One Potato Two

Moved my Blog

Sun, 16 Jul 2006 19:24:59 GMT

I moved my blog:

http://kurouzu.blog63.fc2.com/

Finished KP #2 + Alpha

Sat, 15 Jul 2006 06:08:30 GMT

I finished KP #2 today.

I also finished the sad Japanese movie this morning.
And the translation document for Company JRI.

I'm on a roll!

So now I'm going to start working on PR #2.
And the promo stuff for Title G.

Hopefully I can finish a lot by Comic-Con, so I don't have too much on my mind.

Sad, Sad Japanese Story

Fri, 14 Jul 2006 05:22:30 GMT

I am currently translating a sad Japanese movie.

I don't know why the Japanese have to write such sad stories.

It is a folk tale about a young boy and a girl.
Their father, a local governor or something, opposes the officials and is exiled to a far away land.
The mother, boy, and the girl are left to stay with the mother's parents.
But the mother's parents die and their uncle kicks them out of the house.
They decide to go to their father's place, but on the way they are tricked by a fake priestess and sold off as slaves.
The boy and the girl are sold to a bailiff, while the mother is sold as a courtesan.
Ten years pass by and the boy and the girl grow up as slaves.
They finally decide to run away, but the girl doesn't go but instead kills herself.
The boy arrives in Kyoto and miraculously moves up to become a governor.
He then passes a law banning slavery and frees the slaves of his former master.
After he exiles his former master, he resigns as governor and goes to find his mother.
His mother is found but now blind.
They both cry saying how happy they can be together again.

So where's the moral?
I think it's something about having mercy on one another, and how all men are born equal.
If you act upon that belief, you can see your loved ones again.
(Even if they are old and blind by then).

It's so depressing.
Sigh.

I really hate sad stories because they stay with me, sometimes coming up in my dreams.

I should work on something more upbeat before going to sleep tonight.

Galaxy Angel II & Kon Kon Kokon

Tue, 11 Jul 2006 04:44:58 GMT

Just trying to promote one of my clients.
I don’t think I’ll get the translation job though…

If Bro-USA staff is reading this, please give me Kon Kon Kokon…
It’s so cute!
Just like Yoki Koto Kiku, there are cameo appearances by characters of other Koge-Donbo work.

For Immediate Release

Broccoli Books Acquires Galaxy Angel II and Kon Kon Kokon

Los Angeles, CA (July 10, 2006) - Broccoli Books has announced the acquisition
of two manga titles, Galaxy Angel II and Kon Kon Kokon at Anime Expo 2006.

Galaxy Angel II is the third installment in the popular Galaxy Angel series,
focusing on a new group of girls known as the Lune Angel Troupe. One of the
girls, Apricot Sakuraba, is determined to find other “gate keepers” to free her
older sister Milfuelle from the doomed fate. The original Galaxy Angel cast of
the now disbanded Moon Angel Troupe also makes an appearance in the Galaxy
Angel II manga series. Galaxy Angel II is illustrated by Kanan, and the story
is written by BROCCOLI. Galaxy Angel II is slated to be released in Spring 2007.

Kon Kon Kokon is a romantic comedy about fox girl Kokon, who came to Tokyo to
repay her thanks to Ren. Ren is a country bumpkin who is trying to hide the
fact that he is a Japanese demon otaku. Kon Kon Kokon is the newest series by
Koge-Donbo, the creator of Di Gi Charat and manga artist of Pita-Ten. Kon Kon
Kokon will be released in the United States in Spring 2007.

Managing Editor Shizuki Yamashita comments, “We are pleased to bring more
Galaxy Angel and Koge-Donbo goodness to the United States. I believe both old
fans of the Galaxy Angel series and new fans that are going to start reading
with Galaxy Angel II can enjoy the newest installment of the Galaxy Angel
universe. And for Kon Kon Kokon, Koge-Donbo herself mentioned that it is
similar to Pita-Ten, so those who liked Pita-Ten will surely enjoy Kokon and
her adventures.”

About Broccoli Books
Broccoli Books specializes in publishing Japanese comics, illustration books,
and graphic novels. Broccoli Books is a division of Broccoli International USA.
More information is available at http://www.broccolibooks.com.

Finished AX…But More Work Keeps Coming In

Thu, 06 Jul 2006 23:31:27 GMT

I finally got home today.

I know, AX was over on the 4th, but I had to stick around to deal with guests.
Circus people.
I took them to Downtown Disney, Hollywood/Highland, and the sushi restaurant I help out.

And then today I took them to the airport.

As soon as I thought I can go home and sleep (or lay around watching Wimbledon), I get phone calls.

From Company S: There’s a new project from Japanese to English, so I have to go in Friday.
From Company JRI: Seven documents to translate, one by Friday.
From Company Go: Secret
From Company TB: Japanese to English

And of course I still have the Juvenile Orion Illustration Book by Company B, Company DR’s manga x4, and other consulting work.

