danceofthephilos

[danceofthephilos]

Who founded S, and when?

In episode 4 of SK8's dub, Reki refers to Joe and Cherry as "founders" of S, and this has led to a pretty widespread conception in the English-speaking fandom that the two of them were... well, S's founders alongside Adam, that it started when the three of them were in school, that they're still involved in it on a managerial level, or even claims that they founded it first and Adam stole it after the fact.

But what is actually being said here?

It's the word "初期メンバー" that was translated as "founders" in the dub, and while it can mean "founding members", in a sense, there is no implication in the word 初期 of actively being involved in creating something, simply that they were the earliest members (it means "in the initial stage.")

Even more telling is Reki's use of みんな - he's talking about a larger group than two people here. He's not setting Joe and Cherry apart as "founders", he's counting everyone who skated at S at the beginning as "初期メンバー" and namedropping the two characters from that era whose names we know and who are going to be significant to the story. (This reference to "everyone" establishing that there's a larger group going unnamed is also cut from the dub; instead Reki says "Cherry, Joe... man, I bet they'd love to go off about that guy.")

Conversely, looking at how Adam is described...

...it's pretty straightforward.

He's also described in his profile on the official website (and consistently in other official sources that use these character profiles) as 創設者, which does mean founder, explicitly referring to "the person who first established something."

Cherry and Joe, meanwhile, are both referred to as Sの実力者のうちの1人, or "one of the big names at S." They're certainly both respected, influential people within the community - recognition they've earned, not something they're set apart for in any "official" capacity. They've never been described in an official source as 創設者, or in any other way that would indicate they were involved in S's creation rather than simply being two powerful people in the community as it exists now.

There are a few other details that tie into establishing this - mainly disproving the notion that Adam stole something already existing. In episode 5, as they're fleeing from the police, Tadashi says this...

...indicating that Crazy Rock was part of a regular police patrol route before Adam was able to use his money/influence to have it removed, something that Cherry and Joe (particularly years ago, when Cherry wouldn't have had the money he's earning now) would not have had the power to do.

And in episode 12, when discussing the change in course, Joe says this:

Literally saying "it became banned", this is wording on Joe's part that would make no sense for a decision he was involved in. He's describing this as something that happened totally separate from him. Early enough that the funeral course was still being used, Joe (and presumably also Cherry) were not making calls about the management of S like this.

There's also a relevant quote from SK8's screenwriter, Ichiro Okouchi:

When considering Adam as a character, I thought he would need someone beside him. If Kikuchi wasn't there, Adam would become a character who would do nothing but talk to himself, and it would be difficult for Adam to manage S alone.

(spoon.2Di, volume 72)

Part of Tadashi's entire conceptualization as a character was because without him, Adam would be running S alone. Early enough in the development in the series that Tadashi hadn't properly been created yet, S was imagined as something solely belonging to Adam.

Adam is S's founder; Joe and Cherry were simply in the initial group of members, along with other people who haven't yet been named.

Additionally, from only a few pieces of dialog it's possible to narrow down when Adam started S - and it wasn't during the DK era. When Joe interrupts Reki in episode 4, he says this:

Earlier in the same episode, Cherry says this:

And the two of them have this exchange at the beginning of episode 9:

Adam, Joe and Cherry are all 26 years old (25 going on 26, in Cherry's case; he hasn't actually had his birthday by the end of season 1, but this is normal for how ages are listed for anime characters.) Seven years ago would have been the end of their last year of high school (Adam, as the oldest of the three of them, would have turned 19 just over a month after graduating high school.)

When Adam skated with Joe and Cherry was seven years ago, before he left for America, and he hasn't accepted any of their challenges since he returned to Japan. In Joe's words, this time skating together was "way before S started."

So, all together:

For some time in high school, Adam, Joe and Cherry all skated together as a group (sometimes with some other friends/gang members.) Seven years before SK8 season 1 takes place, Adam was sent away to America by his father, ending his friendship with Joe and Cherry. Some time after that (presumably upon his father's death,) he returned to Japan and founded S with Tadashi to assist him in managing it, using his influence to remove the abandoned mine from regular police patrols to protect it, and Joe and Cherry were among a larger initial group of skaters who competed at the time. Since then, he's never agreed to a beef with Joe or Cherry despite them challenging him many times, so neither of them have skated with him since S started.

