Blue Angel
03-02-2004, 04:08 PM
http://www.geocities.com/schalbunny2/bs2/coolkusa.jpg
Blue Seed Story :
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/momiji5.jpgLike most young girls in Japan, Momiji Fujimiya thought she was just an ordinary high school student. That is, until one day when she was confronted on her way to school by a strange, cat-eyed man who tried to kill her. He had weird beads on his hands and organic blades that popped out of his arms and he called her "Kushinada." Momiji was terrified, but fortunately, a man and a woman, government people of some sort, showed up. The woman shot the cat-eyed man, who ran away.
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/kusa14.jpgLater at school, Momiji looked up KUSHINADA in the library. According to legend, the Kushinada was the only human with the power to stop horrible monsters, called Arigami. It was the blood of this princess, this "Kushinada," that would put the Arigami to sleep. Momiji was going to forget all about it when, suddenly, a giant vine shot into the library, knocking her over. Vines began attacking out of nowhere. They came out of faucets, windows, vents, even floorboards. The vines struck other students, but they seemed to be chasing her as they called out the name Kushinada.
Momiji tried to get away, but the vines (who belonged to an Arigami named Orochi) caught up with her. Then the strange man appeared again... and saved her? Momiji learned that his name was Kusanagi.
Kusanagi ended up confronting Orochi, using Momiji as bait. Orochi then tried to kill Momiji after placing her in a ceramic field, which Kusanagi didn't like. In the end a government group called the TAC (this included the man and woman that had saved her before) defeated Orochi, but not before Momiji saved Kusanagi's life by taking a blow that was meant for him. By taking the blow and accepting the little blue bead (called a mitama) Momiji gained the ability to sense Arigami. The TAC, or Terrestrial Administration Center, is an organization that's primary goal is to stop the Arigami, who want to destroy mankind. Momiji aids them, along with Kusanagi, who has decided that he will protect Momiji in order to help destroy the Arigami, his former masters. It's an ongoing battle that becomes more intense as the the Arigami's plans become more clear--and a second Kushinada emerges... Momiji's long lost twin sister, Kaede, who was believed to be dead.
Yuzo Takada :
Bio
Yuzo Takada was born on March 21, 1963 in Tokyo. The first appearance of his work was in November of 1983, in the Biweekly Young Magazine. The piece was called Shuushoku Beginner. From December 1983 to February 1985 he ran his first series, Tokonatsu Bank, in Young Magazine). Apparently some of his earlier works were somewhat pornographic, at the insistence of his editor (^-^;), but what Takada really wanted to do was a story about the supernatural. Takada drew several more titles, including Tour Conductor, Nikumori, and finally created his first supernatural manga, the popular 3x3 Eyes, which is still going today. Yuzo Takada is also well-known for creating All Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku, Genzou Hitogata Kiwa, and of course, Blue Seed.
Works
Shuushoku Beginner
Published in Kodansha's Young Magazine
December 5, 1983
Tokonatsu Bank
(Endless Summer Bank)
Manga, published in Kodansha's Young Magazine
January 2, 1984 - February 18, 1985
Comments: Mr. Takada has said that Pai (3x3 Eyes) evolved from the character Pink in this manga.
Hatamoto-Taikutsu Otoko
?????
Tour Conductor, Nikumori
Manga, published Kodansha's Young Magazine
March 3, 1985 - September 1, 1986
Comments: It was about this time that Takada says he was getting fed up with drawing hentai and wanted to draw action manga, which is why Nikumori began to evolve to a more action-oriented manga (to the displeasure of his editor, I'm sure).
Sportion KIDs
November 17, 1986 - November 2, 1987
Every day is Sunday
Manga, published in Futaba's Comic Action Character
November 13, 1987 - February 10, 1989
Other mediums: An OAV series.
Plot: A police-women-from-hell story.
Comments: Sunday came out before You're Under Arrest, though the former is more popular (I've never seen either, but my understanding is that Every Day is Sunday is a lot like a diet version of You're Under Arrest).
3x3 Eyes
(Sazan Eyes)
Manga in Kodansha's Young Magazine Pirate Edition and Young Magazine
December 14, 1987 - April 10, 1989; April 24, 1989 - present
Other Mediums: A 3 episode OAV and a 4 episode OAV, as well as respective anime comics
Plot: A supernatural manga about a cycloptic girl named Pai.
Comments: 3x3 Eyes has some very beautiful artwork, especially in AiEN KiEN, but I haven't had a chance to see the OAVs yet.
Toritsuki-kun
February 1989 - March 1991
Comments: A mah-jong manga.
Bannou Bunka Neko Musume
(The All-Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku)
Manga
1990
Other Mediums: A 12 episode TV anime (1997) and a 6 episode OAV
Plot: A cat is put in the body of an android in order to protect a young man.
Blue Seed
Manga, serialized in Bamboo Comics
1992 - 1995
Other Mediums: A 26 episode TV anime (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/bseps.htm) (10/1994 - 03/1995), 5 anime film comics, and a 3 episode OAV (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/bs2.htm) sequel.
Plot: Incorporates the Kushinada Legend into modern Japan. A young girl named Momiji is the Kushinada and she must save Japan from the Arigami, who have woken from their slumber.
Comments: Hee. Kusanagi. ^_^
Genzou Hitogata Kiwa
(Genzou's Puppet Tales)
Manga, serialized in Afternoon
1996 - present
Shin Bannou Bunka Neko Musume
(The New All-Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku)
Manga, 1 vol
1997 - 1998
Other Mediums: A 2 episode OAV Other:
An interview in Animerica (http://www.animerica-mag.com/), Vol. 3, No. 10
Artbooks AiEN KiEN
Dust jacket, 102 pages, bilingual (Japanese and English), published in 1993
Includes: 3x3 Eyes, Tour Conductor, Every Day is Sunday, Tokonatsu Bank, and a myriad of CD covers from Gundam Wing, etc.
Comments: A great book, dedicated largely to 3x3 Eyes. The fact that the entire book is bilingual is a nice touch.
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/merchpics/justbreed.jpgJust Breed
Information provided by Garry (gng@sympatico.ca)
Hardcover with dustjacket, 58 full color pages, published by Futabasha in 1993
Includes: Original fantasy illustrations
- Characters - Philis, Rolland, Orlof, Hans, Dubal, Lydia.
- Creatures - Mush-Eye, Crawler, Pyong, Bird-Reiner, Death-Cargo, Garp, Python, Amperer and more.
Comments: This book is a collection of illustrations for what seems to be a fantasy concept along the lines of 3x3 Eyes. It does not, however, include anything from 3x3 Eyes, Nuku Nuku or Blue Seed. An interesting book, but may not interest fans who want to see pictures from Takada's manga series. Pictures in the book do not show up in either Aien Kien or Last Order.
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/merchpics/lastorder.jpgThe Artworks of Yuzo Takada: "The Last Order" Collection
Two book collection featuring works from 1989 - 1999
First book - hard cover, 94 pages; Second book - poster book, 32 pages
Includes: 3x3 Eyes, Nuku Nuku, Blue Seed, Genzo Hitogata Kiwa, Toritsuki-Kun
Comments: A beautiful artbook and poster book, both with a very classy protective sheath. The colors are very vibrant for both books and the posters are removed easily (almost too easily :P) with no preforation marks whatsoever. Like the previous artbooks, this one favors 3x3 Eyes. The price is a bit steep, even if you get a good deal, but "The Last Order" makes up for it in presentation alone. My only real regret is that, unlike AiEN KiEN, neither the timeline nor the comments sections are in English.
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/yuzo.jpg
Yuzo Takada,
creator of the
magnificent Kusanagi
The Kushinada Legend :
The Kushinada Legend is the Japanese legend that Blue Seed is based on. It is the story of the god, Susano-oh, and how he killed the eight-headed, eight-forked dragon, Yamata-no-orochi.
One day when Susano-oh was wandering in Izumo, he met an elderly couple named Ashinazuchi and http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/aragami2.jpgTenazuchi. Both were very sad, and when he asked them why, they told him about this problem they have. Each year a large, eight-headed dragon named Yamata-no-orochi eats one of their daughters. Of their eight daughters, only one was still alive, Inda-Hime (Kushinada-Hime). The parents were especially upset because the annual time was coming, and soon Yamata-no-orochi would devour her as well. Susano-oh took a liking to Inada-Hime and offered to slay Orochi in exchange for her hand in marriage. Her parents eagerly agreed. Susano-oh prepared for his confrontation with Orochi by turning Inada-Hime into a comb and placing the comb in his hair. Then he filled eight bowls with sake and put one at each of the eight doorways of the house.