I also have an English Proficiency Test to interview for on Sunday.

All this work makes it look like I’m making a lot of money.

So where is it??

Finished KAGETORA #8

Mon, 26 Jun 2006 22:23:50 GMT

I finished KAGETORA #8, and now I’m moving on to NYA #2.

Hopefully Del Rey will announce it at AX.

In between the manga work, I’ve been translating some little stuff for Broccoli International for AX.
The Di Gi Charat panel will feature most of it, I think.
So please go take a look.

I’ll be there translating for 4 people…that’s tough.

Finished New Project

Thu, 22 Jun 2006 07:19:37 GMT

The RUSH job is done!
I even finished it days early…it was really due Monday.
Luckily there were very few translation notes.
Actually, only one.
About the word “ecchi.”

The main character’s initials were H.H.

Now to finish up KAGETORA #8.

It’s a little hard adjusting back to the slow pace of it.
The new project was boom boom boom!
Because it’s action.
But KAGETORA is wordy and slow.

Not that I’m complaining.

Juvenile Orion Illustration Book Meeting

Sun, 11 Jun 2006 03:31:17 GMT

Today I went to go meet with my art person for the Juvenile Orion Illustration Book.

It’s looking nice.

My favorite illustrations in there are probably the ones by Toru Azumi.
Ninja boy!
Shinsengumi!

Very gorgeous.
The backgrounds are Japanese-style and nice too.
I guess because of my Japanese roots I tend to prefer the wafu (Japanese style) backgrounds.

Finished KAGETORA #7

Thu, 08 Jun 2006 03:59:16 GMT

I finished KAGETORA #7 today.
So without break I will start on KAGETORA #8.

I also went to Company B to do some consulting work, and then to Company S to play the game.
Although I didn't have time to play the game; we had to do some translation stuff.

We had to work off of an excel while researching online, so there was a lot of mouse work and my right wrist started hurting.

...

So I had to stop early.
Sorry to my co-worker SH-kun!

I came home and did more work for Company JRI.

So today I did work for 4 different companies.
Wow, I'm like a true freelancer now. :D

Training with Client Company S(2)

Wed, 07 Jun 2006 03:58:13 GMT

Today I went to Company S to train with a new client, Company S(2).
And I guess they're a part of our best client Company SP.

So we are starting on the game tomorrow.
Apparently, they already need 700 words by tomorrow.

Talk about tight deadline.
Although 700 words isn't much.

But this is what this game is about.
Lots of words and tight deadlines.

Phew.

I've never played this game, or a similar in the same exact category.
So tomorrow we're going to start by playing around with the game.

Finished the Shojo Manga

Sat, 03 Jun 2006 19:34:27 GMT

I finished the shojo manga from Company DR on this hot day while watching the French Open.

This job was pretty fun because I think this was the first straight-out shojo manga I did.
I usually work on shonen/seinen manga, I think.

Now I get to focus on KAGETORA #7.

And on Tuesday, I’ll be starting on the game for Company S.

Fanime Day 2

Sun, 28 May 2006 05:13:37 GMT

Today was pretty hectic.

It gets that way when you’re working for two companies…

I went to go help Company B set up the booth, and then left to go interpret a few panels and autograph sessions.
Then back to Company B to help the booth, then back to interpret.

Back and forth, back and forth.

Someone recognized me and said “Wow, you’re busy, aren’t you?”

I did realize that I like selling at the booth more than interpreting.
I think the “sell sell sell” akindo (merchant) blood is in me, afterall.
I probably got it from my dad, who’s from Kobe.
Most people from the Kansai (western) region are said to be akindo.

I hardly got any work done for my manga. I hope to finish at least two chapters before I go back to LA.

Fanime Day 1

Fri, 26 May 2006 15:45:48 GMT

I’m at Fanime now on the Fanime WiFi.
I love having internet connection at cons!!

I was expecting work from JRI, but it’s not here yet.
I called their office but they don’t get in until 9am…

I wonder if this week’s work is going to be cancelled?

Today I’ll be pretty busy.

I have to work at Company B’s booth until 12pm.
Then I’ll interpret panels/autograph sessions for Company G until 2pm.
2 to 3pm I’ll have a Company B panel.
Then back to the booth until 6pm.
6 to 8pm I’ll be interpreting for Company G.

It doesn’t look that busy in writing but I have to do a lot of set up and meetings before that.

Usually when I interpret, I like to meet with the client so I know how to lead the panel.
There’s also likes and dislikes too…like if the client is okay with having his/her picture taken.
I think most of the people today are okay with pictures…two of them are voice actors.

I also try to ask their bio.
That way when panel attendees ask a question I would know what they are talking about.