TL;DR - Adam is the person who started S and he and Tadashi were always conceptualized as the only people running it, and the idea that Adam, Joe and Cherry founded it as a trio comes from a mistranslation in the dub.

#sk8 #sk8 the infinity #sk8 meta #adam sk8 #ainosuke shindo #kaoru sakurayashiki #kojiro nanjo #dk trio

[danceofthephilos]

ADAM, madly in love with Langa

Since watching his BEEF with SHADOW in episode #01, ADAM has been deeply interested in Langa. After Langa breaks out of the Love Hug, ADAM's fixation grows even stronger, and he begins calling him "Eve."

(from the SK8 the Infinity Official Guide Book)

#sk8 #sk8 the infinity #translation #sk8 official guidebook #ainosuke shindo #adam sk8 #langa hasegawa

[danceofthephilos]

Michinori Chiba Interview (SK8 the Infinity Official Guide Book)

I think the voice cast's performances carried the visuals as well.

Character Designer & Chief Animation Directer Michinori Chiba

PROFILE

An animator affiliated with Studio Hercules. He was in charge of character design for projects including Basilisk: The Kōga Ninja Scrolls, Mobile Suit Gundam 00 and Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans, among others.

—First, how are you feeling now that episode 12 has finished airing?

Somehow, we made it...

—Could you give us your honest impressions of what you thought when you heard the outline for the series?

It sounded like it'd be a work unlike anything I'd worked on before (because no one dies) so I was interested (and thought it would be very hard.)

—Do you have any favorite episodes, or scenes that left an impression on you?

Of course I have the strongest feelings about episode 1. We were still feeling out a lot of things then.

—Could you tell us your impressions when you first saw Director Utsumi's original character concepts, or anything important you took note of about the designs?

I was glad they were such anime-like anime characters. Only Director Utsumi knows the correct interpretations of her characters, so I tried to fulfill the order as best as I could.

—Were you ever inspired by working alongside the team at Studio No Border, who did the skateboard designs and illustrations?

I have no sense at all for that, so I'm grateful to them.

—Do you have a favorite character?

ADAM and Shadow. Also Sketchy.

—What were your impressions of the voice cast's performances?

Everyone was a perfect, A+ match for their characters, and I think they carried the visuals as well.

—Can you tell us about the appeal of skateboarding we felt in the series?

If I were younger...

—Do you have any anecdotes about Okinawa, the setting for the series?

I had plans to go to Ishigakijima, but things ended up being so difficult...

—If "S" opened in the real world, what part do you think you'd be most involved in?

Watching from a distance.

—Can you send a message to all the fans who loved SK8 the Infinity?

I think it was some kind of fate that you were able to discover this series, so thank you for your continued support.

(from SK8 the Infinity OFFICIAL GUIDE BOOK, released December 22nd 2021)

#sk8 #sk8 the infinity #michinori chiba #translation #sk8 official guidebook

[danceofthephilos]

Ichiro Okouchi Interview (SK8 the Infinity Official Guide Book)

Skateboarding was the peak of fun.

Series Composition & Screenwriter Ichiro Okouchi*

*(though his name is romanized "Ohkouchi" in the book, I'm choosing to write it "Okouchi" as he is usually called in English-language sources.)

PROFILE

Screenwriter and novelist. He was in charge of the series composition and screenplays for major works such as Lupin the Third PART 5, Princess Principal, and Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, among others.

—First, how are you feeling now that episode 12 has finished airing?

FAN & FUN! In working on this series, I myself became a FAN of it, and it was a FUN series to create.

—Could you give us your honest impressions of what you thought when you heard the outline for the series?

When I heard it was an original work by Director Utsumi, I accepted right then. Utsumi-san's series have been so enjoyable to watch, after all. I only heard definitively that it was going to be a skateboarding anime after that. I had never ridden a skateboard before, but working with Utsumi-san was so appealing that I wasn't anxious in the slightest.

—Do you have any favorite episodes, or scenes that left an impression on you?

