Frequently Once Asked Questions about Anime

Do you have other questions ? (^^)
[Q] What does the SS stand for in the title of Sailor Moon fourth season title? I've come across a great many titles including Super Stars, Super S, Super Sailors and even Super Super (don't ask me ^_^v ).
[A] As far as I know, the pronunciation of "Sailor Moon SS" was "Sailor Moon Su:pa:z" in Japanese. I think this is a the plural form of "super." It may mean "superintendents" or "supernumeraries." (^o^;
To tell the truth, anime producers of this era seldom considered correctness of English. Don't be troubled with this problem (^o^)
(Aug.11,2004)
[Q] In the manga of Slam-Dunk, when Hanamichi is sad or something he looks back with a sad face and it appears like a song or something, what is it?
[A] It's not only Hanamichi's theme song, but also mine (I sing this song when something miserable happen (^o^;) ). The title is "Dona Dona". It's just a children's song but famous for its gloomy lyrics. This is the gist of the lyrics:

On a beautiful day, a wagon goes to a marketplace. However, the wagon is carrying my calf and she'll be selled at the market. She is staring at me sadly

They sing this song with grief for the parting for ever. If you want to listen to this song, please watch "Shoujo Kakumei Utena Episode.16 : The Cowbell of Happiness" (^_^;;;;;
(Jul.25,2001)
[Q] I was wondering about Nintama Rantarou. What era is it supposed to be in? In one episode I saw Kimimaru riding a bicycle.
[A] The era is the latter term of Muromachi (15c?). Research into the period is done very carefully in this anime but sometimes they put plain mistakes purposely. One of them is the bicycle you've seen.
(Nov.27,2000)
[Q] In Ranma 1/2, there's a character called Shampoo who uses these funny-looking weapons, they're like balls on a stick... they're called bonbori... or something like that... Anyway, are they real weapons?
[A] I had no idea, so I asked a Ranma specialist. His answer was : "They're bonbori, aren't they ?" Hey, they mustn't. "bonbori" is Japanese ancient candlestick. Who can fight in lamps ? (^_^; And then, he asked a weapon specialist, and we got the correct answer at last.
They are so called sui, a Chinese weapon which was made of wood, metal, or wood coated with metal. Fighters use that sphere for offense and defense. Especially, sticking "sui" in front of enemy's eyes makes the enemy miss them.
(Jun.29,2000)
[Q] Does Heiji's name actually mean "second" ?
[A] Heiji (Detective Conan) doesn't concern with number.(Though it's possible that Hattori Heiji is the second son)
His name is originated in "Zenigata Heiji", a fictional detective in Edo era. (I assume you've heard of his nickname, Zenigata. Zenigata Kouichi in Lupin III is also originated in his name.)
(Jun.12,2000)
[Q] About "Candy Candy", have they finished the copyright issue? I really wish to read it again, but nobody is selling because of that problem.
[A] No, the trial has not finished yet. Tokyo District Court approved Mizuki Kyoko's accusation, but Igarashi Yumiko objected against the judgment, and appealed to Tokyo High Court in March 2000.
(Apr.10,2000)
[Q] I was wondering, is "Trigun" a Japanese word?
[A] No. I suppose it means "Three Guns".
(Apr.3,2000)
[Q] In Kenshin, he keeps saying "oro". Is this supposed to be some form of confusion? I can't find it in my translation dictionary
[A] Of course, you can't (^o^) As I said on Anime Characters Name Guide, his name, "Himura,Kenshin", originates in Japanese famous comedian, "Shimura,Ken". "Oro" is Shimura's favorite phrase.
(Sep.23,1999)
[Q] What can you tell me about the anime "Kochikame"? It's full name is very hard to remember for me:P
[A] Kochikame (Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kouen-mae Hashutsusho) has the longest title and longest stories in whole the manga in the world. I haven't confirmed yet, but I can guarantee it. Because the books of Kochikame have already published more than 110.
