to the increase of page numbers. The book, that covers CLAMP's career during its 20 years of history and their impact in the American culture, was originally expected to have 144 pages. Now, it is being listed as having 336 pages (more than the double).

The price has been increased as well by extent, from US$ 19.99 to US$24.99.

Thanks to shidouhikaru15 for poking me about that ^^

TRC 223 !

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:12:39 GMT

Scans and translations at MangaHelpers.

LOL! Loved the faces of Fuu, Umi and Hikaru! XD

So the theory confirms itself! The clones are the parents =D It feels so great to have guessed it right for once! But as I mentioned the first time I brought this theory up, I didn't come up with it at all, all credits should be given to jlarinda. I just read it and though "this is it!" =D

I think the adult version of Syaoran is convincing enough to me, hell does he look handsome? I can't say the same for Sakura. I don't know, I wasn't convinced enough. But it's okay, not something that will bug me for the rest of my life. LOL

This chapter is so adorable. Baby Syaoran('s tiny HAND) is adorable... is he feeding on Sakura? Aww. I also love the exchange of kindness between Syaoran and Sakura, it really reminded me of the other CLAMP married couples.

Time passes some more and Sakura looks worried when Jr. comes talk to her. My guess here is that she had just seen the "dream" that Papa!Syaoran told Jr. when the former sent the latter to Yuuko. Or maybe she had already seen it since Jr. tells her to rest if she's still not feeling well. Still? What is been happening to her?

It seems like Papa!Syaoran travels for business a lot, considering Jr. said he got back from his work "yesterday". I wonder what Papa!Syaoran works with...

Also worth mentioning that Sakura is wearing the same clothes as of when she met CCS!Sakura in the dream. I think only CCS!Sakura's comforting words will make mama!Sakura feel better. Not sure if the meeting already happened or will happen after this scene. I think it didn't happen yet otherwise mama!Sakura would have CCS!Sakura's staff and would be feeling better?

Another 16 pages chapter. So far we have 64 pages, which gives around 115 pages left for volume 28, but CLAMP could always pull a RG Veda and make the final volume bigger than the previous ones xD

Next chapter only on July 8.

By the way guys, the official website of Tsubasa and XXXHOLiC OAD updated with comments from the staff and cast of XXXHOLiC Shunmuki Part 2 during the after-recording sessions. The OAD will be released next week, on June 23, along with XXXHOLiC #15.

CLAMP draws extra costume for Tekken 6

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:07:22 GMT

CLAMP is involved in yet another collaboration project.

This time they were invited to design an extra costume for the character Kazuma Jin of Namco's game Tekken 6, from the popular Tekken series.

The game will be relased for Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 and it's scheduled for Autumn 2009.

Here's a preview of the costume designed by CLAMP:

According to CLAMP-NET.COM, more details along with CLAMP's comments will be published in this week's Shonen Magazine.

This is the first time CLAMP draws for a game.

I used to play Tekken 3 so much xD I really love this series, I'm very glad CLAMP is involved in this project.

Happy Birthday Mokona!

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:18:35 GMT

Today is the birthday of CLAMP member Mokona! She's turning 41 today.

Here's wishing all the best to her! ♥

CLAMP talks Mugen no Yami―echo of the past

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:33:15 GMT

CLAMP posted a letter in CLAMP-NET.COM explaining the full story about the video Mugen no Yami―echo of the past, for which CLAMP drew illustrations for, that surfaced on the japanese video sharing website NicoNico a few days ago.

The letter is quite long and they apologized for posting it in the NEWS section since it doesn't really falls into the "news" category, but it was the most suitable place to publish it.

I'm gonna try to quickly summarize it.

Basically CLAMP always liked Vocaloid and the original video creations that are posted daily on NicoNico. They like to check on the videos during intervals between work.

One day one of the members found the song Mugen no Yami[original] (it did not have the suffix echo of the past yet) on NicoNico and all 4 immediately fell in love with it. But one thing bugged them: the screen was pitch black. They didn't think that was "fair" for such a beautiful tune.

For their surprise, the composer of that song was was Shinji Hosoe, who has composed music for several games of ARIKA, the game developer company where CLAMP's long time friend Ichirou Mihara works at.