Episode 2 might be the one that made the most lasting impression on me. How I imagined episode 2 and the episode 2 the director wanted to create were different, so it was the episode that made me think, "Ah, it's this kind of series," and solidified the "image" of SK8 the Infinity in my heart. Thinking back on it, it was an important episode.

—Were there any episodes or behind-the-scenes developments that you hated to cut? (lit. "cut while crying")

There are! But, I can't say definitively that we won't use them in the future, so they're secret!

—Do you have a favorite character? Could you explain your reason why?

I like all of them, so it's difficult to single one out. Langa is dazzling, I love him. Reki, I understand your feelings! MIYA is a good kid who diligently worries about others. Shadow, I'm glad you grew up into a lovable character. Joe is an incredible adult, and if I were a woman I'd fall in love with him. Cherry Blossom might be the most pure-hearted. ADAM is the most incredible heel character, and elevated this work to the next level. Kikuchi, please keep supporting Ainosuke from now on!

—Could you tell us your impressions of the voice cast?

Of course everyone's performances were excellent, and the arrangement and balance of the youth and adult groups was wonderful too.

—Can you tell us about the appeal of skateboarding we felt in the series?

As the line in the series goes, "fun!" is what it's about. Not just when you're skating yourself, but talking to your friends, seeing your buddies' tricks, diligently practicing, and falling down are all fun. I interviewed all kinds of skaters, and it was striking how all of them made even the painful parts sound fun.

—Could you tell us any stories you would like to include in a spin-off?

I already wrote two spin-off scripts for the Blu-ray and DVD bonus CDs, so if possible, I'd like to write a continuation of the original work next.

—Do you have any anecdotes about Okinawa, the setting for the series?

The production staff and I all took our skateboards and went on a location hunt around Okinawa. It was spring, but it was already incredibly hot, and we had to scramble to buy hats. In that brightly saturated scenery, skateboarding was the peak of fun.

—If "S" opened in the real world, what part do you think you'd be most interested in?

I'd be happy to be an irresponsible spectator. But I'd at least like to try participating by Adam dragging me by the leg around a corner. (laughter)

—Can you send a message to all the fans who loved SK8 the Infinity?

Thank you so much for watching and loving SK8 the Infinity! The responses echoed stronger and stronger with each episode and filled all of us creators with strength. It was a work where we could feel the strength of everyone's support in a way that's only possible in this era of social media. I'm grateful!

(from SK8 the Infinity OFFICIAL GUIDE BOOK, released December 22nd 2021)

#sk8 #sk8 the infinity #ichiro okouchi #translation #sk8 official guidebook

[danceofthephilos]

Hiroko Utsumi Interview (SK8 the Infinity Official Guide Book)

Thank you... for loving SK8!*

Director Hiroko Utsumi

PROFILE

Animation director, producer, and animator. She directed the Free! series and BANANA FISH, and was in charge of production on K-On!, Nichijou (My Ordinary Life, Hyouka, The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya, and others.

—First, how are you feeling now that episode 12 has finished airing?

Right after it aired, I felt like crazily dancing flamenco, but now enough time has passed that I've calmed down. Still, I keep thinking "We really finished it~!"

—Do you have any favorite episodes, or scenes that left an impression on you?

Personally, I naturally have the strongest attachment to episode 1, which I storyboarded and produced. At that point, I was fumbling through without being certain exactly what this work was going to be. The ending gave me a lot of trouble, but the image of "white snow falling in Okinawa" surpassed my expectations, and is my favorite part even now. That image is like a snow crystal formed by the professionals in each department, which can only exist through animation.

—Can you tell us about the appeal of skateboarding we felt in the series?

It made me feel like "skating is so cool!" all over again! I was convinced it was a theme that could really shine in anime, and I only felt that even more as the series continued. That heart-pounding feeling, the speed, the coolness of tricks. I'm glad I was able to portray the appeal of skating through anime.

—Are there any secret stories from production you can reveal to us now?

