.:My 2 Yen:.
FRIDAY, MARCH 05, 2004
Lost in Translation...
You just KNOW a Japanese-English translator was fired today for the 2 week long controversy over Negima. Ken Akamatsu, the manga-ka most famous for Love Hina and the more recent A.I. Love You, was supposedly furious over the 10 pages worth of censorship publishing company Del Rey had planned for Negima. Censorship in "Americanized" anime is not uncommon, especially since Americans still haven't gotten over the sterotype that cartoons are "for kids." This isn't Trix cereal, people! The point is, Akamatsu allegedly made some very rash comments:
"It's [American censorship] strict, like Korea years ago. Of course, the sexy scenes between jr. high students have been given considerable forethought. Now isn't it that America is stricter than europe?"
I'm a little surprised no one thought that this might be a rogue statement. For starters there's the atrocious spelling errors, bad grammer, and misuse of capitilization. The statement makes Akamatsu come off as completely angry, and probably shook up a couple of otaku. Love Hina is very popular afterall, so why would Akamatsu say something that could damage his international reputation>
He didn't. Just today, Akamatsu released a statement (with much better grammar):
"[I] am not mad. During the translation process to English, there was a misunderstanding. Rather, I am amused."
Akamatsu is not, I repeat NOT distressed over the American release of Negima and/or American censorship. So please, keep reading and buying Love Hina and stop asking your distant Japanese cousin to egg his house or leave flaming bags of doggy doo-doo on his doorstoop. However, the mistakes 'caused by this faulty translator obviously opened up Del Rey's eyes. Negima will be released uncensored, but with shrinkwrap and a 16+ rating to keep the youngins' eyes clear. I suppose this is fair, but now how will I read it in the store!?