Wait, am I still talking about CLAMP in Paris? I guess xD

A promise is a promise and I promised I would share the audio from CLAMP's public conference at Japan Expo and here it is!

It was recorded by eolo, who was sitting 2 seats beside me, and transferring the file from his iPhone to the computer proved to be harder than we thought (which is why it took us this long). But he made it nevertheless and here it is! Thank you very much, Marco!

The file has 157 MB, the beginning has CLAMP IN WONDERLAND 2 (which was screened twice) and the ending has 3 minutes of absolutely no sound. I tried to edit the audio file and cut the beginning and ending but the output file ended up being even larger than the original file. Since I didn't want to compromise its quality, I decided to share the original file, no editions.

The quality is great, it might get too loud whenever the audience cheers but well, it WAS loud even for us who were there, so xD Basically if you know french you'll be able to understand all of it ^^

Enjoy it!

( Download )

On another small piece of news, I was looking at the members section of CLAMP-NET.COM yesterday and Nanase Ohkawa mentions that she will be writing the script for the new XXXHOLiC OAD that will come with volume 16.

It was sort of expected but it's nice anyway to have a confirmation ^^

This post in an attempt to gather the pictures and videos that I have made while I was in Paris and also the material that appeared on the internet. There are some contributions too from some kind people that I met there who shared their pictures and videos with me.

If you have pictures and videos and would like to share, I would love to have them so please feel free to do it ^^

I tried to make the post as organized as possible, but it might look a bit confusing xD I have separated the material by dates and one for the local press. Furthermore, I've separated each of them in picture galleries and videos.

The videos are in several formats: AVI, MPG, MOV and FLV. You might need a special player or codec to play them correctly.

• July 2, Opening of CLAMP: Les Reines du Manga à Paris

>> Image Galery:
Chibi Yuuto & Benoit Gilbert
CLAMP-NET.COM

>> Videos:

These videos are the same from my July 3 post, but these are the original files in High Quality. Plus, there are 3 new videos.

To download the videos, right click on the image -> Save target as...



All videos recorded by Chibi Yuuto, except videos 02 and 04 recorded by Benoit Gilbert.

• July 3, Signing sessions and CLAMP Cosplay Contest at Japan Expo

>> Image Galeries:
Chibi Yuuto
Mediev.net

>> Videos:

The first video is from their first signing session and the second video is the moment where CLAMP announced the contest's extra winners (the ones to whom they gave their Ioryogi plush toy). The second video is too big so I had to upload it on MegaUpload.

To download the videos, right click on the image -> Save target as... (except for the Cosplay one which is hosted in MegaUpload).



All videos recorded by Chibi Yuuto.

+ Videos:
CLAMP signing session: http://www.dailymotion.com/search/clamp/video/x9ufrf_clamp-seance-de-dedicace-japan-expo_fun
CLAMP's introduction in the cosplay contest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kd9uILFuW8I

• July 4, Signing sessions and CLAMP Public Conference at Japan Expo

>> Image Galery:
Chibi Yuuto

EDIT:
>> Videos:
CLAMP drawing the XXXHOLiC illustration at the Public Conference:
http://chibiyuuto.livejournal.com/262877.html?thread=10833885#t10833885

• Press

This interview was made by the french press agency AFP in the backstage of Japan Expo. There is one version in french and one in english. The french version has more footage than the english one.

I've ripped the videos and uploaded them to my server (in case anyone would like to keep them forever ^^).

To download the videos, right click on the image -> Save target as...



You can watch the same videos on stream in the following links:

English -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoeI3TjvnKY
French -> http://video.aol.fr/video-detail/rencontre-avec-le-collectif-clamp-japanexpo/3735842867

EDIT: Updated to add three new pictures of the opening ceremony of the CLAMP Exposition provided by CLAMP-NET.COM, showing the CLAMP members shaking hands with the Culture Secretary of Paris, Christophe Girard, and the Libarian in charge of the Paris Bibliothèques, Danielle Pourtaud.

Great exclusive material today!

Remember last year when CLAMP was featured in the Bande Dessinée Festival, coincidentally also held in France? There was a video screening at the event showing CLAMP's studio along with an interview shot specifically for the event.

Turns out that video was included in a special DVD celebrating CLAMP's 20th Anniversary released exclusively in France!