The hero of this manga, Ryoutsu,Kankichi, is a policeman. He look just a lazy policeman, but he becomes so active at a chance to make a large sum of money, or something interesting event. However, he always fails to get money, and has a bad turn inversely.
And other strange characters (ex. Moon-light cops (^_^;) ), make funny or heart-warming stories.
(Aug.21,1999)
[Q] Can you tell me how many Pokemon movies exist?
[A]Pokemon movies have been made twice, and each of them contains two movies (A long episode and a short episode)
1998"Mewtwo no Gyakushu" (Mewtwo Strikes Back)
Coupled with "Pikachu no Natsuyasumi" (Pikachu's summar vacation)
1999"Lugia Bakutan" (Revelation Lugia)
Coupled with "Pikachu Tankentai" (Pikachu's Explorers)
(Aug.14,1999)
[Q] I want to know about an actual work from Masami Kurumada or what's happening with him now.
[A] He is still drawing Bt'X, and I think it'll be concluded soon. (supplementary note by eXAXXiON-san : The last chapter of Bt'X was printed in "Shonen Ace" Issue February 2000)
(Aug.14,1999)
[Q] I found lately the intro of a TV series called "Dual!". Having looked everywhere for information on this series, and getting very curious, I've been wondering a lot. Would you have any information^_^?
[A] Someone named this anime "Tenchi-Seiki Elhagelion", and I couldn't help laughing. I think it's a nice name. The stage of Dual is similar to Evangelion so much, but the human relations are the same as Tenchi Muyo. The hero, Kazuki, is loved by Mitsuki (Mitsuki and Kazuki came from the same world), Yayoi (Instructor), D (alien ?), and Miss Ra-(The enemy) (^_^;;;;;
The theme of this anime may be hostile operations of these girls (^o^;
Anyway, I guarantee that this is worth watching.
[Q] How many episodes are there of Hyper Police in Japan now?
[A] Hyper Police was aired from Apr.2,1997 to Sep.25,1997 and it has 25 episodes.
[Q] I just watched a lot of Haunted Junction, and I recognized most of the spirits were also in Jigoku Sensei Nube. Are these stories, like the walking statue, and toire no Hanako very common in Japan?
[A] They're so called "Ghosts in school". Both of Nube and Haunted Junction treat "Ghosts in school", so it's natural that they appear both of them. By the way, they are wellknown but still newcomers in ghost world. ( There are no schools in Japan 200 years ago, but many old ghosts have already existed before Edo era.) I wonder who made the stories of these new ghosts (-_-?
[Q] Why isn't "Kurogane Communication" listed on your tv listings?
[A] "Kurogane Communication" is a part of "Anime Complex". This program contains three different animes : "Android Announcer Maico 2010", "Ah! My Goddess - Small is Useful", and "Neoranga". "Kurogane Communication" started after the end of "Neoranga".
[Q]I'm curious about, in the opening of Card Captor Sakura Kero-chan is eating something. It's round and on a stick, what is it called? Or does it even exist?
[A] It's takoyaki.
[Q]Tell me about a Tatsunoko Pro Studio anime, "Ketsudan".
[A]"Ketsudan (Decision)" is an old anime that treats World War II. It was aired on NTV from Apr.3,1971 to Sep.25,1997. However, I've never seen it ...
[Q]I wondered do you know the name of the first Detective Conan movie?
[A]The title was "Tokei-jikake no Matenrou (Time Bomb Skyscraper)".
This movie is so cool! I guarantee it ! (^^)
[Q]Are you familiar with an older anime OVA series called "Dream Hunter Rem"? If so, do you know what the story for the third OVA is based on? It seems to be some type of historical Japanese myth, but I am not sure.
[A] Do you mean the battle at Yashima ? Story of the battle is written in "THE TALES OF HEIKE". You might find this book at library because this is Japanese famous story. By the way, "Operation : Yashima" of Neon Genesis Evangelion originated in the story, too.
[Q]Do you know of any contacts that deal in fansubs for Shin Tenchi Muyo?
[A]I don't know of fansubs, because I don't need it (^_^;
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