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New Tenchi Muyo OVA Series Confirmed!
Dr. Worm writes: "AIC's Web page has an interview with the Tenchi Muyo guy (Kajishima Masaki)
confirming a third OVA series. Finally, we get to find out what happens after the king of Jurai leaves Earth..." One of my absolute favorite series. I'm as excited about this as the rumors of the
Cowboy Bebop movie.
First of all, a couple of Quick corrections. There were two creators of Tenchi Muyo. The other creator is Hayashi Hiroki, of El-Hazard, BGC 2040 and several other awesome animes.
Second, thoose people who think this will "sell out" need to rember that neither creator was involved w/ Tenchi after the OVA series.
This is a post on the TenchiML that I wrote, my comments start with #
Anyways, I wrote this off of the interview itself....
"The 3rd "Tenchi Muyo! Ryohki" OVA series
WILL direct by me and remain the originality..."
--by Kajishiima
Ok, just in case anyone missed it, the Third OVA series is finally confirmed, althought the
#question of OVA/TV/etc has not yet been settled. My personal guess is that this will turn #into a 13 episode TV series on WOWOW.
I believe all the Tenchi fans around the world will be very exciting when
they know that AIC IS going to produce the 3rd series of "Tenchi
Muyo!Ryohki" OVA. Is there anything you "must"
address here for AIC to all the supporters before we start the interview?
K: Yes. There is. On behaves of AIC, I officially annouced that the 3rd "Tenchi Muyo! Ryohki" OVA series IS direct by me-Masaki Kajishima. and the
3rd "Tenchi Muyo! Ryohki" OVA IS the sequel of Kajishima's original "Tench Muyo! Ryohki" OVA.
You know, although we tend to just call it OVA because that was the medium, I think
they are saying here that the new series will be a OVA series.
T: Let me repeat here again that YOU ARE going to produce a real Kajishima
"Tenchi" world, right?
K: Yes. The 3rd "Tenchi Muyo! Ryohki" OVA WILL direct by me and remain the
originality of Kajishima's "Tench Muyo! Ryohki" world.
Wahaha. Just in case anyone doubts it.
T: Thank you. If there is no other things you "have to" say on bahaves of
AIC(grin). Let me start our question from the story of "TenchiMuyo! Ryohki"
the 3rd. I know that you already have the
big picture of the ending in your mind. Will you put all of your ideas in
the the 3rd series this time?
K: Basically, the story will start from clear out the mysteries I left inthe former OVA series, such as who are Goddesses named "*Choushin ", whythey are there...etc. And the story will move on to Tenchi himself after
Goddess ended their war. The story of Tenchi will have nothing to do with"fighting". (*Choushin=the highest Goddess among Goddess world)
Hmmm this is interesting. It has been hinted that there were other high dimensional people in the Tenchi universe (ref Dr. Clay's lines about "not your first time seing a uper dimensional being). The shadows in the background prob represent the rest of the Megami/Kami.
T: What will happen after the battle between Goddesses?
K: well, the highest Goddesses is coming down to earth and surround Tenchi; there will be no chance for any enemy to show up on the
stage. (Grin)
this is confusing. 1) Tokimi does not currently live w/ Tenchi. Is there another class of Megami trying to ursup the Choushin? What exactly is "The Goddesses's war?" anyways?
T: We understand that you can't say much about the ending at this moment.
Let me ask you this, do you have the ideas of "TenchiMuyo! Ryohki" the 3rd
when you were directing "TenchiMuyo! Ryohki " the 2nd? Or you have the
ideas after the second series?
Hmm. This question alone was interesting. Someone correct me if I am
wrong,but I thought that both Kajishima-san and Hayashi-san left after the first seven episodes
K: I had the ideas way back to "Tenchi Muyo! Ryohki" the 1st and I
already knew how to end the story when I was directing "Tenchi
Muyo! Ryohki" the 2nd. I just don't have the detail about how to
connect each images and fragments of the base storyline in my
mind. It's just an outline, not very specific.
T: In other words, you are going to enjoy the "fun" of connecting
the images and fragments from now on.
K: Yes. That is right. I will fix or change the detail depends on my
chose. But the basic concept of the ending had been made. That
will never be changed.
So what do we know about Tenchi? He is a reluctant hero, very satisfied tolet the people
# around him write the story. But he is also pro-active is protecting what
he cares about. This is #the difference between him and Yousho.
# I can't see Tenchi doing what Yousho did.
# Tenchi has a destiny, that has been clear since Episode 6 when the LHW's
show up. Yousho
# would rail against his destiny, and ultimatly, flee it.
T: Will all the characters in "Tenchi Muyo! Ryohki " so far be
deeply involved in the story and be quite active this time?
K: "deeply involed in and be quite active"...um...they will not be
THAT active as usual. Tenchi is the main character and the center
of the story. He has to settle everything by himself.
This is a interesting departure from the Tenchi of old. Tenchi of old was
not the main character. This is a comment directed to the fact that Aeka,
Ryouko et all are not going to play the main role.