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/aragami1.jpgEventually, Orochi came, eager to eat the young goddess. On his way to the house he was distracted by the bowls of sake and greedily drank all eight of them. This caused him to become drunk. While he was in a stupor, Susano-oh cut him up into little pieces. As Susano-oh was cutting the dragon up, he found a sword in it's tail (the Ama-no-Murakumo-no-tsurugi, later renamed Kusanagi-no-tsurugi). Needless to say, Susano-oh married the Kushinada, and they had several children. Isn't that a nice ending? ^_^
Mythological Elements :
Blue Seed is based heavily on Japanese mythology, the Kushinada Legend (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/kushmyth.htm) in particular. The myth and the anime share many common elements. This is an alphabetical listing of a few of the characters and elements relating to Blue Seed and their mythological relevance.
Alternate spellings and words that names may be based on are placed in brackets. Translations of words are placed in quotes. Anything else of interest will be in parenthesis. As usual, given names will come first, followed by surname.
I'm no expert on the subject, so feel free to send corrections or suggestions my way. ^_^
Arigami: The word "arigami" seems to be an anime invention. These could be representations of kappa or oni ("devils"). Also, "igami" means "distort" and the arigami are distorted plants... (sort of)
Ashinazuchi: The earth god. Father of Kushinada Hime.
Azusa Matsudaira: [Azusa + Matsu] Azusa means "catalpa tree" and matsu means "pine tree"
Kaede: [Kaen + kaedama] Kaen means "flower garden" and kaedama means "double." Kaen makes sense because of the plant theme of the other names, and kaedama makes sense because Kaede is Momiji's twin, or her double.
Additional information provided by Andrew Bayless (alexkidd123@mindspring.com): Momiji's twin, Kaede, may seem like she is named after a flower garden, but in reality, she is also named after maple trees. IN a seperated context, Kaede is a synonim for Momiji, only with a sadder conotation. Momiji it self is a joyful word for maple while kaede is a gloomy word for maple. So in reality, Kaede name would not mean "flower garden double" but would Actually mean "maple double" only in a gllomy tragic sense, which in the end makes a lot of sense.
Kome/Koume Sawaguchi: This one was difficult... [Kou/kome + sawa + guchi] Kou means "luck," and Kome seems to really obsess about her luck (Ep. #4) Kome means "uncooked rice," which is a little weird, but still plant-ish. Sawa means "swamp" and guchi means "grumble." Though I'll admit, Kome does grumble a lot. ^_^;;
Additional information provided by Andrew Bayless (alexkidd123@mindspring.com): While it is true that kome means uncooked rice, Koume is the word they use. Koume litterally means "little plum" Where "ko" is the kanji for little and "ume" is plumb (Ever heard of Umeboshi ? it means pickled plum), however, Koume more specifically refers to the blossoms of a plum tree, which are a redish pink color, just like Koume's jacket colors. While "kome" is sort of a plant, the word they were looking for was "Koume".
Kunikida: [Kuni + ki] Kuni means "country," ki means "tree."
Kusanagi: [Kusanagi-no-tsurugi] Means "mower of grass" or "grass parting two-edged blade." (Kusa alone means "grass") The sword that was removed from the tail of Orochi by Susano-oh. The sword was originally the property of the Dragon-king of the Sea. It later became one of the three emblems of Imperial dignity and could be wielded only by the Emperor of Japan.
(Interestingly enough, Kusanagi's given name, Mamoru, means "protector." This makes sense, because he is supposed to protect the Kushinada.)
Kushinada: [Kushinada-Hime, Inada-Hime] The daughter of Ashinazuchi and Tenazuchi, who was saved by Susano-oh by being transformed into a comb and placed in his hair. ("kushi" means "comb"; kushi-mitama is the power of transforming)
Additional information about "kushi", provided by Aaron Albert (aaron@colltech.com):
This is information gathered from the book "Culture Shock! Japan" which I was reading a couple months ago.
In a section concerning gifts and more specifically, taboo gifts, the comb is considered particularly bad. Kushi (comb) contains the words ku and shi which have multiple meanings. "ku" can mean "suffering" and "shi" can mean "death" which is why a comb is a taboo gift.
Having read this, one of the first things I noticed in Blue Seed is that the title Kushinada probably meant very bad things for the person it was bestowed upon. Also, "kushin" mean "painful effort" which is also interesting to me, though considering the Kushinada legend and the fact Susana-o turned her into a comb before his battle I think "kushi" is probably the operative word, rather than "kushin." Kushin is derived from ku I believe.
Mah-jong: (Mentioned in one of the Omake theaters) A four-player game. The playing pieces consist of 136 little tiles.
Matsuri: "festival" Any wide variety of civil or religious ceremonies in Japan (Momiji Kushinada performs the matsuri)
Mitama: [tama + magatama] Tama--a soul or spirit, an aspect of a spirit, or a divinity; magatama--crescent-shaped beads. In Blue Seed, mitama are the crescent-shaped beads that contain the souls of the Arigami.
Additional information about mitama, provided by Sammy (sammejo@hotmail.com): From The Anime Companion, "Magatama (beads)- Crescent-shaped beads found in many archaeological sites and mentioned in legendary literature. Green magatama seem to have been importance status symbols in prehistoric times."
Momiji: As the anime states, this means "maple."
Murakumo: [Ame-no-murakumo-no-tsurugi] Means "sword of billowing clouds" or "sword of gathering clouds of heaven" (Murakumo by itself means "cloud masses") The original name for the Kusanagi-no-tsurugi.
Orochi: [Yamata-no-orochi, Orochi-no-orochi] Means "big serpent with eight forks" The eight-headed dragon with eight forked tails in the Kushinada legend. Orochi ate the daughters of Ashinazuchi and Tenazuchi until he was cleverly slain by Susano-oh.
Sake: An alcoholic rice drink. This was used by Susano-oh to make Orochi drunk.
Sakura Yamazaki: [Sakura + Yamazakura] Sakura means "cherry blossom" or "cherry tree." Yamazakura also means "cherry tree" or "blossoms"
Sugishita: Sugi means "Japanese cedar."
Susano-oh: [Susano, Susanooh-no-mikoto] "Swift-Impetuous-Deity" or "The Impetuous Male." (Mikoto alone means "ruler" or "prince") The Storm god. Susano-oh plays both evil and good roles in mythology, but he is always mischievous and clever.
He seemed to enjoy humiliating and tormenting his sister, Amaterasu, the Sun goddess, and was kicked out of heaven for it. He is associated with trouble, because storms are troublesome, but is also associated with forests, because it is said that he planted the forests in Korea with hairs from his beard.
Susano-oh primarily maneuvered in Izumo. In the Kushinada legend, he saves the Kushinada from Orochi and finds the sword Kusanagi-no-tsurugi in Orochi's tail. Susano-oh and the Kushinada are married, and have many children.
Takeuchi: [Take + uchi] Take means "bamboo" and uchi means "house"
Tenazuchi: Mother of Kushinada Hime.
Tobiume: "Flying plum tree." According to legend, when Michizane was exiled from Kyoto the plum trees planted in his garden uprooted and flew to Dazaifu after him.
Characters :
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/arigam.jpgArigami: The ancient, plant-based monsters that attack Japan. The blood of the Kushinada, Momiji, can put them into an eternal sleep. That is, unless she is killed inside a special ceramic field, which will nullify the effects of her blood.
Arigami come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from giant fire-breathing toads to nasty spiders. But all have one thing in common: The mitama, or blue seed. The blue seed contains the soul of the Arigami. If you destroy the blue seed, you will destroy the Arigami as well.
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/cmom.jpgMomiji Fujimiya: I was an average student until a huge monster attacked me at school! Pretty scary stuff, huh? It trashed the whole building. Kusanagi Mamoru came to my rescue, but then he tried to kill me too! Geeze. As if being chased by a humongous plant-dragon-eyeball thing wasn't scary enough. I learned that I was one of the Kushinada, from a Japaneese legend. I learned that I had a twin sister, Kaede, but that she had already perished because of the Arigami. The blood of a Kushinada has the power to make Arigami fall into eternal sleep. The Arigami want to prevent that from happening by killing me while I'm in a ceramic field (the field will nullify the effects of my blood). Thankfully, I've got both the TAC and Kusanagi to protect me. Plus, I'm learning how to use a gun so I can protect myself.
I am a very friendly person. Sometimes I worry what will happen to me, and get nervous. I try to help everyone out, but I am a little clumsy and sometimes I just get in the way. My teammates think I'm bubble-headed
Mr. Kusanagi helps us too. He always pops up in the most unexpected places. I really like him a lot, but I don't know why. He's a jerk and a pervert. He always makes fun of my panties... *blush* My panties aren't any of his business! He's such a fat head! Argh. He makes me so mad.
