lynn2009

San Jose had an extra copy of issue #2 as well a couple weeks ago when I picked up my issues. I should have checked my subscription copy against the store copy, since mine had a busted corner. I didn't notice it until I had gotten home... It's normal for Bay Area stores to have a month lag for magazines from the Japanese release dates. Except air mail magazines, the only other things they seem to get on time are manga and CDs. Shipments seem to arrive always on Wednesday (and the webpage and announcements are updated on Thursdays). Sometimes when books are released on Friday in Japan, because of the Wednesday shipment arrivals, they're sold in America first! Just got a subscription notice for the 9/3 issue (#3), but I can't pick it up for a couple of weeks (along with my Macross F #2 manga on hold). Looks like other Kinokuniyas except San Jose are starting to get Macross F stuff.

Kadokawa has had a link for a while for this book. http://www.kadokawa.co.jp/comic/bk_detail....cd=200807000073 According to the description　it's a guide book that covers all the episodes, focuses on the "best scenes" of Sheryl, Ranka and Alto, and also shows production and mecha explanations (I'm guessing line art). I haven't seen any descriptions of it containing publicity art, though I'm sure it will have some. Animedia will also have a Macross F Official File 1 (comes out 9/19). I'm guessing it will actually be a character oriented book, but I could be mistaken. Waiting for YesAsia to put up links or I'll go the Kinokuniya route...

Sorry, but it looks like I'll need to try to finish up the translation for Misa's album next week. This week has not been so nice to me, and the weekend looks to continue the craziness. I have two more tracks to work on and the final song to translate. I've had to resort to typing out the Japanese dialogue first before tackling to translate, since I realize that sometimes I'm skipping over words when I listen to the album and scan my translations.

Personally I think the Flower Girl was just thrown in to excite Macross 7 fans and there isn't much to read into it. Also, Akiko Nakagawa was one of the hosts on the Macross World radio show, so I guess it gave her something else to do?? I've never liked the Flower Girl, so it was kinda annoying to have her appear, but since she was a fan favorite in Japan...

OK, I'll slowly work on Macross Generation next month. Since I found my Vol. IV CD (Misa's drama album), I actually started translating that. I should be done by the end of the week. Main problem with it is that the sound volume on it is so low, I have trouble hearing what they say sometimes, especially when the bridge trio talk.

