“The image is a work in progress. It will be a cover for the Shounen Sunday magazine. The character on the right corner of the screen is in his former attire. We could’ve gone with his new outfit, but we didn’t want to start the morning with such a dark cover on the magazines lined up in the stores.
Starting this week, we’ll be entering the Kou Empire arc. Even though the arc will be centered on the Kou empire, Balbadd will inevitably be caught up and Aladdin, Alibaba and co will have to take action accordingly. Please, look forward to it.”
“The image is an illustration for DVD 11 limited edition. Alibaba has it rough for the longest time, and I wanted to treat him to a complete formal look. The truth is, I tried for his hair to be properly combed back, but him being in the corner didn’t enable me to do it.
I hope you enjoy reading Magi this week. It’s been two chapters since the setting shifted to the Kou empire. This week on the 17th, the newest volume wil be out for sale. Please, go ahead and check it out”
“The image is the storyboard, the draft and the completed version of a page from chapter 242. The draft is created by making a light blue monochromatic copy of the storyboard and making adjustments to the rough sketch. Then, we fill in with the pen and the page is completed. While it may not look it, creating the storyboard is the most time consuming step of the process.
This week is the second chapter of the dungeon that Hakuryuu and Judar ventured into. I apologize for all the confusion with going back and forth in time during the manga, but the timeframe of the current part of the story is after the last scene in volume 20~during the first half of volume 21.”
“The image is a work in progress. It’s for volume 24. The release date has been set for January.
There was a misprint in the previous chapter. ‘Phenex’s dungeon’ should’ve been ‘Astaroth’s dungeon’. I apologize for it and it will be corrected for the volume release.”
“The image is the cover of volume 24 that will be out in January. Since the content in volume 24 are depressing in nature, I wondered whether I should go with something delightful. However, I felt like I’ll be going against the nature of the storyline in the volume itself, so this is what I ended up going with. I’ll try my best to draw something happier for volume 25!
I hope you enjoy reading Magi this week. It will be three black mentsu in this week as well (mentsu: combination of three tiles that form a set in mahjong).
Around this time, Aladdin’s staff will be available for Monster Hunter 4G. I apologize for not drawing something centered on the protagonist. I bought MH4G, but haven’t managed to find time to play much of it.
I love the bug cane(?) and I really want Aladdin’s staff.”
“It will be Christmas soon. Everyone, how are you going to spend it? As for me, it’s going to be working!
As time passes in the world of Magi, the characters grow up and it can be difficult keeping up with this fact. Though, Judar is still supposed to be three centimetres taller than Hakuryuu.
This week, it will be the second chapter of the battle against Gyokuen. I hope you enjoy it.”
“It’s December!
There will be a special issue in December. It will be new year soon and it will make me happy if you’re still enjoying reading Magi when we hit that date.
I hope you enjoy reading Magi this week. Even though it doesn’t suit Christmas, the savagery will continue. Please accompany me until the end.”
“Including this week’s chapter, we’re down to two chapters of Magi for this year.
This week’s issue of Shounen Sunday will feature a Magi-themed cover, and it will come with a Christmas card. The cover will be a colored illustration of Sinbad that I did before for the Magi Festival.
The Hakuryuu vs Gyokuen fight will also reach its climax. I hope you enjoy it. The Kou Empire arc will continue, and it’s far from over.”
“The image is the message paper for volume 24 that will be out next month. As usual, it has nothing to do with the main plot, and I wish you enjoy it none the less.
This week will feature the final chapter of Magi for this year. I thank you for keeping up with it and I hope you continue enjoying it during next year as well. Let’s meet again in the next backstage on January 7th!”
“The image is the omake manga found at the end of volume 24 that will be out on the 16th of this month. Just like the bookstore-exclusive paper, the storyline of the omake has nothing to do with the main plot. I hope you enjoy it.
This week’s issue features the first Magi chapter of this year. It continues with the Kou Empire arc, and Alibaba, Aladdin and co are begining to get involved.”
“The image is a work in progress.
I took a break last week and the manga will resume this week. With the start of the new year, the curtains were raised on the melancholic meeting between Alibaba and Hakuryuu, and this week’s chapter is a continuation of it.
I hope you enjoy reading Magi this year. Volume 24 is already on sale!”
“The image is an illustration for a front cover or something for a Magi volume that I drew and didn’t end up using. Judar looks quite bored, which makes me think it’s something that I did way back.