The DVD was released by Kaze and Pika Édition and apart from the interview, it also contains the first episode of Angelic Layer, Chobits, XXXHOLiC and Tsubasa Chronicle (animes licensed by Kaze).

kei_san77 was kind enough to rip the video interview in high quality! There's a total of two videos. The first one is very short and it shows CLAMP working in their studio, the second video is the interview itself.



( Download )

Enjoy! kei_san77 told me she'll be sharing a translation of the interview, and since the French subs are attached to the video permanently, a simple subtitle file wouldn't work, anyone willing to make a nice subbed version of this would be welcomed! ^__^

I thought we might never have this video. I've been wanting it like crazy since the previews were available, being able to have it in such quality makes me very happy!

Update: Translation of the interview can be read here.

First of all, thank you very much for the positive feedback on my new layout, it really means a lot to me ^__^

Today I'm bringing the final two episodes of CLAMP's Internet Radio show, Komugikotoride no Yonshimin.

I'm not going to write any summaries for these ones, since they both are basically "summary" episodes.

In #48 they summarize all 17 guests that appeared on the show during its two-years run, making remarks about each one of them.

In #49 they look back at the last two years pointing out some highlights such as CLAMP's visit to the USA and Korea, the Tsubasa Tokyo Revelations screening and New Year's events, Mokona's birthday party etc.

Near the very end of the last episode I think they were talking about their future ambitions. Satsuki said she wants to draw the end of Tsubasa and XXXHOLiC and also be able to dance (she's been taking classes recently). Mokona, also, said she wants to draw the end of Tsubasa and XXXHOLiC "very quickly", she said something about her room but I didn't understand (maybe she needs some free space? XD). Ohkawa too said the same about Tsubasa and XXXHOLiC but she also said, if I'm not mistaken, that she would like to write the script for a TV Drama? That would be the coolest thing ever. Could you confirm that to me, if possible, clstmk-san? Or anyone else that's willing to give me some light xD

The final episode is the longest of all with nearly one hour.

( Komugikotoride no Yonshimin #48 )

( Komugikotoride no Yonshimin #49 )

I would like to thank everybody who downloaded these and to those who have contributed with translations. A very special thanks to Yoshiyuki, without whom I wouldn't be able to share these. Thank you!

Now I'm gonna save those 49 episodes and one day I shall listen to each one of them again and hopefully I'll be able to understand everything xD

You can download all previously released episodes in this link.

One last treat for today, I was able to snag a cleaned version of Newtype #9 cover with Code Geass from Kadokawa's website:



I swear this will be the last post I make about this illustration (that's the third time I'm posting it xD)

Discussed subjects: XXXHOLiC◆Kei ending, XXXHOLiC◆Kei ending party, Tsubasa and XXXHOLiC OADs, people's "rules", food.

( Komugikotoride no Yonshimin #47 )

I have fully caught up with those now xD Next episode only next week.

I need to catch up with those ^^"

( Komugikotoride no Yonshimin #46 )

Guest: Ryuukishi07 (XXXHOLiC Drama CD co-writer)

( Komugikotoride no Yonshimin #44 )

XXXHOLiC #13 is out today in Japan and thereby the Original Drama CD is out as well.

The script was written in a never before done collaboration between Nanase Ohkawa and Ryuukishi07, the story of the Drama CD slightly crosses over with Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (Yuuko receives a call from Rika of Higurashi).

Someone uploaded the Drama CD to NicoNico and I managed to rip and make an MP3 of it, which can be downloaded after the cut.

( Download )

EDIT: For those who downloaded the file before reading this message, there was a typo in the file name, it's Shiminuki, not Shiminiku.

Please fix it if you already downloaded. I apologize for the mistake *bows*

The file name has been corrected in my server now.

EDIT 2: You can read a summary of the Drama CD plot here.

Guest: Shizuka Itou (Himawari's seiyuu in XXXHOLiC)

( Komugikotoride no Yonshimin #42 )

By the way, every now and then people leave me comments asking me where they can find the previous episodes for download. You can find all my previous Komugikotoride no Yonshimin posts in my memories ^__^

( Komugikotoride no Yonshimin #41 )

I dedicate this post to Alison (ladydarkmoon), our Queen of Scans, but much more than that, a very dear friend of mine. Today is your birthday, congratulations! I hope you had an excellent day, and I hope you'll have an even better year (and many more to come!). May all your wishes come true! ^___^

Congratulations for your birthday, and for being such a wonderful human being, one of the bests I have yet to meet (in person).