I have brown hair and green eyes. I have a red TAC jacket and my favorite outfit is a white blouse and a navy skirt. My blood type is A and my sign is Libra. My name means "maple" and I like to eat sweet buns shaped like maple leaves. My hometown is Izumo.
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/kusa14.jpgMamoru Kusanagi: I am Mamoru Kusanagi. I have seven blue seeds, the souls of seven Aragami, inside of me. The Arigami gave me powers and forced me to work for them, but now I am using the same powers to destroy them. The Kushinada, Momiji, is the key to defeated the Arigami. I protect her, usually from Arigami but also from any other trouble she might get her bubble-head into. I guess she's cute... kinda... but she's a little old to be wearing underwear with funny animals on it. Not that I like her or anything. Shaddup.
I have green hair and black, cat-like eyes. I usually wear black or brown shirt and pants with my red trenchcoat. Schally likes me so much she made a shrine (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/kshrine.htm) for me. Of course, what's not to like, hrmmm?
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/ckome.jpgKome Sawaguchi: Hey! What're you lookin' at, huh? I'm Kome Sawaguchi, and I'm the best when it comes to kicking Arigami ass. (Don't forget it, either.) I was originally workin' for the Defense Force, but they dumped me here in this moldy office building with a bunch of wackos. Damn. At least I get to fight monsters! I used to hate Momiji 'cause I thought she was a spoiled brat, but now we get along... sorta. As long as she doesn't mess with my guns, it's all cool.
The Director is always tellin' me not to use my guns in the city, but what fun is killing Arigami if I can't use my favorite bazooka to do it?! I have a quick temper and love to fight. Before I was demoted to the TAC from the Defense Force, my nickname was "The Hurricane."
I have Orange/red hair I wear with a blue bandana, blue eyes, and a pink jumpsuit. My sign is Ares and my blood type is B. I was born in lower Tokyo. My TAC jacket is a pinkish color.
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/ctake.jpgRyoko Takeuchi: Hello. I have worked with Director Kunakida for sometime now and I really enjoy being a member of the TAC. I used to feel that Kaede's death was my fault, but I don't blame myself anymore. I am a good shot with a gun, Momiji even calls me a 'crack-shot'. I am a very calm person who always does her work. I'm not a work-a-holice like Matsudaira, though. I DO have a social life! What? Do I have a boyfriend? Er... that is, not exactly, but... WHAT? No! Sugishita IS NOT my boyfriend! How dare you! ::angrily thwaps poor web surfer on the head::
Ahem. As I was saying. I have purple hair that I let hang in my face and purple eyes (And yes, I have two eyes. Quit being a smart alek.) I wear dress suits to work. I was born in Haikado. My sign is Leo and my blood type is AB.
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/cmat.jpgAzusa Matsudaira: Hello there. I am a scientist for the TAC. I have several degrees, one in Biological Chemistry. I am a very calm, quiet person. I am not much of a fighter, I prefer to solve problems with my mind. I have a son named Jun, who is the most important thing in the world to me. He's very adorable and smart. I'm sure the girls at school love him. ::gets those happy, proud mother eyes::
I have dark hair and eyes. I wear a lab coat to work, and wear my hair pulled back, out of my face. My sign is Capricorn, and my blood type is A.
Yoshiki Yaegashi: H-hi. I am a pretty smart person, if I say so myself.. N-not that I'm bragging, of course. I used to be a computer programmer but now I work with the TAC, specifically with anti-Arigami weapons. I'm not much of a fighter and rough people like Kome make me a bit nervous (Kome and I have still managed to become friends, even though she's kind of, um, psycho...) I'd say the only things I like better than computers are women's panties... Ah, just don't tell Momiji I said that. *sweat*
I have brown hair and eyes. I wear glasses, as well as suits and ties to work. I was born in Miashi and I live with my mother (I know, I know. I've been teased enough about it, thank you very much). My sign is Pices, my blood type is O.
Kunakida: Good Morning! I'm the director and leader of the TAC. I'm still upset about Kaede's death (Kaede was my adopted daughter.) and though I don't intend to, I sometimes carry that fact with me to work. Now Momiji is under my custody and she too is like a daughter to me (a very bubble-headed daughter). I'm a good shot with a gun, like Royoko. It is my job to keep the TAC working together, but some, like Kome, have a mind of their own and like to work on their own. I love making hilarious jokes (really, they ARE hilarious) but no one else on the team has much of a sense of humor. *sigh* Ah, it's a shame my comic talent goes to such waste... Ari-gummy bears, anyone? *giggle*
I have short, dark hair and dark eyes. I wear a tie and a suit to work (as per regulation, of course), and sometimes a trench coat when it's cold. I was born in Tokyo. My sign is Virgo and my blood type is B.
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/csak.jpg Sakura: Ha! You don't know who I am?! What an idiot. I'm Sakura, Aragami buster! I've got lots of talent, (more that that sacrifice, Momiji) and I know I'm the best. My powers are stronger than her weak little mitama any day. I can summon spiritual monsters with my charms and--What was that?! Did you just call my charms "Post-It notes?!" Ha! You're more ignorant than I thought. I'll have you know that those charms carry a lot of spiritual power! Hmmph.
I have long blonde hair and brown eyes and I'm originally from America. (Though you English-speakers wouldn't know it, my Japanese is actually kind of mediocre... I often mispronounce words. [So instead of calling Momiji "sacrifice girl" I end up calling her "orifice girl."] But YOU don't speak Japanese at all, so YOU wouldn't know. Nyaah.) When I'm working I wear the clothes of a Shinto priestess (red and white robes) and glasses. When I'm trying to impress people, like that cutie Kusanagi, I wear much cooler clothes. With my fashion sense and extraordinary style, there's no freakin' way you people can like Momiji better than ME!
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/muraku.jpgMurakumo: I am Murakumo, servant of the Arigami. I have eight mitama and I am the perfect soul. Unlike that fool Kusanagi, who only has seven, I have many abilities, including teleportation, flying, super-strength, speed, agility, the ability to grown armor, and the ability to grow blades out of my arms. The Kushinada is a brave girl but I can beat her. I am the true warrior. Once these miserable humans are out of our way, the Arigami will rule!
I have blue eyes and black hair. I am also very tall, taller than the imperfect soul, Kusanagi, even.
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/kaede.jpg
Kaede: I am Momiji's twin sister and the other Kushinada. I am a very neat, graceful person. I was killed by the Arigami before the TAC knew that there was a second Kushinada. Later, I was seen with Murakumo, and Susano-oh in child form. I can sense Kusanagi still has deep feelings for me. For now, the TAC is unsure of what my involvement with the Arigami is. My sister believes in me and I pity her for her foolishness. I hope that, for her sake, she doesn't get in Lord Susano-oh's way.
I have purple hair and green eyes.
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/granny.jpgMomiji's Grandmother: Well, hello there little one. I am Momiji's grandmother. I'm sad (and a little worried) that I had to send Momiji away to Tokyo but I know it is for her own safety. I only hope that the TAC can protect her...
Jun Matsudaira: Hello. I'm Jun. My mother is Azusa. She's always working. That's why my dad divorced her. He says she's a work-a-holic! My mom is a really smart person, but she's very scatterbrained... Sometimes she even forgets what day it is. One day some guy named Kusanagi threatened my mother because she was studying the Kushinda, Momiji (Ep. 5). As you can imagine, I'm protective of my mother and I wanted to beat Kusanagi senseless. Kusanagi and I are on good terms now, though, because he saved mother's life. I understand that her work is important, but I'm glad she's starting to spend more time with me now. The TAC can have her help, but they better share her with me. She's MY mother, after all!
I have brown hair and brown eyes.
Sugishita Shunishi: Hey there! My name is Sugishita! Me and Ryoko are old friends... ::grins:: You know what that means. *wink*nudge*wink* I'm the Director of the 26th Department of Public Saftey and I often act as a go-between for the TAC and the Police. Occasionally I try to help out my good friend Ryoko. I'm always asking Royoko out on dates, but she always refuses. Women are so difficult. (Most of them find my eyes charming, though.) Speaking of dating, I think that Momiji and Kusanagi would make a cute couple. (I told her that once, and she turned bright red! (Ep. #7) She's so cute.)
I have blonde hair and brown eyes. My sign is Scorpio and my bloodtype is B.
