JULY 2005

July 1, 2005
Hello, it's OO.
So, it's July now. And that means we're gearing up for the "MBS ANIME FESTIVAL 2005 ? Osaka Castle Experiment: Midsummer Night's Dream" taking place in Osaka on July 30th. We are working as hard as ever to produce a Blood+ clip for this huge event. It is going to be the first public screening of Blood+ moving pictures! Actually, to be honest, we haven't done one second of visual work yet. But we're going to give it everything we've got and we hope you will make your way to Osaka and have a look.

July 8, 2005
Hey, it's OO.
Let me tell you now that Blood+ is a truly major project. I'm always talking to lots of people, such as the cartoonists who are drawing the manga adaptations and other people working in the many Blood+ related projects, which unfortunately I'm not yet allowed to disclose at this stage.

And talking to people outside the industry is often very stimulating and can be a lot of fun. However, when I return to the studio after my outside meetings, I can't help but think that this is the best place to be. My happiest moments are the times when my staff deliver the things I ask of them, as their dedication never seems to wane. Or at least so I ponder, on this night under the crescent moon.

July 15, 2005
Hello, it's OO.
The pieces are gradually coming together for the first episode of Blood+, and we are starting to see some film footage. Even though I'm the producer, watching the process of the picture coming together is still the most enjoyable part of it. It may be a little difficult for those of you overseas to make it to the MBS Osaka Castle Experiment ? Midsummer Night's Dream, but if you do have a chance to make it to Japan, do come and be one of the first people in the world to see Blood+!

July 22, 2005
Hello, this is OO.
I know I keep reminding you, but the MBS Anime Festival '05 ? Osaka Castle Midsummer Night's Dream ? is coming up on July 30. The reason I keep bringing this up is because it's been really tricky coming up with material for this event and having a plan and all.

To be honest, it was only the other day that we came up with a proper plan for Blood+. It's been really tough even with a project with so little material like Blood+. I can imagine it must be many times harder creating footage for some other project with lots of material to work from. Not only is there the film footage, but also the music people and the cast members, so you can say that it's a really tough hurdle to get over. This is why I just really want as many people as possible to see the result. In any case, we can't be sure that there will be another such event again, so for those of you still thinking of coming, I urge you to not miss this opportunity. If a typhoon were to hit that day, we might not be able to do the set up, so we pray that a typhoon does not come. I'll also head to Osaka on the day before and help prepare for the event, so I hope that you will be able to make it as well.

July 29, 2005
Hello, everyone. This is OO.
I am at Osaka Castle Park right now. Why? Well, for the MBS Anime Festival '05 ? Osaka Castle Experiment Midsummer Night's Dream ? of course! From 12:30 today, we'll be doing a rehearsal for the Blood+ segment. The voice actor for the lead character Saya is very young and still has a relatively short career, so we're a little nervous about whether she'll be able to properly do the live performance. At the rehearsal in Tokyo, her performance was a little to be desired, but we hope that she can pull it off with her youthfulness.

But it sure is hot in Osaka. If 15,000 people come tomorrow, I can't imagine the enthusiasm and excitement we're going to have here at the venue. Half of me is looking forward to it and the other half is quite anxious. I've peeked at some of the rehearsals for other works showing here, and I can confidently say that this event is going to be very exciting!