Not to steal Gubaba's thunder from his great translations for Miss DJ, but here is a translation to the first Act of Macross Generation. A little rough, but hopefully it's readable. Unless someone wants to translate the series, I could do it little by little in mid-September. It would be nice to see what the story is really about instead of half listening and maybe I'd even enjoy it. Also, this series was penned by Sukehiro Tomita. Act 1: In the Rain (Ame no naka) Tenshi no enogu 1st chorus (Canari Version) Man A: H, hey! What’s that valkyrie?! Man B: Uwa! It’s coming down! Boss, I’m gonna floor it! Men: Uwaa!! (Sounds of crashing and screaming) Wolf: Quit your squealing. Boss: Y, you’re Wolf! Wolf: If you don’t want to die, hand the rights (kenrisho) over. Boss: Heh, you’ve gotta be kidding. Wolf: “Kidding?” Who was the one who forced our syndicate to hand over the rights to all the cosmo bike race business? Boss: T, that’s… Wolf: I just came to take it back. If you don’t hand it over quietly, you’re going to die. Boss: Wo.. Wolf… You’re a pretty good guy. How about it? Join my syndicate. If you do, I’ll give you a great pay. Wolf: Unfortunately, I like being a lone wolf. I reject your offer. (Sounds of gunfire and more screaming) Man: B, Boss! Wolf: I’m taking these (rights) papers. Sound of valkyrie taking off. Man: The boss has been killed! Man B: That apeface, Wolf. Kill him! Man: What are you bastards doing? Get in your valkyries and follow him! After him! After HIM!!! Sounds of valkyries taking off. “Macross Generation” The long war between the giant Zentraedy army had finished and the Earth was left in ruins. At the same time as restoring the land to be suitable to live on Earth, the UN Spacy explored various star systems to look for new lands where mankind could live. This is one of those stories of the Ninth Macross fleet and what occurs within it. “Love Do You Remember” (Canari’s version) Passero singing (from “Kinou made…” through “te to te ga fureatta toki”) Passero: Who is it? Who’s there!? Wolf: I interrupted your singing. Passero: Not at all. Wolf: Why are you singing all alone in the middle of the night in such a large park? You were dancing. And you’re soaking wet from this rain. The girl that’s shown on this large screen is Minmay, isn’t it? Do you like Minmay’s songs? …No, it doesn’t look like “like” would describe it. Passero: I’m embarrassed being watched by a stranger. (Sound of rain falling harder) Wolf: Looks like it’s raining harder. What a horrible rain. Passero: No. I like the rain. Wolf: You like the rain? Passero: Rain is always so romantic. Wolf: Don’t you feel uncomfortable being drenched? Passero: A rainy park… wet skin… while listening to the sound of the rain falling, dancing and singing while I’m soaking wet… it feels good. Wolf: Such a strange girl. Passero: While I spin and look around while becoming wet by the pale blue rain, I realize a lot of things about the things that color this city. For example, look. The wind that scatters the rain brings it to the windows of that small coffee shop. Passero: I like the rain. I like the trees wet by the rain, too. I even like the wind that travels between the trees. What about you? Wolf: Hmm? I… ‘ve never thought about that. Passero: The rain and wind. Nature tells me a lot of things. Nature is my lifesource. I want to be surrounded by nature, I want to dance and sing while feeling nature. (Wolf laughs.) Wolf: Within this Macross, the rain is just manmade. Passero: That’s OK. Someday, I’ll definitely… Wolf: Someday… definitely…? Passero: Don’t laugh if I tell you, OK? Wolf: I’m fickle, so I can’t promise. Passero: In the future, I want to be a singer like Lynn Minmay… to be like Canari who sings Lynn Minmay’s songs… a musical star. Passero: What? Why aren’t you saying anything? You really want to, but you’re trying not to laugh, aren’t you? You’re thinking I can’t be a big star like Canari, aren’t you? After all, what I’m saying is unrealistic. Man A: There he it! There’s Wolf! Man B: Where?! Man A: This way. In the square near in the south bridge. Wolf: This is bad. If we have the chance, we’ll meet again. (Wolf runs away) Passero: Ah! Wait! Man: Ah! Wolf got away! After him! Fire! Kill him! (Sound of electric gunshots) Man: Hey, wait! Hey you, girl! Passero: Huh? Are you talking to me? Man: What were you doing with Wolf? Passero: Is his name Wolf? I just met him right now. Man: Stop playing dumb! He’s an assassin. Passero: …Assassin? Man: What were you talking to him about? Passero: About the rain… and the wind! Man: About the rain and wind? Quit lying. Get her. Passero: Don’t be so rough! Man: Shut up! Come with us! Passero: Ah! Someone! Somebody! (Sound of motorcycle) (sound of people being hit and screams, followed by tires screeching) Man: Why you! What the hell are you doing? Rafale: Guys that rough up girls piss me off. Just be grateful I didn’t kill you with my cosmo bike. Man: Y.. you… Rafale: Young lady, hurry and get on the backseat. Passero: T… thank you! (sound of bike racing away) Man: apeface! Remember this! (Sound of bike) Rafale: Hold on tight! Passero: Who are you? Rafale: If you don’t hold on tighter, you’ll fly off. (Mirai no Diary Instrumental) Rafale: Do you like CBR? Passero: CBR? Rafale: Cosmo Bike Race (Racing). It’s a grand prix race across the galaxy on cosmo bikes. Passero: I’ve seen it on satellite TV before. Rafale: I’m a racer in it. Passero: !! Wow, that’s amazing. Rafale: Or rather, I’ve started racing. Tomorrow’s my first debut race. Passero: Wow. I get it now. You’re so nervous you can’t sleep. That’s why you’re racing around the city alone in the middle of the night on your cosmo bike, right? Rafale: Idiot. Like I get nervous. It’s to see how my cosmo bike is riding. I was checking it out. Passero: Really, I wonder. But I know how you feel. I’m a beginner, like you. Rafale: You’re a beginner too? What kind? Passero: I want to be a musical star, I think. Hey, did you know there’s going to be a musical called the “Lynn Minmay Story?” Rafale: I know about it. Are you going to be in it?! Passero: It hasn’t been decided yet. Auditions are next week. And if I pass. Rafale: (laughing) I see. Good luck. Passero: Thank you! Umm… Rafale: My name is Rafale. French for “gust of wind.” (toppuu) Passero: “Gust of wind?” Mr. Gust of Wind, good luck on your first debut race. Rafale: Yeah, I hope you pass your audition, too. Passero: Thank you. (Sound of crickets) Passero: A wonderous night. A man named Wolf who seems dangerous, chased by strange men. And a wild man named Rafale who is a cosmo bike racer. To meet two men in one night… something… something in my life is about to change.