DVD Collections :
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/merchpics/bsdvd1s.jpg
Volume 1 - The Nightmare Begins
Released 1/30/01
Eps. 1 - 7
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Volume 2 - Descent Into Terror
Released 7/10/01
Eps. 8 - 14
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Volume 3 - Prelude to Sacrifice
Released 9/18/01
Eps. 15 - 20
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/merchpics/bsdvd4s.jpg
Volume 4 - Nightfall
Released 10/02/01
Eps. 21 - 26 http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/merchpics/bsperfectc.jpg
Perfect Collection (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/bsperfect.htm)
Released 6/18/02
Eps. 1 - 26
4 Discs
Omake Theater :
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake.gifOmake Theater is a little comedy clip at the end of each volume of Blue Seed. A successful self-mockery of the show, if you will. Some are funny, some are gross, and some just don't make any sense. I guess this is because jokes are usually best in their original language... ^_^;;
Volume 1 - The Man who Watches the Kushinada
Kusanagi and Kunakida are quite hentai, it seems. Fortunately, Momiji and the girls solve the problem with a little machine gun action. [Transcript (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake01.htm)]
Volume 2 - Blue Seed Living Room Theatre
Four little skits. These were quite amusing. ^_^ Takeuchi and Kunakida decapitate Momiji, Momiji makes several 'sumo' blunders, Kusanagi's arm fails to retract, and Kunakida reveals his ultimate secret weapon against the arigami: his funniest joke. [Transcripts: Dub (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake02.htm) - Sub (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake02b.htm)]
Volume 3 - X-File: In Case of Kunikida
Kunikida and Takeuchi investigate the perils of animation cells. [Transcripts: Dub (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake03.htm) - Sub (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake03b.htm)]
Volume 4 - Go! Animation Girl!
What if Momiji became a teen idol singer? It's a lot scarier than you'd think... [Dub Transcript (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake04.htm)]
Volume 5 - On a Rainy Day
Momiji hangs around the house on a rainy day, dreaming of Kusanagi. [Dub Transcript (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake05.htm)]
Volume 6 - Jong Jong Mahjong
Kusanagi, Murakumo, and two arigami engage in a game of mahjong, that ends with the arigami getting beat up and sent downstream while Murakumo offers to buy Kusanagi some lunch. [Sub Transcript (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake06.htm)]
Volume 7 - Festival Night
Featuring Kome-chan! We discover that Kome dislikes men because of the way her first crush treated her, but you can tell she's softening up to Yaegashi anyway. This is where you hear Kome's classic "Let's get nekkid!" line. [Dub Transcript (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake07.htm)]
Volume 8 - Kunikida... Ker-woosh!!
Kunikda gets ready for his day, with a Japanese breakfast and a niiiice, tasty soak in the tub "Whop bop a doo bop, ba dang bang boom! No, child abuse is wrong..." [Dub Transcript (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake08.htm)]
Volume 9 - The Day of Shugishita
Takeuchi may be in love with someone else, but Shugishita has plenty of other admirers. This omake isn't a parody so much as it's a take on the Takeuchi-Sugie relationship from a different point of view (Sugie's). It's very cute. Poor Sugie.
Volume 10 - Susano-Oh, Oh No!
Little Susano-oh climbs tall mountains and chucks rocks into the ocean, determined to show his superiority to the lowly creatures of the sea. (This is much funnier than it sounds ^_^ I love his verbal... um... exclamations.) [Dub Transcript (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake10.htm)]
Volume 11 - Blue Seed Movie Preview
This is the only Omake that I think might actually be funnier in a different language than the original, just because of the way they do the voices. It's an advertisement for a spoof Blue Seed movie in a sort of old school Godzilla style.
[Movie spoof info (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake11info.htm)]
Volume 12 - Grandma Go Go!
Momiji's grandmother proves that her night-time alter ego is a real party animal. Has a cinderella-like twist at the end. [Dub Transcript (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake12.htm)] Volume 13 - The Matsudaira Report
Matsudaira seems to have an, uh, interest in Kusanagi. Let's just say science wouldn't be her only motivation for examining him. :P Blagh.
Credits :
Lists of the Japanese and English credits to Blue Seed, as well as any related sites or e-mail addresses that I am aware of.
Japanese Credits
Original Story and Character Design - Yuzo Takada
Series Planning - Naruhisa Arakawa
Script Direction - Masaharu Amiya
Character Design - Kazuchika Kise, Takayuki Goto
Music - Kenji Kawai
Production Production - Ig, Ashi Production
Producers - Naohiro Hayashi, Masaki Sawanobori, Yukinao Shimoji
Director - Jun Kamiya
Executive Producers - Hidetoshi Shigematsu, Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, Yutaka Takahashi
English Credits
Production - ADVision
Executive Producers - John Ledford, Sharon Papa
DVD Producer - David Williams
ADR Director - Matt Greenfield
Art Director - Ruby Halipoto
Packaging Designer - David Wang
Japanese VAs
Momiji Fujimiya - Megumi Hayashibara
Mamoru Kusanagi - Kazuhiko Inoue
Daitetsu Kunikida - Akio Ohtsuka
Ryoko Takeuchi - Ai Orikasa
Kome Sawaguchi - Kotono Mitsuishi
Azusa Matsudaira - Yoshiko Sakakibara
Yoshiki Yaegashi - Yuuji Ueda
Sakura Yamazaki - Sakiko Tamagawa
Kaede Fujimiya - Mitsuki Yayoi
Murakumo - Nakata Jouji Nakata
Shun'ichi Sugishita - Keiichi Nanba
Jun Matsudaira - Shinobu Adachi
Miyako Kijima - Yuko Sasaki
Orochi - Kiyoyuki Yanada
Mother Kanbayashi - Atsuko Tanaka
Congressman Miyahara - Ito Hiroshi
Valencia Tachibana - Junko Iwao
English VAs Momiji Fujimiya - Amanda Winn-Lee
Mamoru Kusanagi - Jason Lee
Asuza Matsudaira - Sharon Shawnessy
Ryoko Takeuchi - Marcy Rae -
Kome Sawaguchi - Tiffany Grant -
Yoshiki Yaegashi - Kurt Stoll
Daitetsu Kunikida - Rob Mungle
Sakura Yamazaki - Allison Keith
Kaede Kunikida - Amanda Winn
Murakumo - Aaron Krohn
Shun'ichi Sugishita - Matt Greenfield
Akiko - Carol Amerson
Yukiko - Jessica Calvello -
Reiko Kanbayashi - Kim Sevier
Orochi-no-orochi - Aaron Krohn
Yamatone - Guil Lunde
Yaobikuni - Sue Ulu
Video Game (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/satrpg.htm) :
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/merchpics/ssgamefrontback.jpg
Game Shark Codes for Blue Seed RPG (Saturn)Master Code -- F601048A C305Max Life -- 302EA5A0 0014 302EA5A4 0014Max Strength -- 302EA5A1 000A 302EA5A5 000A Max Defense -- 302EA5A2 000A 302EA5A6 000AMax Agility -- 302EA5A3 000A 302EA5A7 000ACard Select CodesCard 1 -- 302EA5AC 0001Card 2 -- 302EA5AD 0002Card 3 -- 302EA5AE 0003Card 4 -- 302EA5AF 0004Card 5 -- 302EA5B0 0005Card 6 -- 302EA5B1 0006Card 7 -- 302EA5B2 0007Card 8 -- 302EA5B3 0008Card 9 -- 302EA5B4 0009Blue Seed 2 :
Blue Seed 2 is the OAV series that takes place after the Blue Seed television series. The OAV contains 3 new episodes about the further adventures of the TAC. This series introduces a new character to the TAC, a young girl named Valencia.
DVD Releases
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/merchpics/bsbdvdt.jpgBlue Seed Beyond: Invasion from Within (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/merchpics/bsbdvd.jpg) - American Release
Contains all 3 episodes
Released 09/23/03
100 minutes
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/merchpics/bs2dvd1.jpgBlue Seed 2 DVD - Japanese Release
Contains all 3 episodes
Released 07/01/1999, DVD KIBA-41
94 minutes
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/merchpics/bs1point5thumb.jpg Blue Seed Version 1.5 (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/merchpics/bs1point5.jpg)
Release dates:
06/21/1996, VIDEO KIVA-266
07/05/1996, LD KILA-171 - Two-sided, 100 min. BS 1.5 was apparently released as two seperate VHS in May of 1996 and later as a single laser disc in June of the same year. BS 1.5 is a two-episode retelling of the Blue Seed storyline with one episode from Momiji's point of view and the other from Kusanagi's. It also comes with the omake "Dance a Little Love."
Manga :
The Blue Seed Manga series, created by Yuzo Takada, exists in eighteen issues that can be found loose or in a two volume compilation. The second volume of the compliation also includes the the short story "Dragonfly."
Manga Translations
If you own the manga or you have access to page scans, but you can't read Japanese, never fear. You can use this translation as a guide. (Don't forget, Japanese comics read from right to left.)
Blue Seed Manga Novelization
I've begun work on a novelization for those of you who don't have access to the actual manga, because without it the plain text translation can be a little confusing.