ADAM and Langa's white-hot BEEF scene in the last episode. At first, Kobayashi-san played Langa with a powerful air, like he was fighting, but the sound director, Masafumi Mima-san, directed him, "Do it like he's cuddling up to ADAM", and made me feel, "Yes, yes! That's exactly it!"... but after that, we went with intense background music that would suit an action scene, so the lack of tension in his voice ended up not matching up... so in the end Langa's voice was revised to sound like he was fighting again. I wanted everyone to hear the incredibly rare Langa cuddling up to ADAM...!

—Were there any episodes or behind-the-scenes developments that you hated to cut? (lit. "cut while crying")

In the original scenario, during the part of the plot where Langa is rapidly becoming obsessed with ADAM, there was a part where ADAM was going to carry Langa off to his vacation house, and Reki was going to be shocked to see the two of them having fun skating together, but... I felt like that wasn't the right direction, so I had the plot changed to what it is now. There are a lot of scenes where I wonder how things would have turned out if they'd been in the original work. If Kikuchi's "yes!" in the last episode was "woof!"... for example. (laughter)

—What were your impressions of the casting and the voice actors' performances?

Everyone played their unique characters with such splendid individuality, and conveyed the characters' charm in a way that you can't with just visuals, so I enjoyed the recording for every episode. The other day I went back to listen to Hatanaka-san and Kobayashi-san's audition tapes again, and Reki hasn't changed at all! Hatanaka-san never wavers~! I admired that. Meanwhile Langa was like a completely different person! (laughter) Langa in the audition was sharp and sarcastic, and gave off an ice-like impression, but he's changed so much up until now~! It was really moving to hear that. Now, he's like powder snow. (laughter)

—With production, props, character designs and the like, was there anything you were especially particular about?

Speaking generally, a main facet of production is pacing. It's a really important part of film-making; if the pacing is good, the work flows smoothly, and when you're watching, before you know it, it's over! I like series with that kind of good tempo to them, so I paid attention to every episode to make sure that the pacing felt good. As for the character designs, I was careful to make sure they were very unique, but also balanced. And then there's the difference in their physiques!

—If "S" opened in the real world, what part do you think you'd be most interested in?

I want to say, "Hey, have a BEEF with me!" and "Crush them with that hug, ADAM—!!"

—Can you send a message to all the fans who loved SK8 the Infinity?

Thank you... for loving SK8!* (with a blank expression) When I was working on the original work, there were times when I was BEEFing with production that made me lose the highlights in my eyes in real life, but I was able to get through it thanks to everyone's love. As their creator, I couldn't be happier that people love Reki and Langa and the others in so many different ways. The original series has ended, but their daily lives will surely continue, and we'd be happy if you could watch the series over and over again while imagining them like that. ☆ Thank you so much for watching SK8 the Infinity!

*She is directly quoting Ainosuke's line that is translated as "thank you for loving me", but here the subject is the series, not herself.

(from SK8 the Infinity OFFICIAL GUIDE BOOK, released December 22nd 2021)

#sk8 #sk8 the infinity #hiroko utsumi #translation #sk8 official guidebook

[danceofthephilos]

Thank you so much for translating the seiyuu interviews!! They’re so much fun!

You're welcome! We'll be posting a lot more translations of magazines and stuff so please look forward to those! 💖

#answered #gayfertilitygoddess

[danceofthephilos]

Ainosuke Shindo (& Tadashi Kikuchi) Character Intro + Takehito Koyasu Interview

"Here, here! Right in my heart!" / "Welcome home, Ainosuke-sama."

Ainosuke Shindo

"S" Name: ADAM Birthday: May 1st The legendary skater who founded "S". His true nature is still wrapped in mystery. Under his dazzling mask hides the face of a popular young politician.

Tadashi Kikuchi

CV: Kensho Ono Ainosuke Shindo's secretary.

Takehito Koyasu Interview

—Koyasu-san, what sort of person do you feel ADAM is? Could you tell us any dialogue or scenes you think are key to understanding ADAM's character?

A hard worker who grew up a favored son. In BEEFs is where ADAM is the most ADAM.

—What do you consider important in portraying ADAM, and what direction did you receive?

Feelings, emotions, PASSION. They told me I overdid that a bit. (laughter)

—When you were playing ADAM, what dialogue or scenes made a lasting impression on you, and why?

Generally, ADAM's BEEFs are when he's the most appealing. The production is wonderful!

