Shaman King Exhibition Fan Meet-up Twitter Venue – Day 3

As a follow-up to the first real day of the “Shaman King Exhibition Fan Meet-up Twitter Venue” and a second smaller one, today was the 3rd day for this online event. Due to the postponement of the physical Shaman King Exhibition in Aomori and in-person fan meet-up, Hiroyuki Takei’s editor has taken to Twitter to respond to some questions. He opened up his Direct Messages (DMs) to get a new batch of questions. Fans who sent in questions and left their DMs open may win a poster from the Shaman King Exhibition (size and design could not be specified). Similar to the previous, below is a rough English translation of the posts made along with additional links to more information:

• The original plan was the hold the “Fanmee” (Fan Meetup) at 9:00am in the Aomori Exhibition venue prior to any visitors entering and give a brief commentary about the event. Afterwards there was going to be a talk show in the space attached with the venue? An additional surprise was included along with a souvenir.
• I told the event organizers that I would do anything to please the dedicated fans, and that turned into a talk show. Even I was surprised.
• During the Aomori event I was also organizing a bus tour hosted by myself to show the sacred places of the area. It all fell through. Damn it, Corona!
• But first of all, let me introduce myself. Although it is partially duplicated with what I tweeted earlier…
• I joined Kodansha in 1998. According to the personal department, at the time I was the first employee to be hired directly for Comic Bonbon. I loved children’s toys, along with toys and games in general.
• From there, I was assigned to Comic Bonbon and in June of that same year, the serialization of Shaman King began. After the suspension of the publication of Comic Bonbon I became a founding member of Magazine Edge where I am today.
• During my time at Comic Bonbon, I was in charge of “Dr. Mario-kun“, “Tobidase!! Tarpan“, and others. I also assisted with the game-comic serializations.
• During my time at “Shonen Rival” I was in charge of “Blazer Drive“, “Tomorrow Familia“, “THE IDOLM@STER Break“, “God Eater“, “If Her Flag Breaks“, and others.
• So now, let’s take a look at some of the questions we received.
• We have received a lot of questions about how “Shaman King The Super Star” got started. I can only say that was the timing. I guess I was the one who just happened to be there at the right time. The rest was just a matter of fate.
• To be honest, I am most surprised that I am in charge of this project.
• From my view, I would add Takei-sensei to the list of “Super Professionals” I mentioned earlier. I would say he has a great sense of style. The design, dialogue structure, and little plays are overwhelming.
• Takei-sensei is quick to notice small deviations that are less than a millimeter, for things like cover illustration for the manga volumes. The accuracy of his eye-measuring rule is amazing.
• What else is there? It’s the amazing ability to attract people to “Shaman King.” Including all of the fans like you.
• What kind of person is Jet Kusamura? I’ve seen him in an Corocoro Aniki extra manga. Takei-sensei is a caricature of wearing a wooden fish, while Jet-sensei is wearing a bucket in that manga.

• Is it memorable meeting with the Senseis about a chapter? While working you can use bargain toys and say “Awesome!” The other day we met at a spot based on a certain special effects show from the old days.
• Previous failures…? When I posted the announcement for “Red Crimson” on Twitter I was planning on posting the “Chain of Hate” but the autocorrect occurred and I didn’t double check so it turned into a “Series of Hate.” That was embarrassing…
• The series of “Marcos” was decided in the same way. This might be easier to understand if we go back to the way the “Red Crimson” series was decided.
• “A place where all sort of stories come together” was the motivation. “Shaman King” had already became an epic story. To continue that, “Red Crimson” was born.
• Actually, before the creation of “Marcos”, we planned to serialize the stories with different protagonist. This is the first time I am saying this, so it may be a surprise. One day we may be able to tell those stories as well.
• The keyword is ” Everything is for the F.O.M”.
• This is Takei-Sensei’s love. The love he has for his fans is amazing. The willingness to take photos of the original artwork at the exhibition, and posting images for the Shaman King Exhibition on Twitter. Anything to make fans happy.
• For the merchandise for the Shaman King Exhibition: Takei-sensei gave us a blank check. I wonder if we succeeded in making the Funbari Onsen-type goods a reality.
• What are my favorite recommendations from the Shaman King Exhibition merchandise? It has to be the basin, right? I use it at home. Also, there are a few more things that haven’t been announced yet. Stay tuned!
• Other projects I want to do in the future…? I’d like to do a real Funbari Onsen collaboration somewhere. It may be tricky to do, but it sounds like fun to collaborate with some inns at a hot springs resort and have the original drawings on display or have special Funbari Onsen goods.
• Let’s keep that in the back of our minds when we are working remotely. Please continue to wait.
• My progress in Animal Crossing!? The shop has finally been upgraded so it was not open today due to constructions. My work of art was sold by a forger.
• That was from a welfare worker who works in a dense environment. Thank you so much for your dedication to your job. We are grateful for the hard work of those who support our lives. We hope to return the favor with projects that you will enjoy.
• On Twitter I often use “Smile.” I was looking for a word that could represent an emoji of sorts. “Laugh” and “w” are more of the internet lingo and this pulls more towards the face.
• What’s next? What’s about this? How about these products? For questions like that, thank you very much. I hope you can wait. We are preparing a lot of things to meet your expectations.
• Does the Takei-sensei actually leave drawings in the Editorial Department…? If you come into the Editorial department you may find that some sticky notes or doodles around the area. They may be hints for future developments, so people are surprised when they become connected.
• The Shaman King Exhibition at Aomori has only been postponed. I don’t know if we can do it, but we are also looking at other venues. I want to see you at the next venue soon!
• The Shaman King Exhibition internationally…? Actually it was in discussion briefly, but all of stopped due to the turmoil during this time. May the world return to peace!
• What has changed since I became the editor of Shaman King…? Hmmm, I’m getting more familiar with rights relations. (Bitter Smile) And simply I just have more work to do.
• What was I happy about at the Shaman King Exhibition? I guess it was to see the smiles on the faces of the fans. It was nice to be able to create a place where we could gather. I can only express my gratitude to all of those involved in this effort.
• I was a little embarrassed to have someone talk to me because I’m not a public figure, but I’m glad they did. Thank you to those who have reached out to me.
• A 20th anniversary project that was lost…? I think the bus tour is the one. It was almost ready to go. But planning is still underway.
• Where does the tagline for the opening of the chapter come from? There are some that Takei-sensei mentions and there are ones I come up with. When we put them in, I try not to kill the picture since opening artwork is so cool.
• Are you able to stay focused while telecommuting? It’s difficult, and I’m not used to it yet. if I had to say doing laundry or cleaning the bathroom can be distracting.
• Ah, a picture of my workplace and desk? You never know what you’ll see, so be sure to check out the wall in the Editorial department!

• Is this acceptable? Hopefully that answers your questions.
• Lastly, I’d like to show you some of the original drawings. These would have been the surprise additions at the Exhibition in Aomori only displayed there.

• Above, are the 3 drawings.
• We are praying that the new corona-virus will be contained as soon as possible, then we will do our best to bring to you the Shaman King Exhibition and other events safely.
• This is the end of the Shaman King Exhibition Fan Meeting on Twitter. Thank you very much for your time.
• I forgot to add a hashtag….
• The announcements will not stop… Thank you for the replies and DMs. I can’t return them individually, but I read them all. Thank you for your support of Shaman King series and Shonen Magazine Edge! Smile (Someone said that it can be contagious)