(L) Otogizoushi

[dreamless]

well, for ep13 description

Spoiler:

Hikaru is going to duel with someone at Rashoumon and kill her opponent with her arrow, then in ep14 everyone get reincarnated to modern days to continue the story... Hmm... someone at Rashoumon... now the "official" Rashoumon demon Ibaraki is already dead, I think the only option left is Mansairaku. So maybe Hikaru has to duel against Mansairaku and eventually kill him...

[Codex]

Originally Posted by dreamless

well, for ep13 description

Spoiler:

Hikaru is going to duel with someone at Rashoumon and kill her opponent with her arrow, then in ep14 everyone get reincarnated to modern days to continue the story... Hmm... someone at Rashoumon... now the "official" Rashoumon demon Ibaraki is already dead, I think the only option left is Mansairaku. So maybe Hikaru has to duel against Mansairaku and eventually kill him...

Spoiler for the sake of a spoiler tag:

You! You have something against Mansairaku, don't you?!

But then again, considering the fact that he's been showing up everywhere Hikaru's gang has been ... I wonder what he's been up to as well. Still, I don't think he's under the service of Abe no Seimei, which would be the only reason for them to fight. Unless he's ... ... Abe no Seimei under the mask??

Hahaha, j/k ... I'm not going to get drawn into weird conspiracy theories. He's a performer/dancer for crying out loud! Albeit, with a strange proficiency in martial arts ... ...

Ahhhh~ ... but I still don't like sound of Hikaru having to kill Mansairaku!

But anyway, this is the text of the summary for episode 13:

Spoiler:

"Hikaru is standing firm at the Rashomon Gate. For the words her brother left to her. For the hopes that her friends entrusted to her. For the prayers of the people of Heian. Her woman’s heart, her disguised identity as Raiko, everything is now behind her; and for the first time, Hikaru shoots her arrows to kill. "

I think I interpret the summary differently.

Spoiler:

"Hikaru shoots her arrows to kill." It doesn't really suggest a duel. It's more like a last stand, and she's taking down everyone who dares charge the Rashoumon.

"For the hopes that her friends entrusted to her." Does that mean they're separated/grieviously injured/dead by this time?

"Her woman’s heart, her disguised identity as Raiko, everything is now behind her" The "her woman's heart" bothers me in particular, as that could conceivably support what dreamless was saying. However, it could just be that she has thrown away her gentleness, and is fighting seriously.

[runpsicat]

This is an unpleasant surprise to us, too. I'm personally rather miffed since I love historical stuff, and this reincarnated-to-fulfill-one's-destiny plot device is really too cliche. We'll keep going and hope for the best, though. At least we now know why Mansairaku has red streaks in his hair... He was destined to be reborn as a Harajuku punk with nose rings and tatoos.

[BluWacky]

There's apparently more info in this interview - from my Babelfishing it certainly discusses moving the story in this somewhat unexpected direction, but I can't understand the nuances of it fairly obviously.

[Yebyosh]

Originally Posted by BluWacky

There's apparently more info in this interview - from my Babelfishing it certainly discusses moving the story in this somewhat unexpected direction, but I can't understand the nuances of it fairly obviously.

The passage in question should be the last part of the interview. (First part deals with music...)

The passage translates to (with a little bit of added information)

Originally Posted by Production I.G. Animation Producer, Katsuji Morishita

Currently, the stage is set in the Heian Period, however the Heian chapter would be concluded in the 13th episode, starting with the 14th episode, the series would be shifted to a new stage.

Today, the voicedubbing of the conclusion of the Heian chapter (episode 13) will be done, howevever, the earth-shattering climax might bring out unexpected tears and would not cheapen the development of the story. I think without fail, on close inspection, the 14th episode and hereafter will be watched without a break and received very well

Originally Posted by Series Framework Supervisor, Yoshiki Sakurai

That is to say, originally "Otogizoushi" was a bunch of legends compiled by the rock-solid mountain of a man, Urashima Tarou. Its story of Shuten-douji was expanded on and fabricated for the anime "Otogizoushi".