Here's a sloppy editing job, but hopefully it helps.

I haven't gotten my first issue yet from San Jose, but the way the Bay Area Kinokuniyas handle their magazines versus Southern California is different. I'm guessing because there are three bookchains down there in competition (Kinokuniya, Sanseido and Asahiya) vs. just Kinokuniya up here in the north. Sanseido doesn't charge extra for their air mail copies and both Sanseido and Asahiya are a little cheaper than Kinokuniya for stuff (on manga it could be up to $.75 cheaper per book). I've noticed San Jose and San Francisco only gets books around the same release time as Japan. Sometimes they get airmail magazines, but the prices are a few dollars more. Usually for ocean shipments, you can expect it 3-4 weeks after the release, and I think San Jose gets their shipments on Wednesdays and Thursdays. I'm thinking I might get a notice today or tomorrow for my first Macross Chronicle issue, if I get the first issue. I have a pre-order with HMV that they're holding just in case...

I'm surprised that no one has ever put the First Half of Macross Generation on the internet, considering the Macross II sendaway has been (one of my favorite CDs I own). Generation is kinda weird to listen to. I ordered both CDs along time ago, so I listened to it one day while I was working, but I couldn't really concentrate on the whole story. Characters are weak, and plot is so ordinary. Laiza is the worst friend that anyone in the universe could have... If you need help translating any of the CDs, let me know. I have almost all of them as well, except Miss DJ which I never rebought from the LP time and the Macross 7 CD Drama #1...

I was expecting the magazine to be bigger (around A4), so I was surprised it's so small (A5). There are actually 42 pages on Macross, not counting the Megumi/Aya t-shirt ad. I did enjoy the interviews in the book though, especially Miyatake's and Mikimoto's. After all these years of Kawamori describing Macross as originally a dummy project not to be taken seriously (intended to make "Genociders" look good to the sponsors), Miyatake describes how much thought was actually put into it. As for Mikimoto, I like the fact that this interview he has something positive to say about his work on Macross instead of complaining how he's unhappy with a lot of his old drawings.

Although it's not an exact number, it looks like Macross Chronicle will be at least 50 issues, per the official website. http://books.shopro.co.jp/macross/backnumber/index.html Could always change, depending on popularity (like getting cancelled early).

Thanks for all the information. I'm not in a hurry to get the DVD box (hoping that the price will drop a little more), but I really appreciate everything you've mentioned. A lot of the character designs are scattered across many of the books. The This is Animation Macross Shiryoushuu 1 &2 have a lot of the rear shots of characters uniforms, etc. (and untouched sheets) that don't appear in any other books, so in a lot of ways I like these two books better than even the Perfect Memory. Also, there's a head shot of Kakizaki that only appears in the Entertainment Bible books, and Max's pilot uniform with helmet appears in one of the Super Plastic Model Manuals. Hell, even the lousy How To Draw Robotech #2 had the character eye sheet.

For the Evangelion Chronicle, Sony put out three books related to the series. This series was also produced by Weve. Side A and Side B (both out of print unfortunately, although you can probably find it on eBay and such) collected some pages (like character and goods info) from the issues into two 127 paged books. The Eva Chronicle series was about 32 pages each, so the complete 30 volume series was about 960 pages. The third (illustration) book collected the original illustrations (plus more) from the Chronicle issues. Possibly Macross may see a book, but it would be a while before the announcement and I'm guessing it depends on the publication's popularity. Only issue one is out and if they announced something now I think a lot of people would pass on the bi-weekly publication.

I don't think it will be like the 100% series, since they were more expensive at 1,500 yen-ish each. I've tried to look up the book size, but no luck. Closest thing I could find that I figure it would be like is a Ghibli Ponyo book Kadokawa is releasing on 8/9 for the same 1,260 price.