Blue Seed Story :
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/momiji5.jpgLike most young girls in Japan, Momiji Fujimiya thought she was just an ordinary high school student. That is, until one day when she was confronted on her way to school by a strange, cat-eyed man who tried to kill her. He had weird beads on his hands and organic blades that popped out of his arms and he called her "Kushinada." Momiji was terrified, but fortunately, a man and a woman, government people of some sort, showed up. The woman shot the cat-eyed man, who ran away.
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/kusa14.jpgLater at school, Momiji looked up KUSHINADA in the library. According to legend, the Kushinada was the only human with the power to stop horrible monsters, called Arigami. It was the blood of this princess, this "Kushinada," that would put the Arigami to sleep. Momiji was going to forget all about it when, suddenly, a giant vine shot into the library, knocking her over. Vines began attacking out of nowhere. They came out of faucets, windows, vents, even floorboards. The vines struck other students, but they seemed to be chasing her as they called out the name Kushinada.
Momiji tried to get away, but the vines (who belonged to an Arigami named Orochi) caught up with her. Then the strange man appeared again... and saved her? Momiji learned that his name was Kusanagi.
Kusanagi ended up confronting Orochi, using Momiji as bait. Orochi then tried to kill Momiji after placing her in a ceramic field, which Kusanagi didn't like. In the end a government group called the TAC (this included the man and woman that had saved her before) defeated Orochi, but not before Momiji saved Kusanagi's life by taking a blow that was meant for him. By taking the blow and accepting the little blue bead (called a mitama) Momiji gained the ability to sense Arigami. The TAC, or Terrestrial Administration Center, is an organization that's primary goal is to stop the Arigami, who want to destroy mankind. Momiji aids them, along with Kusanagi, who has decided that he will protect Momiji in order to help destroy the Arigami, his former masters. It's an ongoing battle that becomes more intense as the the Arigami's plans become more clear--and a second Kushinada emerges... Momiji's long lost twin sister, Kaede, who was believed to be dead.
Yuzo Takada :
Bio
Yuzo Takada was born on March 21, 1963 in Tokyo. The first appearance of his work was in November of 1983, in the Biweekly Young Magazine. The piece was called Shuushoku Beginner. From December 1983 to February 1985 he ran his first series, Tokonatsu Bank, in Young Magazine). Apparently some of his earlier works were somewhat pornographic, at the insistence of his editor (^-^;), but what Takada really wanted to do was a story about the supernatural. Takada drew several more titles, including Tour Conductor, Nikumori, and finally created his first supernatural manga, the popular 3x3 Eyes, which is still going today. Yuzo Takada is also well-known for creating All Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku, Genzou Hitogata Kiwa, and of course, Blue Seed.
Works
Shuushoku Beginner
Published in Kodansha's Young Magazine
December 5, 1983
Tokonatsu Bank
(Endless Summer Bank)
Manga, published in Kodansha's Young Magazine
January 2, 1984 - February 18, 1985
Comments: Mr. Takada has said that Pai (3x3 Eyes) evolved from the character Pink in this manga.
Hatamoto-Taikutsu Otoko
?????
Tour Conductor, Nikumori
Manga, published Kodansha's Young Magazine
March 3, 1985 - September 1, 1986
Comments: It was about this time that Takada says he was getting fed up with drawing hentai and wanted to draw action manga, which is why Nikumori began to evolve to a more action-oriented manga (to the displeasure of his editor, I'm sure).
Sportion KIDs
November 17, 1986 - November 2, 1987
Every day is Sunday
Manga, published in Futaba's Comic Action Character
November 13, 1987 - February 10, 1989
Other mediums: An OAV series.
Plot: A police-women-from-hell story.
Comments: Sunday came out before You're Under Arrest, though the former is more popular (I've never seen either, but my understanding is that Every Day is Sunday is a lot like a diet version of You're Under Arrest).
3x3 Eyes
(Sazan Eyes)
Manga in Kodansha's Young Magazine Pirate Edition and Young Magazine
December 14, 1987 - April 10, 1989; April 24, 1989 - present
Other Mediums: A 3 episode OAV and a 4 episode OAV, as well as respective anime comics
Plot: A supernatural manga about a cycloptic girl named Pai.
Comments: 3x3 Eyes has some very beautiful artwork, especially in AiEN KiEN, but I haven't had a chance to see the OAVs yet.
Toritsuki-kun
February 1989 - March 1991
Comments: A mah-jong manga.
Bannou Bunka Neko Musume
(The All-Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku)
Manga
1990
Other Mediums: A 12 episode TV anime (1997) and a 6 episode OAV
Plot: A cat is put in the body of an android in order to protect a young man.
Blue Seed
Manga, serialized in Bamboo Comics
1992 - 1995
Other Mediums: A 26 episode TV anime (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/bseps.htm) (10/1994 - 03/1995), 5 anime film comics, and a 3 episode OAV (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/bs2.htm) sequel.
Plot: Incorporates the Kushinada Legend into modern Japan. A young girl named Momiji is the Kushinada and she must save Japan from the Arigami, who have woken from their slumber.
Comments: Hee. Kusanagi. ^_^
Genzou Hitogata Kiwa
(Genzou's Puppet Tales)
Manga, serialized in Afternoon
1996 - present
Shin Bannou Bunka Neko Musume
(The New All-Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku)
Manga, 1 vol
1997 - 1998
Other Mediums: A 2 episode OAV Other:
An interview in Animerica (http://www.animerica-mag.com/), Vol. 3, No. 10
Artbooks AiEN KiEN
Dust jacket, 102 pages, bilingual (Japanese and English), published in 1993
Includes: 3x3 Eyes, Tour Conductor, Every Day is Sunday, Tokonatsu Bank, and a myriad of CD covers from Gundam Wing, etc.
Comments: A great book, dedicated largely to 3x3 Eyes. The fact that the entire book is bilingual is a nice touch.
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/merchpics/justbreed.jpgJust Breed
Information provided by Garry (gng@sympatico.ca)
Hardcover with dustjacket, 58 full color pages, published by Futabasha in 1993
Includes: Original fantasy illustrations
- Characters - Philis, Rolland, Orlof, Hans, Dubal, Lydia.
- Creatures - Mush-Eye, Crawler, Pyong, Bird-Reiner, Death-Cargo, Garp, Python, Amperer and more.
Comments: This book is a collection of illustrations for what seems to be a fantasy concept along the lines of 3x3 Eyes. It does not, however, include anything from 3x3 Eyes, Nuku Nuku or Blue Seed. An interesting book, but may not interest fans who want to see pictures from Takada's manga series. Pictures in the book do not show up in either Aien Kien or Last Order.
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/merchpics/lastorder.jpgThe Artworks of Yuzo Takada: "The Last Order" Collection
Two book collection featuring works from 1989 - 1999
First book - hard cover, 94 pages; Second book - poster book, 32 pages
Includes: 3x3 Eyes, Nuku Nuku, Blue Seed, Genzo Hitogata Kiwa, Toritsuki-Kun
Comments: A beautiful artbook and poster book, both with a very classy protective sheath. The colors are very vibrant for both books and the posters are removed easily (almost too easily :P) with no preforation marks whatsoever. Like the previous artbooks, this one favors 3x3 Eyes. The price is a bit steep, even if you get a good deal, but "The Last Order" makes up for it in presentation alone. My only real regret is that, unlike AiEN KiEN, neither the timeline nor the comments sections are in English.
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/yuzo.jpg
Yuzo Takada,
creator of the
magnificent Kusanagi
The Kushinada Legend :
The Kushinada Legend is the Japanese legend that Blue Seed is based on. It is the story of the god, Susano-oh, and how he killed the eight-headed, eight-forked dragon, Yamata-no-orochi.
One day when Susano-oh was wandering in Izumo, he met an elderly couple named Ashinazuchi and http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/aragami2.jpgTenazuchi. Both were very sad, and when he asked them why, they told him about this problem they have. Each year a large, eight-headed dragon named Yamata-no-orochi eats one of their daughters. Of their eight daughters, only one was still alive, Inda-Hime (Kushinada-Hime). The parents were especially upset because the annual time was coming, and soon Yamata-no-orochi would devour her as well. Susano-oh took a liking to Inada-Hime and offered to slay Orochi in exchange for her hand in marriage. Her parents eagerly agreed. Susano-oh prepared for his confrontation with Orochi by turning Inada-Hime into a comb and placing the comb in his hair. Then he filled eight bowls with sake and put one at each of the eight doorways of the house.