Though I wrote a lot of the scripts for "Ghost in the Shell (SAC)", this was a Sci-Fi setting and I thought "I want to do samurai sword fights". Especially one set in a period which compared to one in the Edo Period or the Sengo(Civil War) Period, is one not many people have seen. I thought one set in the Heian Period, which marks a transition with the dawning of the samurais, would be interesting.

From the 14th episode, we would shift the story's setting to today's 2004. With regards to the characters, they would be introduced as is but clad in today's fashions. The new setting can be said to be a new Otogizoushi.

That the setting is in the present-day, the setting up of this creation can be said to be easy, as the modern person does not feel close to the Heian Period, we felt that it would be interesting to prepare a "Otogizoushi" set in 2004.

Due to the anime being shown late at night, there will be people with thoughts of going to sleep. However, if Tuesday late nights can be thought as "Today is Otogizoushi Day", the TV series will have an established following. If it is boring, please turn it off (laughs).

I will try my best after this.

[Codex]

Originally Posted by Yebyosh

"the earth-shattering climax might bring out unexpected tears"

Okay, that pretty much settles it. Now all we need is a poll.

Who dies?
A. Hikaru
B. Mansairaku
C. Both A and B

[glyph]

[EDIT: Oops, silly me. Completely forgot about hunterx's question. What is so wrong about the idea of this possible new arc is that ... well, these characters are from ancient folklore. The setting is ancient Japan. The watercolour backgrounds, the art style, the music ...everything enhances the feel of this dignified legend of a story. - it is the feel of 'Otogizoushi'. The modern-day sort of new arc isn't bad in itself ... it is just too sudden and incongruous with what has come before.][/QUOTE]

Yeah, the 'mission from a past life' concept sounds more 'Pretty Soldier Sailor Hikaru' than Otogizoushi. I seriously hope the setting shift was planned from the start and not done to simply boost ratings. As

"That the setting is in the present-day, the setting up of this creation can be said to be easy, as the modern person does not feel close to the Heian Period, we felt that it would be interesting to prepare a "Otogizoushi" set in 2004.
"

would seem to suggest. If not, why didn't they use a modern setting with flashbacks to the past from the start?

[wao]

Actually, regarding that shocking development from ep 14 onwards, I'm wondering why they seem to have left this hanging in the air: from the description of Mansairaku's character on the NTV site

Spoiler for possible spoiler, but I don't even know if the'yre still going to go with this:

実は、光とは幼い頃に出会っており

Doesn't that mean something like "Actually, (Mansairaku) had met up with Hikaru once in their childhood"? Maybe it'll suddenly appear in ep 11 or 12...

I really really really hope they can pull it off well. Otogizoushi was doing pretty well and was getting fans... hm... dammit, but it's just so absurd, I've never heard of it in my life...

ALso, how are they going to continue the Hikaru/Mansairaku relationship if they keep the ages the same? In the older context their age gap (5 years) wasn't all that obvious and anyway it wasn't such a big thing, but in more modern times, 17 year old and 22 year old.... eh.... Mansairaku better turn 17 too :<

[jalana]

Nah, a 17-yr-old and a 22-yr-old isn't as disturbing as, oh say, a 13-yr-old and a 18-yr-old.

[hunterx]

I don't mind the new arc. What would you have a 13episode series or a bonus addition to see if the animators can be creative with it. Give em a chance. If you don't like it just stop watching when the current arc ends

[wao]

Okay, well I just watched episode 11, ...

Spoiler:

Urabe kicked it. Dammit, how could she trust Abe no Seimei so much until she'd even bring the magatama to him, she only realised of his evilness too late, and -- MATSUMUSHI of all people came to retrieve it, sticking a dagger in her back as well. That scene where Matsumushi went where Urabe was hiding... scary ._.

However, I guess I kind of expected Urabe to kick it. What's more annoying, really, is the animation in this ep, they really cheated on it! The first part where Hikaru and co are running to the capital has such bad animation, and Kintarou crying looked so freaking awful. I felt they could have put more effort into the scene where Urabe died, though I think her voice actress did a good job with the part just before she died, I juts really got this feeling of the terror you feel before you die, knowing that suddenly you have to leave everythign without saying goodbye, and it's spiralling out of yoru control...