HMV Japan just put up pre-orders for a lot of Macross F stuff (including the new DVDs and BDs up to #6). They also listed the second soundtrack as well as a book from Kadokawa Shoten called "Macross 2059: MEMORIES" for 1,260 yen for 10/31. http://www.hmv.co.jp/product/detail/2768499 Not much is revealed, but it says that it's the definite book on Macross F (complete record) with a playback on all the episodes up to the final episode. Includes best scenes of Sheryl, Ranka, and Alto as well as mecha info, etc. For 1,260 yen, I hope it's a great book, but I'm not expecting much since it sounds like it's going to be a small book. We'll see when more info comes out.

Thanks for the information. I saw an auction that mentioned it's a 200-paged book, so that's pretty nice (over the 24 pages for Macross Plus). Do you happen to know if the interviews are new or recycled (like how Macross the Movie box's were from the hardcover book)? The book isn't really the only reason why I want the set (an upgraded version from my LDs and Animeigo DVDs would be a treat), but I'm really looking for untouched character design sheets. After looking at so many Yahoo Japan auctions, I realize how many images haven't appeared in any books. For example, the My Anime special from their 10/82 issue shows a few shots of Minmay and Yotchan not in any books (and the pages look pretty untouched). http://page18.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/w26869250 Also, I'm curious to read Mikimoto's notes that he wrote on some of the production sheets. I'd love to see the instructions for drawing shadows on the character's faces.

Now that a lot of online stores are offering higher discounts on the Macross TV Memorial DVD Box, I've been considering purchasing it. I'm especially interested in the booklet that is included. How many pages is it (any possible links to sample pages?)? Also, they mention character/mecha designs being included, but is it like the movie box book (full page scans) or like the crappy Macross Plus booklet (mini prints rearranged)? Any comments on content would be appreciated.

Regarding bonuses, it's a matter whether it's an external bonus (ie not shrinkwrapped to the package) or internal bonus (included in the case or shrinkwrapped to the case). A lot of online Japanese stores don't offer them unless they're specifically bundled with the package. For items like posters, often you won't receive it because it's separate and probably too much of a hassle to include them. Amazon Japan and HMV do mention when you might get an item periodically. For example, I did receive the Ghost in the Shell Bonus DVD and Utada United bonus DVDs when I ordered through them (they were taped with clear tape to the package), and also a few of the Studio Ghibli bonus items, but they mentioned on the product page that they were included. I didn't get the bonus boards either, which does suck, but I figure one day I might find it online or in a store in Japan. As for the pins, I have a feeling they'll be included inside the DVD package or shrinkwrapped to the box, so I don't think you'll need to worry so much. Even on Amazon's webpage, it mentions the first print bonuses, so it's probably a safe bet. I can't imagine them being larger than a nickel (seems to be a popular pin size nowadays in Japan).

You need to register with the site in Japanese to view the video. I haven't received my copy of Macross Frontier yet (having it shipped with the new Hotaru no Haka), but I did register on the site to view it once I get a code. You'll need to enter your e-mail address, password (4-digit pin), where you live in Japan, if you own any Macross DVDs, what series you want in Blu-ray, if you ordered the Blu-ray version, if you own a Blu-ray player, etc. Can't remember all the questions... As for the code number for Macross Frontier, you'll only be able to view the video until 8/31/08. I'm guessing the 9/30/08 date is the final date you can see the Zero video.

I've bought from Amazon Japan since 2000, and they really do have good customer service and have good prices (although their shipping hurts). Their customer service will answer you back in about 24 hours (both Japanese and English!). Only problems I've had is that for heavy packages, like books, they use really lightweight boxes, so damage can happen. Hasn't happened with the DVDs though. Also, one shipment they forgot to include one DVD in the package and they sent the replacement in just a couple of days. Amazon has great prices (and they'll adjust prices if it drops as well) at about 24% off for the Macross Frontier Blu-rays. The biggest downside of Amazon Japan is the dreaded shipping charges. To America for a DVD or Blu-ray, it's a flat 1,700 fee plus 300 yen per item, so it could be 2,000 for just one item. Also, collecting points for getting extra off is painfully slow. On the other hand, I prefer HMV Japan. Their prices are higher (only 10% off of Blu-rays, unless you buy two, then it's 20%), but their shipping is only 1,200 yen for up to two items and then about 300 yen extra for each item. Plus, on Blu-rays, you get a point for each 500 yen you spend. Collect 50 points for 1,000 yen off, or 100 for 2,500 yen off. For each newer Macross Blu-ray, you'll collect about 12 points or so, so it's easy to each the 50 or 100 mark. Downside to HMV Japan is that they actually charge shipping by how much the package weighs, so for multiple disc sets, shipping can be higher by 300 yen or more. I doubt you'll need to worry about this with the Macross F Blu-rays though. So, comparing current prices of the first Macross F Blu-ray: Amazon Japan: 3,668 yen (without tax) + 2,000 yen (shipping) = 5,668 yen HMV Japan: 4,320 yen (without tax) + 1,200 yen (shipping) = 5,520 yen (plus 8 points towards 50 or 100 point goal) Also, be aware that both Amazon and HMV won't save first print discs for you, so it's a gamble if you want to order a couple of discs at a time to save some cash. If you can, get a Capital One Visa card. It's one of the few credit cards that don't charge a currency exchange fee, so it's like saving an extra 2 -3% on your purchase.