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/aragami1.jpgEventually, Orochi came, eager to eat the young goddess. On his way to the house he was distracted by the bowls of sake and greedily drank all eight of them. This caused him to become drunk. While he was in a stupor, Susano-oh cut him up into little pieces. As Susano-oh was cutting the dragon up, he found a sword in it's tail (the Ama-no-Murakumo-no-tsurugi, later renamed Kusanagi-no-tsurugi). Needless to say, Susano-oh married the Kushinada, and they had several children. Isn't that a nice ending? ^_^
Mythological Elements :
Blue Seed is based heavily on Japanese mythology, the Kushinada Legend (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/kushmyth.htm) in particular. The myth and the anime share many common elements. This is an alphabetical listing of a few of the characters and elements relating to Blue Seed and their mythological relevance.
Alternate spellings and words that names may be based on are placed in brackets. Translations of words are placed in quotes. Anything else of interest will be in parenthesis. As usual, given names will come first, followed by surname.
I'm no expert on the subject, so feel free to send corrections or suggestions my way. ^_^
Arigami: The word "arigami" seems to be an anime invention. These could be representations of kappa or oni ("devils"). Also, "igami" means "distort" and the arigami are distorted plants... (sort of)
Ashinazuchi: The earth god. Father of Kushinada Hime.
Azusa Matsudaira: [Azusa + Matsu] Azusa means "catalpa tree" and matsu means "pine tree"
Kaede: [Kaen + kaedama] Kaen means "flower garden" and kaedama means "double." Kaen makes sense because of the plant theme of the other names, and kaedama makes sense because Kaede is Momiji's twin, or her double.
Additional information provided by Andrew Bayless (alexkidd123@mindspring.com): Momiji's twin, Kaede, may seem like she is named after a flower garden, but in reality, she is also named after maple trees. IN a seperated context, Kaede is a synonim for Momiji, only with a sadder conotation. Momiji it self is a joyful word for maple while kaede is a gloomy word for maple. So in reality, Kaede name would not mean "flower garden double" but would Actually mean "maple double" only in a gllomy tragic sense, which in the end makes a lot of sense.
Kome/Koume Sawaguchi: This one was difficult... [Kou/kome + sawa + guchi] Kou means "luck," and Kome seems to really obsess about her luck (Ep. #4) Kome means "uncooked rice," which is a little weird, but still plant-ish. Sawa means "swamp" and guchi means "grumble." Though I'll admit, Kome does grumble a lot. ^_^;;
Additional information provided by Andrew Bayless (alexkidd123@mindspring.com): While it is true that kome means uncooked rice, Koume is the word they use. Koume litterally means "little plum" Where "ko" is the kanji for little and "ume" is plumb (Ever heard of Umeboshi ? it means pickled plum), however, Koume more specifically refers to the blossoms of a plum tree, which are a redish pink color, just like Koume's jacket colors. While "kome" is sort of a plant, the word they were looking for was "Koume".
Kunikida: [Kuni + ki] Kuni means "country," ki means "tree."
Kusanagi: [Kusanagi-no-tsurugi] Means "mower of grass" or "grass parting two-edged blade." (Kusa alone means "grass") The sword that was removed from the tail of Orochi by Susano-oh. The sword was originally the property of the Dragon-king of the Sea. It later became one of the three emblems of Imperial dignity and could be wielded only by the Emperor of Japan.
(Interestingly enough, Kusanagi's given name, Mamoru, means "protector." This makes sense, because he is supposed to protect the Kushinada.)
Kushinada: [Kushinada-Hime, Inada-Hime] The daughter of Ashinazuchi and Tenazuchi, who was saved by Susano-oh by being transformed into a comb and placed in his hair. ("kushi" means "comb"; kushi-mitama is the power of transforming)
Additional information about "kushi", provided by Aaron Albert (aaron@colltech.com):
This is information gathered from the book "Culture Shock! Japan" which I was reading a couple months ago.
In a section concerning gifts and more specifically, taboo gifts, the comb is considered particularly bad. Kushi (comb) contains the words ku and shi which have multiple meanings. "ku" can mean "suffering" and "shi" can mean "death" which is why a comb is a taboo gift.
Having read this, one of the first things I noticed in Blue Seed is that the title Kushinada probably meant very bad things for the person it was bestowed upon. Also, "kushin" mean "painful effort" which is also interesting to me, though considering the Kushinada legend and the fact Susana-o turned her into a comb before his battle I think "kushi" is probably the operative word, rather than "kushin." Kushin is derived from ku I believe.
Mah-jong: (Mentioned in one of the Omake theaters) A four-player game. The playing pieces consist of 136 little tiles.
Matsuri: "festival" Any wide variety of civil or religious ceremonies in Japan (Momiji Kushinada performs the matsuri)
Mitama: [tama + magatama] Tama--a soul or spirit, an aspect of a spirit, or a divinity; magatama--crescent-shaped beads. In Blue Seed, mitama are the crescent-shaped beads that contain the souls of the Arigami.
Additional information about mitama, provided by Sammy (sammejo@hotmail.com): From The Anime Companion, "Magatama (beads)- Crescent-shaped beads found in many archaeological sites and mentioned in legendary literature. Green magatama seem to have been importance status symbols in prehistoric times."
Momiji: As the anime states, this means "maple."
Murakumo: [Ame-no-murakumo-no-tsurugi] Means "sword of billowing clouds" or "sword of gathering clouds of heaven" (Murakumo by itself means "cloud masses") The original name for the Kusanagi-no-tsurugi.
Orochi: [Yamata-no-orochi, Orochi-no-orochi] Means "big serpent with eight forks" The eight-headed dragon with eight forked tails in the Kushinada legend. Orochi ate the daughters of Ashinazuchi and Tenazuchi until he was cleverly slain by Susano-oh.
Sake: An alcoholic rice drink. This was used by Susano-oh to make Orochi drunk.
Sakura Yamazaki: [Sakura + Yamazakura] Sakura means "cherry blossom" or "cherry tree." Yamazakura also means "cherry tree" or "blossoms"
Sugishita: Sugi means "Japanese cedar."
Susano-oh: [Susano, Susanooh-no-mikoto] "Swift-Impetuous-Deity" or "The Impetuous Male." (Mikoto alone means "ruler" or "prince") The Storm god. Susano-oh plays both evil and good roles in mythology, but he is always mischievous and clever.
He seemed to enjoy humiliating and tormenting his sister, Amaterasu, the Sun goddess, and was kicked out of heaven for it. He is associated with trouble, because storms are troublesome, but is also associated with forests, because it is said that he planted the forests in Korea with hairs from his beard.
Susano-oh primarily maneuvered in Izumo. In the Kushinada legend, he saves the Kushinada from Orochi and finds the sword Kusanagi-no-tsurugi in Orochi's tail. Susano-oh and the Kushinada are married, and have many children.
Takeuchi: [Take + uchi] Take means "bamboo" and uchi means "house"
Tenazuchi: Mother of Kushinada Hime.
Tobiume: "Flying plum tree." According to legend, when Michizane was exiled from Kyoto the plum trees planted in his garden uprooted and flew to Dazaifu after him.
Characters :
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/arigam.jpgArigami: The ancient, plant-based monsters that attack Japan. The blood of the Kushinada, Momiji, can put them into an eternal sleep. That is, unless she is killed inside a special ceramic field, which will nullify the effects of her blood.
Arigami come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from giant fire-breathing toads to nasty spiders. But all have one thing in common: The mitama, or blue seed. The blue seed contains the soul of the Arigami. If you destroy the blue seed, you will destroy the Arigami as well.
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/cmom.jpgMomiji Fujimiya: I was an average student until a huge monster attacked me at school! Pretty scary stuff, huh? It trashed the whole building. Kusanagi Mamoru came to my rescue, but then he tried to kill me too! Geeze. As if being chased by a humongous plant-dragon-eyeball thing wasn't scary enough. I learned that I was one of the Kushinada, from a Japaneese legend. I learned that I had a twin sister, Kaede, but that she had already perished because of the Arigami. The blood of a Kushinada has the power to make Arigami fall into eternal sleep. The Arigami want to prevent that from happening by killing me while I'm in a ceramic field (the field will nullify the effects of my blood). Thankfully, I've got both the TAC and Kusanagi to protect me. Plus, I'm learning how to use a gun so I can protect myself.
I am a very friendly person. Sometimes I worry what will happen to me, and get nervous. I try to help everyone out, but I am a little clumsy and sometimes I just get in the way. My teammates think I'm bubble-headed
Mr. Kusanagi helps us too. He always pops up in the most unexpected places. I really like him a lot, but I don't know why. He's a jerk and a pervert. He always makes fun of my panties... *blush* My panties aren't any of his business! He's such a fat head! Argh. He makes me so mad.
I have brown hair and green eyes. I have a red TAC jacket and my favorite outfit is a white blouse and a navy skirt. My blood type is A and my sign is Libra. My name means "maple" and I like to eat sweet buns shaped like maple leaves. My hometown is Izumo.