Well, yay! Abe no Seimei got the 5 magatama. A bit of cool CGI there when he did. However, what was most interesting IMO was that when he did the big fat thing, not only did those stupid ministers get vaporised, somehow Matsumushi didn't - it's as if Seimei pushed her aside as a cursory act of "kindness", but I think in the end she still died? I also am curious as to her reaction - she was crying and mouthing something (Seimei?) juts before she died (well, I think she did.)

Needless to say Tsuna is highly pissed off. Highly. Next episode, more action! Please don't cut down on the animation, Production I.G.!

Also, a final note: very mysteriously, Mansairaku is missing. And the whole magatama business was going on at Rashoumon, where Mansairaku seems to be hanging out. Please don't tell me he's so good at acting that he fooled us all and is actually Abe no Seimei. I'm going to kick something.

Now when I watch the eps I just don't know how the heck they'll continue the story in modern times. But yes, it will be interesting, and if it works well then we'll remember it. I'm less likely to think Production I.G. will screw it up though, unlike Gonzo...

[hitokirigirl]

Originally Posted by wao

Okay, well I just watched episode 11, ...

Spoiler:

Urabe kicked it. Dammit, how could she trust Abe no Seimei so much until she'd even bring the magatama to him, she only realised of his evilness too late, and -- MATSUMUSHI of all people came to retrieve it, sticking a dagger in her back as well. That scene where Matsumushi went where Urabe was hiding... scary ._.

However, I guess I kind of expected Urabe to kick it. What's more annoying, really, is the animation in this ep, they really cheated on it! The first part where Hikaru and co are running to the capital has such bad animation, and Kintarou crying looked so freaking awful. I felt they could have put more effort into the scene where Urabe died, though I think her voice actress did a good job with the part just before she died, I juts really got this feeling of the terror you feel before you die, knowing that suddenly you have to leave everythign without saying goodbye, and it's spiralling out of yoru control...

Well, yay! Abe no Seimei got the 5 magatama. A bit of cool CGI there when he did. However, what was most interesting IMO was that when he did the big fat thing, not only did those stupid ministers get vaporised, somehow Matsumushi didn't - it's as if Seimei pushed her aside as a cursory act of "kindness", but I think in the end she still died? I also am curious as to her reaction - she was crying and mouthing something (Seimei?) juts before she died (well, I think she did.)

Needless to say Tsuna is highly pissed off. Highly. Next episode, more action! Please don't cut down on the animation, Production I.G.!

Also, a final note: very mysteriously, Mansairaku is missing. And the whole magatama business was going on at Rashoumon, where Mansairaku seems to be hanging out. Please don't tell me he's so good at acting that he fooled us all and is actually Abe no Seimei. I'm going to kick something.

just watched ep 9 and 10

Spoiler:

now we are fixed on Mansairaku's feeling towards Hikaru, well i was not sure he loved her ^^
but now you said it, i remember that i was thinking since the beginning that Mansairaku=Seimei. it would make sense, since both want to eradicate sadness, blablablah.
Morever, at the rashomon and on the beach (when hikaru and Mansairaku met), hikaru seems always optimistic about saving the capital w/ magatamas, when mansairaiku showed no conviction in that.
personnaly, i want him to be seimei. then, Tsuna would kick his ass. i dunno why, but i dislike the pairing Mansairaku x Hikaru

[Codex]

Spoiler for Mansairaku speculation:

He's better NOT turn out to be Seimei. That wouldn't be considered a plot twist ... it would be a damned let-down. Story-wise, I suppose it could be twisted and turned to make it possible, but it's just so unlikely and would require an unsightly degree of manipulation to make it work. Seimei is bound to the court, while Mansairaku is a traveller ... and I hope that's a strong enough reason to make sure that they are separate people. The voices are totally different, and if it turns out one of them was faking their voice, I'd personally fly over to Japan and throttle the writers.

I'm hoping, rather, that Seimei's more of a blatant red herring and that Mansairaku's actual part in the story will blindside (out of relief, perhaps?) us when revealed.