Yamaga-san I hardly have to meet with, since I’ve worked with him for many years now.
But maybe something came up that we should briefly talk about.

Also, this is not Fanime related but I found a new adapter for more DUP USA songs.
So we’ll have more songs in their lineup.
Stephanie (Yanez) and I just finalized the “Million Dollar Smile,” so hopefully she’ll be able to sing it soon.

Leaving for Fanime

Thu, 25 May 2006 07:34:43 GMT

I'll be leaving for Fanime in about 9 hours.

I'll be half working for Company B and half working for Company G.

So for Company B I'll be at the booth and their panel, and for Company G I'll be translating most of their panels.
Company G brought 4 people this time: An all-around guy, an animator, and two voice actors.
So that'll be a handful.

Hopefully I can work on some projects for Company DR while I'm there.
I have two manga due next week!
I'm going to only take the NYA (not yet announced) project, because I'd rather do that first.
Then I'll do the easier KAGETORA #7.
KAGETORA is easier because I'm used to all the characters now.
For the new project, I still have to think through the tone of the book and characters.

Two Projects Simultaneously

Fri, 19 May 2006 03:34:57 GMT

I started on the title XX from Broccoli and Del Rey's KAGETORA #7.

For title XX, it was good that I also worked on title X because or else I wouldn't know what the heck is going on.

KAGETORA #7 is actually my favorite volume.
It has, in my opinion, the best cover.
And the inside is very good.
Love triangle!

I'm having a hard time concentrating because the Clippers vs Suns is on.
I'm even having a hard time writing this blog...

Novel Finished

Thu, 18 May 2006 00:08:42 GMT

I finished my novel translation today.
It felt good to have that off of my back.

I still have touch-up work to do, but it feels like the day finals are over.

You know, I was so happy to graduate college because it meant I would have no more homework and no more papers. Tests are okay, because I love taking tests.
But now my work as a translator is like having homework...

What happened??

Anyways, update with my workload.
I have a small job due next week.
Then I have two manga due the week after that.
And two weeks later I have another manga due.

I'm still working on the Juvenile Orion illustration book.

I have other stuff pending that I don't have due dates for.
Those are actually the worst.

New Manga

Thu, 11 May 2006 16:46:31 GMT

I didn't recover from E3 yet but I already have a new manga job.
New series! Yay!

I don't know if it was announced yet...I'm assuming it'll be announced at AX.

It's due around the same time as KAGETORA #7, so I really need to finish up the novel.
Which I've been working on nonstop everyday. I haven't gone to my other work this whole week.
And fortunately the Japanese cultural translations are not coming in this week because my client is in Japan.

Meeting Friends at E3

Mon, 08 May 2006 18:29:20 GMT

My friend is coming to E3 from the east coast, so I decided to meet him there.
It's nice to have businees excuses to meet with a friend.

Think of all the airfare he's saving.

Jobs that give you trips to go see other places are the best.

I wish I can go to Japan more for business trips, but the last time that happened was in the summer.
Never want that again.

The Sun Setting in West LA

Sat, 06 May 2006 04:38:44 GMT

The problem with my desk at the company is that there are big windows in the office (which I don't care for. I can work in the basement with a red stapler) and when I sit, I face west.

The problem?

I have a hard time working from 6:20pm to about 6:40pm.
The sun is in my eyes.
I can't wear my new Transitions® glasses because
1) I'm indoors
2) It's prescription and the monitor is too close to me and my eyes will start to hurt

The sun is a bigger problem when I have to translate a rush rush job that's due tomorrow.

It was sadder when the sun got out of the way that I had no lamp to light my area.
Since I'm new and the office is moving in two weeks, I have a very "temporary" desk area.
I don't even have a red stapler.

Another sad story is that some other guy in the International team works at my desk.
And today I came to work and discovered that he spilled juice or soda over the nice and new Dell keyboard.
(I love Dell keyboards!)

And the spacebar was half stuck.

And when the spacebar is half stuck, that's double trouble for Japanese translations.
You use the spacebar to go through the different kanji characters.

So I immediately emailed IT and asked for a replacement.
To show them how badly my spacebar was working, I wrote them something like this:

"Hello. I came to work and it looks like someone spilled juice or soda over the keyboard.
Some of the letters and the spacebar gets stuck.
The big problemis the keyboard andit is delaying my work.
Can somebody comeup and either cleanor replacemy keyboard?
Thank you."

Someone came within 10 minutes because my supervisor told them that the Japanese team has many urgent projects right now and cannot afford to be messing with a bad keyboard.

So I got a nice, smaller Dell keyboard.

And that allowed me to work for about 7 hours on the TV show.
I watched it many times to get the sense of the dialogue.
Luckily the main guy talks like an asshole, and so do I in Japanese.
The hard part is trying to talk like a woman.

Tom Hanks on Conan

Fri, 05 May 2006 08:27:48 GMT

Hm.