I'm willing to help, mostly for the mindless ones like the goods and characters type things. My copies of the magazines probably won't be for at least a month, and then I'll only go once a month or so for a pick-up... Scans could help, but the kanji will need to be on the larger side to read.

If you live in America, get a Capital One credit card. They don't charge the conversion fees, so it's like saving an extra 2% on purchases. Personally, I like HMV better. Their shipping start at 1,200 for two items and below (and are about 300 yen for additional items), plus on certain items like Blu-rays (not anime DVDs), you can earn points for extra percentage off. Only bad part is that for box sets, they do charge by weight, so shops like Amazon can be a little cheaper.

I've subscribed to Gundam Ace since it started, so I do feel the pinch there as well. Also have subscribed to Newtype for the past 14 years or so, so ouch there as well. Overall, a subscription at Kinokuniya is the cheapest way to go, although you'll feel the pinch once a year. My subscription for Gundam Ace yearly is about $84 (or $7 an issue) and Newtype is $90 ($7.50 an issue). Also, tax is included, so not bad. The only problem is that I do have to drive over 60 miles round trip to Kinokuniya, but since I fly out of San Jose airport for business about once a month, I try to visit the store during those times to pick up magazines and books. Also, it's nice to know I don't have to worry about them selling out of magazines and they'll hold your magazine for 3 or 4 months as well. Also, since there are a few Japanese bookstores in the LA area, some have better deals than the Bay Area. At one point, Costa Mesa's Kinokuniya gave away a $20 gc to their store, and I know Sanseido has pretty good pricing on their subscriptions (plus have a stamp card for extra discounts).

From what I remember, neither books have anything about Gunbuster. I never bought them, because all the Macross line art I wanted was in books I already had and they were on the "expensive" side when I was 12 years old. If you want to pay around $60, get the "Top wo nerae! Perfect Guide." It's part of the Emotion + series (I think Bandai stopped producing this line, but books are readily available)　for 5,040 yen. It comes with a 160-paged hardcover book (many pages in color) and a DVD with interviews. Lots of artwork and line art (including Mikimoto's original character designs and early sketches), though the downside is that some of the pics are extremely tiny since they try to stick six untouched character sheets on one page. If you understand Japanese lots of interesting interviews to read in the book and listen to on the DVD (only interviews on the DVD, so may not be too interesting if you don't like unsubtitle stuff). My favorite is finding out that Noriko Hidaka was picked for Noriko because of her first name and because she cried so well as Satsuki in Tonari no Totoro. Samples are on Bandai's page: http://www.bandaivisual.co.jp/emoplus/topwonerae.html Can be ordered from Amazon Japan (or HMV Japan): http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%83%88%E3%83%83...989&sr=1-11 The best (and most expensive) option is the kickass General Products Complete Gunbuster book that goes for $100 or so. Or you can get the Mikimoto Cel Works book for a good sized look at his early character designs (and cel artwork) for Gunbuster. No mecha artwork.

Sorry, I didn't see this message. The only thing I can recommend doing is printing up the Macross Chronicle homepage and giving them the website http://books.shopro.co.jp/macross/, with the pricing and publisher visible (which is Weve and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions 株式会社ウィーヴ｜小学館集英社プロダクション). Even when I placed my order successfully at San Jose's Kinokuniya with the e-mail I got from them, they still needed to look up information about the magazine. Took about five minutes (I was picking up my Newtypes anyway), but all was successful. Good luck! Hopefully it won't be too hard, except on the wallet.