[dreamless]

Originally Posted by Codex

Spoiler for Mansairaku speculation:

He's better NOT turn out to be Seimei. That wouldn't be considered a plot twist ... it would be a damned let-down. Story-wise, I suppose it could be twisted and turned to make it possible, but it's just so unlikely and would require an unsightly degree of manipulation to make it work. Seimei is bound to the court, while Mansairaku is a traveller ... and I hope that's a strong enough reason to make sure that they are separate people. The voices are totally different, and if it turns out one of them was faking their voice, I'd personally fly over to Japan and throttle the writers.

I'm hoping, rather, that Seimei's more of a blatant red herring and that Mansairaku's actual part in the story will blindside (out of relief, perhaps?) us when revealed.

Well,

Spoiler:

I think Mansairaku could be Seimei, as currently we have completely no idea who (or what) is (or are) Seimei. Seimei could be multiple people, Seimei could have a lot of substitutes. Personally I don't like the idea and I want Mansairaku and Seimei to be different persons, but I think the possibility that they are the same person may not be that inconceiveable or illogical.

[wao]

Don't worry, I'll join you and fly to Japan to throttle the writers if they make Mansairaku == Seimei.

It's juts that, though, ... WHERE in the world is Mansairaku at this point of time? Cleverly avoiding everything? Maybe he'll.....

Spoiler for not really a spoiler, just a speculation :O:

pick up Hikaru's body and bury it properly after she inevitably dies fighting Seimei!! And then her spirit comes back and possesses a 17-yo in 2004

[hitokirigirl]

Originally Posted by wao

Don't worry, I'll join you and fly to Japan to throttle the writers if they make Mansairaku == Seimei.

It's juts that, though, ... WHERE in the world is Mansairaku at this point of time? Cleverly avoiding everything? Maybe he'll.....

Spoiler for not really a spoiler, just a speculation :O:

pick up Hikaru's body and bury it properly after she inevitably dies fighting Seimei!! And then her spirit comes back and possesses a 17-yo in 2004

actually,

Spoiler:

it is MAINLY because he's not here that he's suspected to be Seimei.
yes, the story will loose something if it's true, but i don't want him to take over Hikaru, dunno why ^^"

[dreamless]

well, from the preview to ep13 here
http://www.ntv.co.jp/channel/asx/otogizoshi13.asx
it seems

Spoiler:

indeed Mansairaku is Seimei... or at least he's dueling Hikaru and can summon colored lightnings and flying rocks and stuff with his paper fan

I know he must be inhuman when Tsuna looks like a toddler in front of him

[wao]

Oh cripes! You're right! What a let-down...

Spoiler:

Let's just really really really hope that Seimei turns out NOT to be Mansairaku. Ooh am I so getting a plane ready to get to Japan and kill the writers if it turns out to be that. That would just really suck, it wouldn't help the story at all. But why does Hikaru say "sayonara"? Does she know she's going to die or somethign? Or do they get zapped to the future?!?! Bah. DAMMIT, MANSAIRAKU PLEASE DON'T BE SEIMEI >___<

It doesn't make sense though, when Mansairaku was with Hikaru on the rooftop on that rainy day they cut scenes to Seimei speaking to Urabe. Unless Seimei can split himself into 2?

EDIT: Ooh, I have the hopes that Mansairaku is not the bad guy Seimei! Or something. Production I.G's page for ep 13 has some screenshots and captions on them, including "Mansairaku takes the attack without even dodging" ... And why is Hikaru playign the flute (assumedly for Mansairaku) if Mansairaku is the bad guy?! And doesn't Hikaru look really nice in that last pic? I personally think it's awesome.
AAAHH, I so want to watch Ep 13 now! Now! Now!! I can't wait for this "earth-shattering climax" that the staff mentioned in an interview!!

*melts into puddle of fangirl*

[hitokirigirl]

hehe, i like when cute guys play the villains...
btw, only 13 eps for this serie, or 26 ? i got confused w/ your explanations above...

[dreamless]

The heian arc will be 13 episodes, then there will be another 13 episodes for the modern day arc, so a total of 26 episodes.

Considering Production I.G.'s track record, I guess we shouldn't really expect "normal" animes from them

About Seimei, he could have a lot of fakes to substitute for him when he's away...