Princess Tutu Scrapbook: Itoh Replies!

[wmchichiri.livejournal.com]

As previously mentioned by puppyfuu Itoh-san has graciously and generously sent comments on the Tutu Scrapbook. At this time I have sent all contributors either an e-mail or a Deviant Art Note with Itoh-san's comments in regards to their contribution for the Tutu Scrapbook (with the exception of haleysings as she was confused as to what your contribution was, fear not I've explained what you did, so she'll probably have a note for you at some point in the future as well. ^.^ If you contributed and have not received a note at your e-mail address or Deviant Art account, please e-mail me: wmchichiri at yahoo dot com or you can contact puppyfuu.

In case anyone was curious, Itoh sent a group note to all the contributors, and then individualized, personal notes for everyone else. :) I leave it to individual contributors if they want to share what Itoh-san wrote to them, or not. The English in the notes isn't perfect, as Itoh-san knew someone who was willing to translate her thoughts on the scrapbook into English but the meaning can still be understood, and I didn't feel like cleaning up the English in this case, as I wanted the words to maintain more of Itoh's hand.

Here's
To all who could contribute to create the scrap book,

Dear everyone,

I've never received the hearted present that took time and labor up to this level before. At the moment I had it in my hand, I was surprised at the weight and moved to know that fans' feelings that think of the title is such deep and passionate. It's been more than twenty years since I started involving in anime industry, but that was the moment when I could feel I was rewarded for my hard work.

As soon as I returned to Japan, I displayed the scrap book at the living room in my home. I guess I would spend my life looking at this scrap book and remembering memorable Austin where I was welcomed warmly everyday
from now on.

I was already deeply touched when you showed footage from Princess Tutu
at the opening ceremony of the event. I thought "Probably I can't make speech well today..." It was not only me but also it seems that was the same
case for two Japanese voice actor and actress at the front row. My words got blocked as I was afraid and I couldn't express my feelings less than half I wanted to say, but I was rather glad to see the fact that voice actors and actresses gave added grace to the event.

I'm not a director but an animator, so I'm afraid I'm not so talkative most of the time. I can't say nice things during my talk, but I would try to entertain you by keeping drawing pictures from now on.

I believe the title that is devoted by creators could somehow remain in peoples mind. I think the title Prince Tutu would get older as time goes by and be buried under the coming new age, but I really appreciate it if you would remember the small dancing ducky by chance and be energized by that even a little.

Sincerely yours from the bottom of my heart,
Ikuko Itoh


Dear [C]-san,

First of all, I'd like to express my biggest appreciation for devoting
yourself into creating this scrap book. As I noted above, I really
really appreciate the present to me. Actually I sometimes create art works
like this, so I can imagine how large amount of time you consumed to gather
materials and create this. I was impressed that every page is designed
with its theme and your sense is wonderful to do that. Thank you so
much for the wonderful and lovely present. Please give my best regards to
[only_seimei] who also contributed to this scarp book.
Fakir you drew for me is very lovely. I like the pointed toe. (^^)b
Neko-sensei and Uzura are just fit to the gear and they're so cute.

I'm amazed that you're so good at layout [C]-san. Your ballet picture
when you were a child is very cute. "Nut Cracker Doll" is one of my
favorite ballet titles that I like very much and I used many theme tunes from
that title in Princess Tutu. I think people all around the world listen to
that tune at Christmas, and that makes them watch its ballet stage and
reminds people of childhood memories [such as you]. I also thought I wanted
to create anime that people can warmly remember listening to this tune.
The Fakir & Ahiru shikisi board I gave you was a kind of rare among
those I drew originally, I guess, cause their love was quite ephemeral in
Princess Tutu... I hope you would add it into your "wall collection". When I
ask a fan "what character would you like me to draw?" at event and such,
there are fans that answer a name of characters immediately. I can notice
he/she really likes the character by the fact and that makes me very happy.
Thank you so much for loving the title Princess Tutu and Fakir & Ahiru.
I really appreciate it.


[anything in brackets shows edits I made to maintain privacy of names]