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/kusa14.jpgMamoru Kusanagi: I am Mamoru Kusanagi. I have seven blue seeds, the souls of seven Aragami, inside of me. The Arigami gave me powers and forced me to work for them, but now I am using the same powers to destroy them. The Kushinada, Momiji, is the key to defeated the Arigami. I protect her, usually from Arigami but also from any other trouble she might get her bubble-head into. I guess she's cute... kinda... but she's a little old to be wearing underwear with funny animals on it. Not that I like her or anything. Shaddup.
I have green hair and black, cat-like eyes. I usually wear black or brown shirt and pants with my red trenchcoat. Schally likes me so much she made a shrine (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/kshrine.htm) for me. Of course, what's not to like, hrmmm?
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/ckome.jpgKome Sawaguchi: Hey! What're you lookin' at, huh? I'm Kome Sawaguchi, and I'm the best when it comes to kicking Arigami ass. (Don't forget it, either.) I was originally workin' for the Defense Force, but they dumped me here in this moldy office building with a bunch of wackos. Damn. At least I get to fight monsters! I used to hate Momiji 'cause I thought she was a spoiled brat, but now we get along... sorta. As long as she doesn't mess with my guns, it's all cool.
The Director is always tellin' me not to use my guns in the city, but what fun is killing Arigami if I can't use my favorite bazooka to do it?! I have a quick temper and love to fight. Before I was demoted to the TAC from the Defense Force, my nickname was "The Hurricane."
I have Orange/red hair I wear with a blue bandana, blue eyes, and a pink jumpsuit. My sign is Ares and my blood type is B. I was born in lower Tokyo. My TAC jacket is a pinkish color.
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/ctake.jpgRyoko Takeuchi: Hello. I have worked with Director Kunakida for sometime now and I really enjoy being a member of the TAC. I used to feel that Kaede's death was my fault, but I don't blame myself anymore. I am a good shot with a gun, Momiji even calls me a 'crack-shot'. I am a very calm person who always does her work. I'm not a work-a-holice like Matsudaira, though. I DO have a social life! What? Do I have a boyfriend? Er... that is, not exactly, but... WHAT? No! Sugishita IS NOT my boyfriend! How dare you! ::angrily thwaps poor web surfer on the head::
Ahem. As I was saying. I have purple hair that I let hang in my face and purple eyes (And yes, I have two eyes. Quit being a smart alek.) I wear dress suits to work. I was born in Haikado. My sign is Leo and my blood type is AB.
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/cmat.jpgAzusa Matsudaira: Hello there. I am a scientist for the TAC. I have several degrees, one in Biological Chemistry. I am a very calm, quiet person. I am not much of a fighter, I prefer to solve problems with my mind. I have a son named Jun, who is the most important thing in the world to me. He's very adorable and smart. I'm sure the girls at school love him. ::gets those happy, proud mother eyes::
I have dark hair and eyes. I wear a lab coat to work, and wear my hair pulled back, out of my face. My sign is Capricorn, and my blood type is A.
Yoshiki Yaegashi: H-hi. I am a pretty smart person, if I say so myself.. N-not that I'm bragging, of course. I used to be a computer programmer but now I work with the TAC, specifically with anti-Arigami weapons. I'm not much of a fighter and rough people like Kome make me a bit nervous (Kome and I have still managed to become friends, even though she's kind of, um, psycho...) I'd say the only things I like better than computers are women's panties... Ah, just don't tell Momiji I said that. *sweat*
I have brown hair and eyes. I wear glasses, as well as suits and ties to work. I was born in Miashi and I live with my mother (I know, I know. I've been teased enough about it, thank you very much). My sign is Pices, my blood type is O.
Kunakida: Good Morning! I'm the director and leader of the TAC. I'm still upset about Kaede's death (Kaede was my adopted daughter.) and though I don't intend to, I sometimes carry that fact with me to work. Now Momiji is under my custody and she too is like a daughter to me (a very bubble-headed daughter). I'm a good shot with a gun, like Royoko. It is my job to keep the TAC working together, but some, like Kome, have a mind of their own and like to work on their own. I love making hilarious jokes (really, they ARE hilarious) but no one else on the team has much of a sense of humor. *sigh* Ah, it's a shame my comic talent goes to such waste... Ari-gummy bears, anyone? *giggle*
I have short, dark hair and dark eyes. I wear a tie and a suit to work (as per regulation, of course), and sometimes a trench coat when it's cold. I was born in Tokyo. My sign is Virgo and my blood type is B.
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/csak.jpg Sakura: Ha! You don't know who I am?! What an idiot. I'm Sakura, Aragami buster! I've got lots of talent, (more that that sacrifice, Momiji) and I know I'm the best. My powers are stronger than her weak little mitama any day. I can summon spiritual monsters with my charms and--What was that?! Did you just call my charms "Post-It notes?!" Ha! You're more ignorant than I thought. I'll have you know that those charms carry a lot of spiritual power! Hmmph.
I have long blonde hair and brown eyes and I'm originally from America. (Though you English-speakers wouldn't know it, my Japanese is actually kind of mediocre... I often mispronounce words. [So instead of calling Momiji "sacrifice girl" I end up calling her "orifice girl."] But YOU don't speak Japanese at all, so YOU wouldn't know. Nyaah.) When I'm working I wear the clothes of a Shinto priestess (red and white robes) and glasses. When I'm trying to impress people, like that cutie Kusanagi, I wear much cooler clothes. With my fashion sense and extraordinary style, there's no freakin' way you people can like Momiji better than ME!
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/muraku.jpgMurakumo: I am Murakumo, servant of the Arigami. I have eight mitama and I am the perfect soul. Unlike that fool Kusanagi, who only has seven, I have many abilities, including teleportation, flying, super-strength, speed, agility, the ability to grown armor, and the ability to grow blades out of my arms. The Kushinada is a brave girl but I can beat her. I am the true warrior. Once these miserable humans are out of our way, the Arigami will rule!
I have blue eyes and black hair. I am also very tall, taller than the imperfect soul, Kusanagi, even.
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/kaede.jpg
Kaede: I am Momiji's twin sister and the other Kushinada. I am a very neat, graceful person. I was killed by the Arigami before the TAC knew that there was a second Kushinada. Later, I was seen with Murakumo, and Susano-oh in child form. I can sense Kusanagi still has deep feelings for me. For now, the TAC is unsure of what my involvement with the Arigami is. My sister believes in me and I pity her for her foolishness. I hope that, for her sake, she doesn't get in Lord Susano-oh's way.
I have purple hair and green eyes.
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/granny.jpgMomiji's Grandmother: Well, hello there little one. I am Momiji's grandmother. I'm sad (and a little worried) that I had to send Momiji away to Tokyo but I know it is for her own safety. I only hope that the TAC can protect her...
Jun Matsudaira: Hello. I'm Jun. My mother is Azusa. She's always working. That's why my dad divorced her. He says she's a work-a-holic! My mom is a really smart person, but she's very scatterbrained... Sometimes she even forgets what day it is. One day some guy named Kusanagi threatened my mother because she was studying the Kushinda, Momiji (Ep. 5). As you can imagine, I'm protective of my mother and I wanted to beat Kusanagi senseless. Kusanagi and I are on good terms now, though, because he saved mother's life. I understand that her work is important, but I'm glad she's starting to spend more time with me now. The TAC can have her help, but they better share her with me. She's MY mother, after all!
I have brown hair and brown eyes.
Sugishita Shunishi: Hey there! My name is Sugishita! Me and Ryoko are old friends... ::grins:: You know what that means. *wink*nudge*wink* I'm the Director of the 26th Department of Public Saftey and I often act as a go-between for the TAC and the Police. Occasionally I try to help out my good friend Ryoko. I'm always asking Royoko out on dates, but she always refuses. Women are so difficult. (Most of them find my eyes charming, though.) Speaking of dating, I think that Momiji and Kusanagi would make a cute couple. (I told her that once, and she turned bright red! (Ep. #7) She's so cute.)
I have blonde hair and brown eyes. My sign is Scorpio and my bloodtype is B.