# So what do I think of that? Good. About time. Yes, fans love Ryouko,
others like
# Aeka, but the series is far too tied into "which one wins" and not the
main character.
# This is a risky move (focusing on Tenchi instead of the fan service girls)
but one I
# think will strengthen the characters.
T: Can we interpret what you said into, there is somebody Tenchi
has to upfront with, some toruble things happend that he has to
deal with, meanwhile Ryoko and other characters will involve in
the chaos, is that right?
K: It's the war between Goddesses. There is no room for Aeka,
Ryoko and any other. They will be arranged at somewhere that
won't trouble Tenchi.(Grin)
Hmmm... the statement that there is no room for Aeka, Ryouko is very interesting. Remember that Ryouko at least has Megami level powers (Washu)
As much as Ryouko and Aeka are the "main characters" of the first series,
and Washu # is the main character of the second, I think Tsunami is going to end up
being the main
# character of the third series.
T: Then, do you mean Washu, Tsunami and Tokimi will become
the main characters of the story?
K: Yes. And a mysterious main character will show up at the
episode 13th that Tenchi has to deal with. I temporary named him
"Z"
# Ahh.... Hazey Guy shows up again. In this case, one theory gets blown out
of the water
# right from the begining (Tenchi==Hazey Guy).
# Which of course raises a interesting question. If there is a dual between
Hazey and Tenchi,
# who wins? Z can pull more LHW's (5), but Tenchi's seem to be different (3
blades).
# There is another point I just realized. Tokimi is watching Clay when he
goes to the
# Masaki house. Why doesn't she freak when she sees Zero unable to copy thegem?
T: For most of the audiences and fans, will it be difficult for them
to understand the existence of "Tokimi"?
K: Well, I can only say she is a Goddess, one of the "Choushin".
# Hmm... ok.
T: Have you decided the real name of "Z"?
K: Not yet. I just called him "Z" at this moment.
# There is something up here.
T:In my understanding so far that the basic story will start from
telling Tenchi's upbringing, his destiny. At the same time, deal
with many things, and finally, fight with Z. is that right?
K: It's not only about Tenchi's destiny. Its also about 2 men's fates
that has been taunted by Goddess's purposes and determined by
Goddess that they have to fight. The whole story will be developfrom that basic concept.
# Hmm... They are telling about Tenchi's upbrining? Sounds like Masaki
# Kiyonne will be involed. There is that comment about "destiny". The two
# men's destiry. I am willing to bet that "taunted" == tainted.
# Ironically enough, I would have thought that "two men's destiny" would be
# between Yousho and Tenchi, who are the most interesting foils.
T: Its pretty rare to have the story mainly developed from 2 men's
fates.
K: But remember, Tenchi fought with Gakato at the end of 1st
"Tenchi Muyo! Ryohki" OVA series. In certain meaning, the 3rd
Tenchi OVA has the similar ending as the first series.
# Hmm... So a Tenchi vs. Kagato battle? Or in this case, a dual between
# two LHW's. This entire setting though really re-inforces the "Tsunami has
# been bit-twidiling with Tenchi" line of thought.
T: Tenchi is born as normal human beings. He get to know many
things after grown up and without choices, he accept his fortune and involve with many people. I think He is a very typical
"reluctant hero".
K: That is correct. He is caught in something too this time. It's
about some emotional factors of "Z".
# That's interesting. The more you think about it, the more valid it is.
# Tenchi had some level of control even with the actions, but choose to
# stick w/ the girls, and to follow thru, even though it wasn't his problem.
# In this case, he is about to get dragged into the Megami's war, building a
nice
# little parrallel.
# The interesting thing is that combined with the facts we know about
Aeka/Ryouko
# staying out of this one, The relationship that is built is that Tenchi can
embrace his
# destiny, and go w/ Tsunami/Tokimi/Washu et all. Or he can turn his back on
this
# destiny and return to earth.
# IF the story was structured as it was before w/ the foil relationship
between Yousho
# and Tenchi, I would argue that he would stick w/ the goddesses, because he
would
# fufil his "duty" then. If on the other hand, Z sticks with duty, while
Tenchi does not, he
# would return home.
# seem like a obscure point? I am convinced now that the series will come
down between
# Tsunami/Ryouko, and that question may very will determine it.
T: In other words, "Z" has the same fortune as "Tenchi", right?
K: He is, too, in certain meaning, a victim of Tokimi.
# Victim of Tokimi? IE, Tokimi bit twiddled to get Z? (BTW, can anyone
confirm to me, since
# Japanese gender roles can be freaky, that Kajishima referes to Z in a
masculine tone?)
T: Sounds like "Tokimi" is pretty bad...
K: I don't know if you can put it that way. I mean "bad". She is the
most hardworking Goddess among 3 Choushins. Tokimi is seriously
putting Choushin's original purposes into action. As the result of
their "purposes", "Z" becomes the victim.
# This makes the argument that Washu/Tsunami/Tokimi are all acting in
concert. IF this
# is true, then perhaps it is Z who goes renegade, goes over to the "other
side" and Tenchi
# is the only one who can stop him.
T: "Z" sounds like a ponderous character to me.