The greatest part of tonight's show was Tom Hank's story about going to meet the prime min of Japan.

For people who didn't see the episode:

Sony Pic or somebody offered Tom if he would like to go see the prime min of Japan (Koizumi).
Tom said sure, and he thought he needed to get him a gift.

After a few discussions here and there, someone suggests that Tom give Koizumi a mickey mouse watch because his character wears it in the movie.

So they decide.

BUT.

Someone high up at Sony Pic says:

"Hey, we spent all this money making this movie, spending more money to send Tom to Japan to see the prime min, and we're giving a watch with a Walt Disney licensed character on it?"

So they decided to just give him an autographed DVC book instead.

That was a great story just because I was in the licensed products business.
Heh heh heh.

The worst part of the show was when they showed a clip of the movie.

It was the beginning of the movie where Tom is giving a lecture about symbols.

Yeah, it was a good clip...

It's just that it was the exact scene I watched many times subtitled in Japanese.

I had the sound off then, so this time I got to hear what Tom was saying in English for the first time, but...

I remember the lecture scene so much I can actually repeat the lines (in Japanese).

Oh well.

Overall it was a very funny night.

Happy Birthday! Here's a Rush Job

Fri, 05 May 2006 07:01:05 GMT

I got another job from Sony Pictures.
Rush rush.

This is English to Japanese! Oh dear. (Sounds like Pooh)

Due May 6.
Are you nuts!?

That means I have to work on it over the weekend...I have a tennis tournament Sunday...

Today was my birthday.
I spent the whole day out...working.
I was working on the novel project, while doing some consulting, and then I went to my Sushi Restaurant job.

So tired.

I got a sushi birthday cake from my co-worker sushi chef Ken.
Rice on the bottom, covered with spicy tuna, egg candles with ikura flame.
So cute! I wanted to take a picture but I didn't think the camera phone would do any good so I didn't take a picture.

Oh well. Back to my novel job.

It's still worth it because I'm my own boss.
I think I'll have a great year.
Yup yup.

Reasons for Being Fast

Thu, 04 May 2006 06:57:06 GMT

My editor at Del Rey is a very lovely person.
(Actually I haven't met her in person yet...hopefully at AX)

She always thanks me for "doing a quick job" or "replying so fast with the additional translation notes."

Yes, I usually turn in things before the deadline.
(Well, now I do. I didn't turn in essays before the deadline in college)

This is for many reasons.

1) I like to get on things when they come to me.
So when she sends me a question with a simple answer, I usually answer as soon as the email comes.
I also don't want to sit on it and forget about it.

2) I have dreams about the work that's sitting on my desk.
Not dreams, they are nightmares.
"Ugh, I still have 3 translation jobs to do..."
"The novel text is chasing me..."
Stuff like this.

3) This week I have another reason.
I didn't want any deadlines on my birthday.
It's already bad enough that I'm working at the restaurant on my birthday.
So I recently turned in something for Broccoli.
My editor made it due on my birthday!
And I think he knows it's my birthday too...
I wonder if that was my present.
"Here you go, the deadline for this manga. Happy Birthday."

Hm.

Three Jobs Done

Tue, 02 May 2006 00:45:44 GMT

After spending most of my day at home watching the live coverage of the May Day Protest...

I finished the manga translation.
I finished the anime movie translation.
And I finished the novel job.

Yay! Now I can spend the next two weeks on the other novel translation.

And my birthday.

And my tennis tournaments.

And E3!
Although I might get work at E3.

By the way, there were cops roaming on my street today (probably looking for school ditchers) and they stopped when they saw me.
Did they think I was a kid ditching school?
I did look young, because I was walking home after a visit to Bally's.

May Day Immigrant March

Sun, 30 Apr 2006 23:51:25 GMT

One of tomorrow's march/rally is going to be near my work, so I decided not to go in.
I do have the media and the script for the anime film I'm working on, so I'll be working at home.

I'm almost done.
I'm at...1 hour and 9 minutes or so.

But currently I'm not working on that one.
I'm working on the manga.
I hope to finish by tonight/tomorrow so I can get it out of the way.

Bu- bu-.

An Anime Movie Translation

Thu, 27 Apr 2006 01:56:55 GMT

Today I started working on a rush-rush project for an anime film.
Luckily it's Japanese to English.

So I guess they are planning to release it on the big screen?
Or at least have some screenings.

I am not really fond of the director's work. I think I saw two of his and only liked one.
So I am at 50% with the director.

But actually, I am liking this new film.
Probably because it was originally a novel by an acclaimed writer.
(I haven't read the writer's other works, but I do know about them).

This 1.5 hour film translation is due May 3.
I have another manga due May 4.
I have another project due May 12.
Then a novel is due May 17.

Wow...

Fortunately, I don't have my weekly translation work from the website.