Unfortunately I'm not as talented at drawing as Nekoi, so I took one of her drawings and made some adjustments xD

Guest: Tsutomu Mizushima (XXXHOLiC◆Kei director).

( Komugikotoride no Yonshimin #40 )

I was very busy last weekend doing university assignments, I'm owing you two episodes of CLAMP Internet Radio.

No guests this time, just the four of them.

( Komugikotoride no Yonshimin #39 )

• Code Geass R2:

Code Geass - Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 premiered yesterday in Japan and you can get the RAW of episode 1 via TokyoTosho from many different sources. You know the steps, just type Code Geass in their search field to get the results.

As reported previously, CLAMP drew the illustrations for the Ending sequence:


You can download the full ED sequence, featuring these and other illustrations, here (.AVI, 26 MB). Credits for the rip goes to Memento.

The illustrations are just beyond gorgeous! It's basically Code Geass through CLAMP's eyes xD The drawings were done by Mokona but Nekoi painted them using CG. I was surprised with the total amount of illustrations, I thought they would be fewer. Beautiful work, CLAMP.

• XXXHOLiC◆Kei:

Amazon.co.jp has a list for all the upcoming XXXHOLiC◆Kei DVDs. There will be 7 volumes, and each one of them will have a limited edition coming with a Drama CD and a booklet. The first Drama CD will be written by Nanase Ohkawa.

According to Amazon, the release schedule and product details goes as the following:

Volume 1

Release date: June 25.
Running time: 25 minutes.
First edition limitation: Post card, booklet and Drama CD scripted by Nanase Ohkawa.

Volume 2

Release date: July 23.
Running time: 50 minutes.
First edition limitation: Booklet and Drama CD.

Volume 3

Release date: August 20.
Running time: 50 minutes.
First edition limitation: Booklet and Drama CD.

Volume 4

Release date: September 24.
Running time: 50 minutes.
First edition limitation: Booklet and Drama CD.

Volume 5

Release date: October 22.
Running time: 50 minutes.
First edition limitation: Booklet and Drama CD.

Volume 6

Release date: November 26.
Running time: 50 minutes.
First edition limitation: Booklet and Drama CD.

Volume 7

Release date: December 17.
Running time: 50 minutes.
First edition limitation: Booklet and Drama CD.

Thanks to clamp_now for the heads up!

More information, such as extra features or a box to hold the DVD cases, can be added anytime.

Basing on the DVDs running time that Amazon.co.jp is reporting, XXXHOLiC◆Kei will have only 13 episodes.

I've been seeing this (quite a lot) in articles and interviews about the the new season, but I thought the series could be expanded to 26 episodes when we get halfway through it. But after this, I'm getting more and more convinced.

So for now, 13 episodes only.

Last but not least, ASCII.jp has their report on the XXXHOLiC◆Kei event at LOFT/PLUS ONE (they have a bigger version of the CLAMP and Mizushima picture), and Hobby-Channel has an article about the XXXHOLiC◆Kei stage event at TAF2008. Phew!

The ASCII article states that, up to the event's day, Episode 1 was done, Episode 2 was in the middle of after-recording, Episode 9 was being drawn and Episode 12 storyboarded.

Guest: Daisuke Namikawa (Fye's seiyuu in Tsubasa) - PART II

( Komugikotoride no Yonshimin #38 )

( From Ohkawa's Private Board )

The XXXHOLiC◆Kei event was held this Saturday at the LOFT/PLUS ONE talk live house, in Tokyo. My friend (and japanese correspondent xD) Yoshiyuki was there and he gave me a general idea of what happened at the event.

He also did a great move and recorded the audio of most of it, it's all behind the cut.

( XXXHOLiC◆Kei Event report )

Guest: Daisuke Namikawa (Fye's seiyuu in Tsubasa) - PART I

( Komugikotoride no Yonshimin #37 )

Guest: Mika Kikuchi (Mokona's seiyuu in XXXHOLiC and Tsubasa)

( Komugikotoride no Yonshimin #36 )

I'm not sure if you like Mika Kikuchi but, I'm going to dedicate this post to you, eolo-kun, because today's your birthday ^__^ I hope you had a great day, and I wish you the very best (and peaceful days at work xD). Feliz Aniversário!