K: "Z" belongs to Tokimi, but he doesn't like her at all.
# This would re-enforce that theory. It really also backs the Tenchi is
Tsunami's shadow theory.
T: Let's back to Tenchi. Normally, not many people can stand with
that kind of chaos life long. A normal human being will get crazy
pretty soon if he has to deal with so many troubles.
K: Well, Tenchi has the destiny to be so. Therefore, at the moment
Tenchi decided to live with Ryoko and other people, he already
made up his mind.
# This is also a interesting point. Tenchi "accepted" his destiny by living
w/ Ryouko et all? A
# intersting point when we (or tenchi) do not even know what exaclty his
destiny is.
T: He simply accepts his fates, right?
K: People may surprised to know that, "Tenchi Muyo!" anime is not
the story about how Tenchi grown up. Because Tenchi already
gave people his answer in the very first beginning.
# Re-enforces above point.
T: Really? Its looks like the other way to me. I just watch that
animation as normal audience and the story so far is useing many
things, like, what will happen to Tenchi, who is he going to be
with. to tickle fans' curiosity,
K: As I said a while ago, girls don't know Tenchi already has the
answer. But I am planning some episodes after the war between
Goddess to explain that. I am thinking of girls are forcing Tenchi to
make up his mind to chose one among them.
# Hmm. Okay, this states two things. 1) Tenchi has "Already" decided
# on one of the girls. Ref: Kajishima's comments about "Tenchi sleeping
# with all of them?" This goes far into "Tenchi will not pick any of them"
# catagory. This also seems to state that Tenchi will pick after this OVA
series.
"Tenchi is forced to make up his mind and chose
one among girls."
# The time frame established was after this OVA series.
# He does say explicitly one. This is a big surprise, and I still
# think that there will be a bit of a cop out at some point w.r.t this.
# Neither Photon nor Dual had strong endings like this. (Although
# trhe love triangle is much less balanced in Photon with Kiine way out
# in front.
# On a random Aside, I think that Dee is probibly one of the Megami that
# Kajishima makes a note about.
T: That will be a HUGE event to all fans.
K: The result of his choose, will be the biggest break point of
"Tenchi Muyo!" And end the Chapter one of OVA series.
# Okay... Chapter One is defined as the first three OVA series. Gotcha.
T: Tenchi is chased into a life that he can't make the choice as a
male human being. Or I should say his destiny has determined
what he has to go through. Tenchi is not allowed to have his own
will and it all caused from his environment and fates. He must go
through good and bad things. Will Tenchi's life changed in the 3rd
OVA series?
K: The easy way to put the whole things is, Tenchi Muyo! the 1st,
2nd and 3rd are like in WW2. The Chapter 2 of OVA are post WW2.
# Okay, the 1st noted here is the first chapter (1-3 OVA's). Kajishima
# Actually seems to leave himself a lot of room here for more series.
T: I believe people will be curious about the Chapter 2 as well. Do
you have the idea now?
K: um...I wonder the project will be accepted by anybody...cause
its about a normal daily life after war.
# In other words, it may not be made into a OVA series. But this series
looks to be
# much more comedic series.
T: Its like after war and everything settled, the rest of it is just
normal daily life.
K: Yes. But, there will be another meaning of "war" waiting for
him...
# Hmm... Another War? I rather suspect that Tenchi may be on the Jurain
throne here.
T: yeah, the "war" that is different from "The earth is in DANGER!"
things.
K: Therefore, I think there will be no more 4th, 5th of Tenchi
Muyo! Ryohki of the Chapter one.
# I think he is refering to the fact that the "1st chapter" of tenchi (OVA
1-3) will not be followed?
# or that Tenchi OVA ends after three chapters?
T: Then, Tenchi Muyo! Ryohki the 3rd is base on the conflict
between Tenchi and "Z" and the rest of the stories will be
influenced by the purposes of Goddesses.
K: Also about how Tenchi is going to deal with all that.
# Hmm. This is looking very very intersting.
T: I think the male fans are curious about Tenchi's "love life", you
know what I mean (grin). In what situation that Tenchi have to
choice is the most mystery and interesting part for us.
K: I agree. Personally, I want to end the story of the war between
Goddesses and move the story to the romantic part too. I am
interesting in "that "as well (laugh)
# Okay, let me re-iterate, He seems to be saying that Tenchi's picks are not
# as clear as they might be at the end of the series.
T: I have to change the subject now for I have to ask you some
questions from our English BBS before we end the interview part 1.
Have you ever been to USA? Do you know "Tenchi Muyo!" is
popular there?
K: I've never been there. Really? It is?
# Hmmm.... So much for the CN is giving AIC impetus to do new series theory.
T: Yes, it's very popular. What do you think about the popularity of
"Tenchi Muyo!" in USA and other countries?
K: I created "Tenchi" for my own interest. I am glad to know that
there are other people think its interesting like me.
T: Do you want to say anything to your Fans around the world?
K: Yes. "Tenchi Muyo!"is not finished yet, and I will keep
working on it. Thank you for your support and please keep
support it.
Cool... I am really really really looking forward to this series.