I hope you enjoy reading Magi this week. The melancholic meeting between the two has evolved into a violent confrontation between the four. I hope you enjoy it.”
“The image are character designs of Doorj, Touya and others from the Kouga tribe. They are stuff that I drew back while working on the Kouga arc from volume 3 and didn’t end up using. When I look at them right now I think ‘don’t they look too much like main characters who are resisting to the bitter end against Hakuei and Rosai?’
This week’s chapter is centered around the talk between Aladdin and Judar. Once again, I’ll take a rest next week. Since I can’t finish both a colored manuscript and the next chapter in a week, I was given a break and I apologize for it. I have also started working on the materials for volume 25, please, look forward to it!”
“speaking of which, back around the time the Kou Empire arc started and I was writing a summary of the plot, the following was scribbled on the note: ‘Judar is already 20 years old, shouldn’t he cut down on doing that?’
It’s been a long time since I have memories of almost falling into depravity during work. (Note: she’s referring to drawing characters in their djinn equip. She talked about it in an earlier entry from the Magnostadt arc).
I thank everyone who sent me letters and chocolate in Valentine’s day, I was so happy when I looked at them and they really encouraged me. As much as I can assure you, this year, a reply is going to be written to each person that sent me presents to this day that arrived to the editorial department and were delivered to me. Even though it will not be much for White Day, I’ve been thinking about what I should reply with.
I also thank everyone who sent me presents last year and the year before. I received a lot of things back then and didn’t get to write back. I accpet your message of encouragement with thanks.
I was impressed that there were a lot of chocolate shaped like Sinbad’s leaf, and it made feel like I’m surrounded by green.”
“The image portrays the ranking of the Valentine Day’s findings for each character (note: I think this is a ranking based on how much chocolate each character got)
Last week, we saw Hakuryuu in his new djinn equip for the first time. Back when I designed it, I imagined Hakuryuu would be fighting a lot calmly without moving around a lot. Though, now that I ended up portraying him charging while agressively swinging his scythe left and right…
The two battles are nearing their conclusion, please, accompany me until then.”
“Soon, it will be the season of cherry blossoms.
Volume 25 will be out in April. I wanted to draw a cheerful cover befitting of spring, but it can’t be helped that the plot that the volume covers is dark in nature. I’m in trouble and don’t know what to do.
I hope you enjoy reading Magi this week. We’re still continuing with the four’s fight. Please, see it through to the end.”
“The image is the cover of volume 25 that will be out next month. It turned out kind of spoilerific. Since the occasions where I get to draw female characters have decreased as of late, I really enjoyed working on it.
I hope you enjoy reading Magi this week. On the 29th of this month, the Sunday Fes 2015 will take place, and it’s been decided that I’ll be present for signing. The location is the Pacifico Yokohama exhibition hall. Even though the sign meeting is going to be limited to fifty people that were decided by drawing of lots and the time too is probably limited, I think I can take simple drawing requests and I would be happy to. Everyone, if you could, please, come to the hall!
“The image is a work in progress. It’s going to be the back cover of volume 25.
As a character, Judar was designed to have a complexion that is somewhat paler than Hakuryuu and other characters around his age (probably due to his eating habits). Though I color him with that concept in mind, it always ends up getting blown away (note: the concept not being stressed on?) thanks to corrections.
I hope you enjoy reading Magi this week. We’re nearing the conclusion!”
“The image is the omake manga at the end of volume 25 that will be out next month. This time, it will be centered around the Reim Empire.
I hope you enjoy reading Magi this week! An unprecedented unnerving occurance took place. When the tension is rising a bit too much, it leaves me out of breath, though, when the tension gets this low, I get worried now that it has come to this, what I can do to make things better? (note: I’m not sure if I worded that right, feel free to correct me)
Even so, to everyone who sent gifts addressed to the characters in Valentine’s day, even though it’s not much, a response has been sent to you. Regarding those that didn’t have the sender’s address recorded on them, and those that once again had the slip damaged and the address cannot be made out, they are being seen off. Again, to everyone who sent letters addressed to Hakuryuu on White Day, thank you very much. That backstage from before was a verbal slip, and I apologize for it (probably she meant drawing Hakuryuu with zero chocolate wasn’t very considerate, or something). He ended up receiving quite a lot, and I’m not sure if it’s possible to respond to them all. Though, I’m quite grateful that you allowed me the chance to read them.”