Basically they talked to each other and CLAMP asked Shinji Hosoe's permission to make a video (their idea was to make a PV out of it) of the song, which he agreed. Ichirou Mihara was then in charge of animating it.

It took one month to get the work concluded, using their own share of sleep time.

At the end CLAMP thanks everyone who watched the video, commented and added it to their favorites.

Of course, this is just a quick summary, the original letter is much bigger and very detailed. So if you are interested in the full story make sure to check it (and if you want to contribute with more information, you are welcomed!). If you find any mistakes in my amateur translation please let me know!

They also added a new illustration featuring Chibi Miku:

CLAMP amongst 50 Top-Selling Manga in Japan

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:09:36 GMT

Oricon announced a list of the 50 top-selling mangas in Japan from November 2008 to May 2009.

CLAMP appears in the list with 3 titles.

24 - XXXHOLiC #14 - 465,760 copies sold
38 - Tsubasa #25 - 332,338 copies sold
42 - Tsubasa #26 - 321,461 copies sold

XXXHOLiC #14 was the 3rd best-selling manga of Kodansha, only behind Saint Onii-san #3 and Vagabond #29.

Click here to view the full list.

Congratulations to CLAMP!! =D

Shimarisu no Hoobukuro paper message, CLAMP draws Fujii Chiho's "Happy Ko" (Updated)

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:53:45 GMT

For those who were curious about it, here is the paper message that comes as a bonus for those who purchase Satsuki Igarashi's Shimarisu no Hoobukuro book in one of the 10 selected Animate stores:

On other news, CLAMP made a slight participation in NHK's show TV Senshi, sort of.

TV Senshi is a show aimed at children and young teenagers. In today's episode, one of the young hostesses, Fujii Chiho, asked her favorite mangaka (CLAMP) to draw her character "Happy Ko" from one of the show's corners, Girls Communication.

CLAMP members themselves didn't appear on the show, only the illustration they did of "Happy Ko":

Click to enlarge it.

Here's a picture of Fujii Chiho:

I thought CLAMP's drawing was adorably similar xD Also quite a lot like Tomoyo.

Update: I thought that was the full illustration, but no! Here is the same illustration in a wider view:

Click to enlarge it.

Update 2: The show's official website has the illustration in its full extent!

Kobato. anime article from Newtype July

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 14:11:01 GMT

This month's issue of Newtype magazine carried a new article and illustration about the upcoming Kobato. TV anime adaptation.

Click on the image to be directed to the website, and click on the Original image (4.5 MB) link to check the scan in much higher resolution.

As always, thank you so much to Aurelia for letting me know about this ^^

The cast is yet to be announced, the anime starts in October.

CLAMP draws for Vocaloid video (Updated)

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:48:36 GMT

CLAMP joined with Mihara Ichirou and Shinji Hosoe, both from the game developer company ARIKA, to create an original music video using the popular japanese software Vocaloid.

Quoting Wikipedia,

Vocaloid is a singing synthesizer application software developed by the Yamaha Corporation that enables users to synthesize singing by just typing in lyrics and melody.

Basically it's a software that anyone can buy and make music. It has become really popular in Japan as of recently and people are uploading both covers of famous musicians and original materials on video-sharing websites such as NicoNico Douga and YouTube.

And it seems like CLAMP decided to make, or participate in, one of their own! The song is called Mugen no Yami(Infinite Darkness)―echo of the past[original] (無限の闇―echo of the past【オリジナル】) and as the title says, it's an original song.

CLAMP did the illustrations for the video, Mihara Ichirou from ARIKA did the animation and the music composition was in charge of Shinji Hosoe, who works with music composition for games. Nanase Ohkawa posted a message yesterday about the video on CLAMP-NET.COM.

The video originally appeared on Nico Nico Douga, but you can also watch it on YouTube:

You can download the video in MP4 format here.

I really liked this collaboration thing. The illustrations are gorgeous, I wish we could see them in their raw version. I really hope they do more of those, even if it apparently it was made just for fun ^^

Update: Reading the messages posted by CLAMP, they all said to be really happy about the video, that they had a great time "playing serious" (even though for that they said they had to reduce sleep time xD). Nanase Ohkawa and Mokona both said they wanted to do it again.