DVD Collections :
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/merchpics/bsdvd1s.jpg
Volume 1 - The Nightmare Begins
Released 1/30/01
Eps. 1 - 7
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/merchpics/bsdvd2s.jpg
Volume 2 - Descent Into Terror
Released 7/10/01
Eps. 8 - 14
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/merchpics/bsdvd3s.jpg
Volume 3 - Prelude to Sacrifice
Released 9/18/01
Eps. 15 - 20
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/merchpics/bsdvd4s.jpg
Volume 4 - Nightfall
Released 10/02/01
Eps. 21 - 26 http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/merchpics/bsperfectc.jpg
Perfect Collection (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/bsperfect.htm)
Released 6/18/02
Eps. 1 - 26
4 Discs
Omake Theater :
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake.gifOmake Theater is a little comedy clip at the end of each volume of Blue Seed. A successful self-mockery of the show, if you will. Some are funny, some are gross, and some just don't make any sense. I guess this is because jokes are usually best in their original language... ^_^;;
Volume 1 - The Man who Watches the Kushinada
Kusanagi and Kunakida are quite hentai, it seems. Fortunately, Momiji and the girls solve the problem with a little machine gun action. [Transcript (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake01.htm)]
Volume 2 - Blue Seed Living Room Theatre
Four little skits. These were quite amusing. ^_^ Takeuchi and Kunakida decapitate Momiji, Momiji makes several 'sumo' blunders, Kusanagi's arm fails to retract, and Kunakida reveals his ultimate secret weapon against the arigami: his funniest joke. [Transcripts: Dub (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake02.htm) - Sub (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake02b.htm)]
Volume 3 - X-File: In Case of Kunikida
Kunikida and Takeuchi investigate the perils of animation cells. [Transcripts: Dub (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake03.htm) - Sub (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake03b.htm)]
Volume 4 - Go! Animation Girl!
What if Momiji became a teen idol singer? It's a lot scarier than you'd think... [Dub Transcript (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake04.htm)]
Volume 5 - On a Rainy Day
Momiji hangs around the house on a rainy day, dreaming of Kusanagi. [Dub Transcript (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake05.htm)]
Volume 6 - Jong Jong Mahjong
Kusanagi, Murakumo, and two arigami engage in a game of mahjong, that ends with the arigami getting beat up and sent downstream while Murakumo offers to buy Kusanagi some lunch. [Sub Transcript (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake06.htm)]
Volume 7 - Festival Night
Featuring Kome-chan! We discover that Kome dislikes men because of the way her first crush treated her, but you can tell she's softening up to Yaegashi anyway. This is where you hear Kome's classic "Let's get nekkid!" line. [Dub Transcript (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake07.htm)]
Volume 8 - Kunikida... Ker-woosh!!
Kunikda gets ready for his day, with a Japanese breakfast and a niiiice, tasty soak in the tub "Whop bop a doo bop, ba dang bang boom! No, child abuse is wrong..." [Dub Transcript (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake08.htm)]
Volume 9 - The Day of Shugishita
Takeuchi may be in love with someone else, but Shugishita has plenty of other admirers. This omake isn't a parody so much as it's a take on the Takeuchi-Sugie relationship from a different point of view (Sugie's). It's very cute. Poor Sugie.
Volume 10 - Susano-Oh, Oh No!
Little Susano-oh climbs tall mountains and chucks rocks into the ocean, determined to show his superiority to the lowly creatures of the sea. (This is much funnier than it sounds ^_^ I love his verbal... um... exclamations.) [Dub Transcript (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake10.htm)]
Volume 11 - Blue Seed Movie Preview
This is the only Omake that I think might actually be funnier in a different language than the original, just because of the way they do the voices. It's an advertisement for a spoof Blue Seed movie in a sort of old school Godzilla style.
[Movie spoof info (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake11info.htm)]
Volume 12 - Grandma Go Go!
Momiji's grandmother proves that her night-time alter ego is a real party animal. Has a cinderella-like twist at the end. [Dub Transcript (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/omake12.htm)] Volume 13 - The Matsudaira Report
Matsudaira seems to have an, uh, interest in Kusanagi. Let's just say science wouldn't be her only motivation for examining him. :P Blagh.
Credits :
Lists of the Japanese and English credits to Blue Seed, as well as any related sites or e-mail addresses that I am aware of.
Japanese Credits
Original Story and Character Design - Yuzo Takada
Series Planning - Naruhisa Arakawa
Script Direction - Masaharu Amiya
Character Design - Kazuchika Kise, Takayuki Goto
Music - Kenji Kawai
Production Production - Ig, Ashi Production
Producers - Naohiro Hayashi, Masaki Sawanobori, Yukinao Shimoji
Director - Jun Kamiya
Executive Producers - Hidetoshi Shigematsu, Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, Yutaka Takahashi
English Credits
Production - ADVision
Executive Producers - John Ledford, Sharon Papa
DVD Producer - David Williams
ADR Director - Matt Greenfield
Art Director - Ruby Halipoto
Packaging Designer - David Wang
Japanese VAs
Momiji Fujimiya - Megumi Hayashibara
Mamoru Kusanagi - Kazuhiko Inoue
Daitetsu Kunikida - Akio Ohtsuka
Ryoko Takeuchi - Ai Orikasa
Kome Sawaguchi - Kotono Mitsuishi
Azusa Matsudaira - Yoshiko Sakakibara
Yoshiki Yaegashi - Yuuji Ueda
Sakura Yamazaki - Sakiko Tamagawa
Kaede Fujimiya - Mitsuki Yayoi
Murakumo - Nakata Jouji Nakata
Shun'ichi Sugishita - Keiichi Nanba
Jun Matsudaira - Shinobu Adachi
Miyako Kijima - Yuko Sasaki
Orochi - Kiyoyuki Yanada
Mother Kanbayashi - Atsuko Tanaka
Congressman Miyahara - Ito Hiroshi
Valencia Tachibana - Junko Iwao
English VAs Momiji Fujimiya - Amanda Winn-Lee
Mamoru Kusanagi - Jason Lee
Asuza Matsudaira - Sharon Shawnessy
Ryoko Takeuchi - Marcy Rae -
Kome Sawaguchi - Tiffany Grant -
Yoshiki Yaegashi - Kurt Stoll
Daitetsu Kunikida - Rob Mungle
Sakura Yamazaki - Allison Keith
Kaede Kunikida - Amanda Winn
Murakumo - Aaron Krohn
Shun'ichi Sugishita - Matt Greenfield
Akiko - Carol Amerson
Yukiko - Jessica Calvello -
Reiko Kanbayashi - Kim Sevier
Orochi-no-orochi - Aaron Krohn
Yamatone - Guil Lunde
Yaobikuni - Sue Ulu
Video Game (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/satrpg.htm) :
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/merchpics/ssgamefrontback.jpg
Game Shark Codes for Blue Seed RPG (Saturn)Master Code -- F601048A C305Max Life -- 302EA5A0 0014 302EA5A4 0014Max Strength -- 302EA5A1 000A 302EA5A5 000A Max Defense -- 302EA5A2 000A 302EA5A6 000AMax Agility -- 302EA5A3 000A 302EA5A7 000ACard Select CodesCard 1 -- 302EA5AC 0001Card 2 -- 302EA5AD 0002Card 3 -- 302EA5AE 0003Card 4 -- 302EA5AF 0004Card 5 -- 302EA5B0 0005Card 6 -- 302EA5B1 0006Card 7 -- 302EA5B2 0007Card 8 -- 302EA5B3 0008Card 9 -- 302EA5B4 0009Blue Seed 2 :
Blue Seed 2 is the OAV series that takes place after the Blue Seed television series. The OAV contains 3 new episodes about the further adventures of the TAC. This series introduces a new character to the TAC, a young girl named Valencia.
DVD Releases
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/merchpics/bsbdvdt.jpgBlue Seed Beyond: Invasion from Within (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/merchpics/bsbdvd.jpg) - American Release
Contains all 3 episodes
Released 09/23/03
100 minutes
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/merchpics/bs2dvd1.jpgBlue Seed 2 DVD - Japanese Release
Contains all 3 episodes
Released 07/01/1999, DVD KIBA-41
94 minutes
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/merchpics/bs1point5thumb.jpg Blue Seed Version 1.5 (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7934/merchpics/bs1point5.jpg)
Release dates:
06/21/1996, VIDEO KIVA-266
07/05/1996, LD KILA-171 - Two-sided, 100 min. BS 1.5 was apparently released as two seperate VHS in May of 1996 and later as a single laser disc in June of the same year. BS 1.5 is a two-episode retelling of the Blue Seed storyline with one episode from Momiji's point of view and the other from Kusanagi's. It also comes with the omake "Dance a Little Love."
Manga :
The Blue Seed Manga series, created by Yuzo Takada, exists in eighteen issues that can be found loose or in a two volume compilation. The second volume of the compliation also includes the the short story "Dragonfly."
Manga Translations
If you own the manga or you have access to page scans, but you can't read Japanese, never fear. You can use this translation as a guide. (Don't forget, Japanese comics read from right to left.)
Blue Seed Manga Novelization
I've begun work on a novelization for those of you who don't have access to the actual manga, because without it the plain text translation can be a little confusing.