“The image is the volume 25 message paper that will be out next month. This time as well, it’s a laid-back piece that doesn’t relate to the main plot. It’s about what each character is especially good and not good at. I’ll be glad if you enjoy it!
The battle that Aladdin and the others fought has come to an end. I hope you like the developments that will come next.
I thank everyone who attended the sign meeting in the Sunday Fes yesterday. To everyone who traveled a long distance, to everyone who took the time to come in the midst of their busy schedule, to everyone who once again brought me Magi goods and to everyone who handed me letters, I’m really grateful to you.
I’m looking forward to the next occasion we meet again.”
“I took a rest last week. Magi will be back in this week’s issue.
The fight that involved Aladdin, Alibaba, Hakuryuu and Judar has been concluded. From now on, Kouen, his followers and other Kou Empire members are going to appear for real as well. The Kou Empire arc will continue, and I’m in your care.
Volume 25 will be out on the 17th of this month.”
“The image depicts the 50m race from the special paper of volume 25 that was out last week.
I hope you enjoy reading Magi this week!”
“The image is something that I drew before Magi began serialization that I didn’t end up using. It’s something from before I settled on the setting and the character design. Alibaba who looks quite superficial, Morgiana who’s wearing glasss and such, there are some curious aspects to it. As for the background illustarion below, it was at one time intended to be the title page of the first chapter.
As for this week’s issue of Shounen Sunday, since Wednesday is a holiday, it will be out on Tuesday.”
“I have drawn the cover of this week’s issue of Sunday. The image is the cover illustration in its entirety.
I wonder how everyone spent Golden Week? As for me, I worked and played Mosnter Hunter, and played Mosnter Hunter and in the end, I couldn’t get Amon’s sword.
I also contemplated whether I should go with Alibaba’s new form for the cover, but it looked like there will be difficulties depicting it, so I gave up on the idea.”
Note: she used the kanji ‘絵面的’ to describe why it was difficult for her to have Alibaba’s other form on the cover. I couldn’t find that kanji in the dictionary, and when I looked it up on Japanese sites it was explained as ‘the impression you get from a drawing or a scene. The feeling or the visual impression.’
“Last week, the story got interrupted by a movie (?) taking place in a strange, distant world, but we’re continuing with the Kou Empire arc.
Even though the ‘Arabian Fantasy’ term doesn’t suit the Kou Empire arc, I’m trying my best. Please, accompany me!”
“In this week’s Magi, we’re continuing with the Kou Empire arc.
These days, I’m finishing work on volume 26. The limited edition of volume 26 will come with rubber charms. They will be based on the Hakuryuu and Judar drawings that I did for Backstage 252. With them as straps, their pose make them look like they are floating.”
“The image is the cover of volume 26 that will be out next month.
I drew this picture while thinking that the Night where Judar and Hakuryuu took this pose will be in volume 26, but it turned out to be Night 244 from volume 25. My mistake…please, read while recalling those events from volume 25.
As for the current storyline, we’re continuing with the Kou Empire arc. It will be a chapter centered around Kouha and Kougyoku.”
“The image depicts the process of working on the cover illustration of volume 26 from the begining to the end. The overall impression that I settle on around the third step are the most important steps in the process. Steps 4-5 are straightforward. By the sixth step, it’s brimming with energy.
Next week, Magi is on a break. Let’s meet again in the week after the next!”
“The image is a work in progress. It’s a Gyokuen-centered piece for volume 26.
It occurred to me ‘this is a shounen magazine, so let’s draw a cute girl’. In the draft stage I thought ‘even when she has no clothes on her, none of those who would see her would like her’, and I dressed her up as normal. I think I chose the wrong character.
Magi was on a break last week and will be back in this week’s issue.”
“The image depicts the volume 26 special paper that will be out on the 17th of July, this time, it’s a compatibility test according to Yunan’s own judgement and prejudice. There are eight types. Why don’t you test your own affinity?
This week covers the Kou Empire arc’s battle.
Something unusual about Hakuryuu?”
Paper Preview translation:
Yunan: everyone what type of rukh do you have the most affinity with? Magicians can directly give orders to the rukh, but the rukh affinity of those other than the magicians has nothing to do with fighting. Keep your eyes peeled, there can be an affinity. Today, I’m going to teach you how to examine your affinity with the rukh types, all according to my own judgement and prejudice.
