AFTERWORD
Hi, how are you? Tappei Nagatsuki here, known in some quarters as the Mouse-Colored Cat.
Once again, I thank you very much for your patronage of Re:ZERO.
The series now exceeds ten books in total, with this the eleventh! The tale has become deeper still.
Also, thanks to all of you, this eighth volume goes on sale just prior to the airing of the Re:ZERO TV anime. These are exceptionally fun days for me, both as an author and as a viewer.
Now then, since we’re on that topic, I’d like to touch on anime issues ever so slightly.
The anime production companies and all their related staffs have already been announced on the Re:ZERO public homepage, so you can see for yourselves that it’s quite an impressive member list.
As a matter of fact, when I heard all kinds of things about that from Mr. the editor, I was like, “Huh?” and doubted my eyes and my ears several times.
After that, the day progressed as we talked about this and that, and I raised the idea of actually meeting everyone involved sometime, somewhat expecting that this was nothing more than a pipe dream, and if it wasn’t, wow, if it really happened, it’d be a pretty big deal.
Ever since the announcement that a TV anime was set to be produced, I have received words of congratulation from many people. This includes people who began reading the work from published books, people who knew of it from when it was just serialized on the Web, fellow authors and old friends—lots and lots of people.
I am very sorry that in contrast to all the warm words of encouragement, I was unable to answer all your questions. No, it’s not just from being secretive and guarding against careless leaks of information; the biggest reason is that as the author, I haven’t really heard very much.
It’s not that they wouldn’t tell me; it’s that I was afraid to ask—so I didn’t.
I think you understand, but human beings tend to doubt anything that sounds too good to be true. My book becoming an anime is on the top of my list. I worried that the instant I carelessly said something I shouldn’t, these dreamlike days would vanish like little bubbles…so I retreated into my author’s shell.
Of course, there were screenplay conferences, and when I was there after recording sessions I popped my face in as much as I could, doing everything I could to cooperate as the original creator. But all the people at the anime studio were anime pros—and professionals at work are quite a sight to behold.
I think the Re:ZERO anime will turn out very well. Go ahead and get your hopes up.
It’s starting in April, so let’s have fun with it together!
Though the current discussion is winding its way toward a conclusion, allow me to indulge in a bit of author selfishness and extend these afterword pages a little further. Why? Because I have a lot I want to say!
Actually, in the same month I am writing this afterword, February 2016, your author went to a signing event in Taiwan at something called the Comics and Animation Festival.
For your author, it was the first time overseas! The first time in Taiwan! The first signing event! Sorry, I lied about the signing event part. It was my third, but anyway, it was an event full of firsts for me.
It may come as a surprise to you, but Re:ZERO is actually published overseas as well. Re:ZERO isn’t just popular in Japan; the anime/manga/novels have become popular abroad.
This time, the Comics and Animation Festival I’d had such high hopes for had a large collection of anime popular in Taiwan. During the festival, there was Japanese anime plastered at every turn. I suppose what surprised me even more was the incredibly fervent welcome I received from all the fans in Taiwan.
Truth be told, your author was a jumble of worries his first time overseas. I was crossing an ocean, crossing a language barrier, wondering just how many people would actually be there—
The event was wonderful. I’m not kidding when I say I wanted to hug every last person there. Thank you, Taiwan!
Speaking of the language barrier, the Japanese of the fans participating was very, very good. Seriously, I was completely blown away when everyone got “E M D” instantly.
Of course, overseas publication means publishing a translated edition. This Re:ZERO translation was done by a publisher called the Chingwin Publishing Group, and I thought I should earnestly bow my head to them for how faithfully they conveyed the work to the readers of Taiwan.
Also, staffers from this same Chingwin were always guiding your author around Taiwan when he was trembling like a fawn his first time overseas. They welcomed me as if I were some kind of celebrity, fed me good food and tasty mango shaved ice, and really went out of their way to make it a wonderful trip for me.
Truly, going from a narrowly read Web novel to print, and before I knew it, to its being read by all kinds of people overseas and even turned into an anime—it really does feel like a dream.
Though I still lack the courage to pinch my cheek, all this gives me the strength to work hard so that these dreamlike days never end.
Thank you, Taiwan! And best regards going forward, Taiwan! Of course, Japan, too!!
Now then, the additional pages are at an end, so I shall move on to the customary words of thanks.
First, Mr. I the editor, thank you very much for always greeting your author’s reckless demands with a smiling face. It was very reassuring to have you come to Taiwan with me. But sticking with your author when he had the bright idea of signing two hundred extra books was indulging me a bit too far.
From there to Otsuka-sensei the illustrator: I know I say this every time, but thank you very much for your beautiful illustration pages. As usual, you did a wonderful job with them. Also, thank you for responding to my sudden request for a limited illustration for the Taiwan event. You indulge me.
Kusano-sensei the cover designer: The series now exceeds ten books, with each and every one a spectacle, this one included. Please go big, captivating, and fun forevermore. Thank you very much.
Matsuse-sensei and Fugetsu-sensei handling the comic versions: I am truly grateful for your drawing such moving images monthly. Seeing your drawings is an urgent reminder that I need to keep these girls really cute. Thank you very much.
To others, everyone at the MF Bunko J editorial department, sales managers, copyeditors, bookstore salespeople: Truly, thank you very much.
And to those at the Chingwin Publishing Group, in particular Mr. Ryuu, you were a very large help to me. Let me borrow this space to thank you very much.
Finally, my greatest of thanks goes to all of you who have read this book, and to all of you readers who have given me such warm support. Please give Re:ZERO, anime included, your best regards going forward!
Now then, let’s meet again next volume!
February 2016
Tappei Nagatsuki
(still unable to stop shaking with the anime about to start)
“Lady Felt, it is all right, you need not be so embarrassed. The dress suits you very well.”
“Exactly who’s worried about it?! Now even Old Man Rom is putting me up to this stuff. Is anyone on my side, like at all?!”
“It could not be otherwise. I am your ally, Lady Felt, your one and only knight.”
“You really are a knight in name only! Fine, let’s get to the point so I can finish quick and get out of this dress!”
“Yes, as you wish. First, it is hereby announced that Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- will be broadcast as an anime beginning in April.”
“Huh, anime… Wait, you’re serious?! Where in the world did you read that?!”
“In this book, as well as information announced on the Re:ZERO public homepage. It is written that Subaru’s exploits, as well as his fateful encounters with you and me, are recorded therein, Lady Felt.”
“Stop saying fateful encounters! That makes it sound special or something! It was total coincidence. Er, beyond that…the second volume of Monthly Comic Alive’s Arc 3 serialization is on sale right now along with Re:ZERO, Vol. 8!”
“Lady Felt, Arc 3, Volume 2, that would be when you appointed me as your knight…”
“Don’t talk like we’re some kind of pair! Are you trying to tick me off?! Ahh, anyway, the comic’s out, too! Also, the next novel’s coming out in June, while the anime’s still airing!”
“One can reread the novels, watch the anime, and enjoy the comic…an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of Re:ZERO. Lady Felt, why not take this opportunity to face the books and tales rather than flee from your desk?”
“Ha, as if. We don’t have time to stop. It’s because we’re doing so much that this ‘tale’ thingy is coming together to begin with!”
“Lady Felt…”
“Okay, talk’s over. I’m headin’ off to change clothes and give Old Man Rom a piece of my mind!”
“Understood. Next time, I shall arrange a dress that is easier to move in.”
“Listen when people talk! I told you, I hate dresses!!”
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