Type (1) Fire, red
The Whimsical Adventurer:
Since this type lacks greed and the desire to get ahead in life, the thing they show best is their urge to protect others. The thing that’s unfortunate about this type, though, is their abnormal sex drive. They are happy when they fulfill basic needs like eating, sleep and such.
Examples: Aladdin, Wahid, Masrur, Roh-Roh, Toto.
Type (2) Water, Blue
They are always out to get the things they want.
Otakus
Examples: Judar, Yamraiha, Ugo, Setta.
“The image is the omake at the end of volume 26 that will be out on the 17th. It’s a tale centered around Aladdin and Kougyoku, who haven’t had the chance to interact in the current arc. Please, look forward to it!
There wil be a sudden development in Night 273. Don’t miss it!””
“In the picture are all the Kou Empire’s attendants. I once intended for it to be a frotispiece for the current arc, but it ended up looking too plain and gave up on the idea.
This week, we’re continuing from where last week’s sudden development left off. This Friday on the 17th, the new volume will be out, go ahead and read it along with this week’s chapter!”
“I took a break last week. This week, the scene temporarily shifts to Alibaba and Judar. It’s been a long time since these two made an appearance.
Soon, the Kou Empire arc as a whole will be nearing its final stages. Please, accpompany me for a little while.”
“The image is a work in progress. Regarding her appearance, I created her using a kabuki actress as a reference. Everytime I draw her, it’s troublesome to have her give an impression different and more complex from what you’d get from a djinn equip.
We’re continuing with Alibaba and Judar this week. Please, go ahead and read it!”
“It’s summer! Personally, I’m team mountains rather than team beach (note: this is probably also a reference to the Relaxation Trip trilogy where the characters ended up going to the hot springs. Morgiana and Hakuei wanted to go to the mountains, while as Alibaba, Aladdin and Kougyoku wanted to go to the beach)
Last week’s chapter centered around Alibaba and Judar, and in this week we’ll be back to the battlefield. There will be a sudden development, don’t miss it!
Lately, I’ve been doing work on volume 27. I’ll do my best to get it ready for an October release.”
“Just when it occurred to me ‘it’s summertime!’ the weather is starting to get cooler.
I hope you enjoy reading Magi this week. Though a lot of different powers are gathered and the situation has gotten chaotic, we are down to a few chapters of the Kou Empire arc. Please, see it through to the end what decisions the Kou Empire characters are going to arrive at.”
“The image is the cover of volume 27 that will be out next month. It’s to mirror the cover of volume 26. It’s the illustration that ended up hurting my eyes the most, and if you happen to spot the volume in the bookstores, then, by all means…
Since I don’t follow just one way to paint, each cover ends up looking differently. The cover of volume 15 is my favorite.
This week, we’re continuing with Kouen’s story. Even though Hakuryuu seems from his actions and manner of speech like someone who’s quite repulsive of others, I think more than anyone else, he’s the sort who develops an interest in others and expects a lot from them. When the people that he took a liking to betray those expectations, he’s seething with a strong resentment toward them.”
“The image is from the volume 27 omake that will be out next month. This time it’s centered around the brothers Kouen, Koumei and Kouha. Kouha’s mother will be making a brief appearance as well. As usual, it doesn’t take place at the same time as the current arc and I’ll be glad if you enjoy it.
This week, we’ll be continuing with Hakuryuu and Kouen.”
Omake preview translation:
Panel (1)
Koumei: big brother, do you know anything about us having a little brother?
Kouen: what did you say? This is the first time I heard of it.
Panel (2)
Koumei: this is our big brother.
Kouen: I have yet another sister?
Koumei: I told you it was another brother.
“The image is the volume 27 paper that will be out next month. It’s centerd around the only children in Magi and who they would like to have as siblings. It will also be accompanied with a response from the chosen people.
Regarding last week’s chapter, I had trouble drawing Kouen who was standing on the execution platform. I was worried how to portray the facial expressions and stances of a person who was completely ready to die. In Kouen’s case, he probably didn’t look different from his usual self to the observers.
When those at top lose their composure or act thoughtlessly or indignantly they only provoke the masses and so, the masses’ vindictiveness not only become directed at themselves, but also at their followers. For that reason, Kouen has become a character who doesn’t tremble or make such expressions.
This week covers the reunion between Morgiana and Hakuryuu after a long time.”