—In episodes 4 and 5, ADAM has BEEFs with Reki and Langa, but he shows an unusual obsession with Langa. What were your impressions when acting in those episodes, and what did you consider important in portraying his interactions with Langa?

A longing for him like the thirst for water. Lust. Desire. And love.

—I'd also like to ask your impressions of Cherry Blossom and Joe, the pair who are acting to try and force ADAM to open his eyes.

It's nice to have friends, isn't it?

—Also, with his close associate Kikuchi, ADAM takes a cold and disdainful attitude toward him. What are your impressions of Kikuchi, and what did you consider important in ADAM's interactions with him?

Because Kikuchi as a person is deeply intertwined with ADAM now, I can't say very much about it, but he's careful not to treat him kindly.

—Is there anything in episode 7 and onward you think we should pay particular attention to or look forward to, and do you have any messages for our readers?

It's chock full of ADAM until the end, so please look forward to that. You can't go wrong by watching!

(from spoon.2Di, volume 71 - February 2021)

#sk8 #sk8 the infinity #ainosuke shindo #adam sk8 #tadashi kikuchi #takehito koyasu #translation #spoon.2Di

[danceofthephilos]

Kojiro Nanjo Character Intro + Yasunori Matsumoto Interview (spoon.2Di vol.71)

"Skating is all about a feeling, you know what I mean?"

Kojiro Nanjo

"S" Name: Joe Birthday: July 7th One of the big names at "S". A cheerful womanizer whose magnificent skating style also suits his muscular body. His public face is the owner and chef of an Italian restaurant. He and Sakurayashiki are childhood friends, and fight like cats and dogs.

Yasunori Matsumoto Interview

—Matsumoto-san, what sort of person do you feel Joe is? Could you tell us any dialogue or scenes you think are key to understanding Joe's character?

He's a big-hearted and generous older brother type, isn't he? I think he's a person who stays positive and enjoys things to the fullest.

—What do you consider important in portraying Joe, and what direction did you receive?

As much as possible, I have to keep in mind not to be too intense. They told me on set that the main point is for him to be charming, so I'm agonizing over that while I'm acting.

—In the episodes up to 7 that have been broadcast so far, are there any of Joe's scenes or dialog that have had a particularly lasting impression on you?

In episode 6, his shameless lines in the first half, and during his conversation with Reki when he murmurs, "Stuff like that is what's important."

—Joe is constantly arguing with Cherry Blossom, but Matsumoto-san, how do you feel about Joe and Cherry's relationship? What did you consider important when you were playing their interactions?

In the scenes where they're bad-mouthing each other, they get riled up, but they don't hate each other.

—Regarding Joe and Cherry Blossom's old friendship with ADAM, what impression do you have of them? Could you also give us your impressions of ADAM's skating scenes in episodes 4 and 5?

I think Joe's frustrated, not being able to understand the reason why ADAM ended up changing so much. As for the skating scenes, generally, I thought he's one crazy guy. But now, I can understand him a little.

—And what are your impressions of the student characters, Reki and Langa?

In general, they're fun to watch. Being able to play friends like that is really fun too.

—Is there anything in episode 7 and onward you think we should pay particular attention to, and do you have any messages for our readers?

More and more skate battle scenes are about to start. And at the same time, you'll see the interpersonal relationships getting even deeper. I think we can all have a good time.

(from spoon.2Di, volume 71 - February 2021)

#sk8 #sk8 the infinity #kojiro nanjo #yasunori matsumoto #translation #spoon.2Di

[danceofthephilos]

Kaoru Sakurayashiki Character Intro + Hikaru Midorikawa Interview (spoon.2Di vol.71)

"Carla, calculate the angle."

Kaoru Sakurayashiki

"S" Name: Cherry Blossom Birthday: March 27th One of the big names at "S". Assisted by his AI partner Carla, he calculates the theoretical best way to skate. His public face is that of a famous AI calligrapher. He and Nanjo are childhood friends, and fight like cats and dogs.

Hikaru Midorikawa Interview

—Midorikawa-san, what sort of person do you feel Cherry Blossom is? Could you tell us any dialogue or scenes you think are key to understanding Cherry Blossom's character?

He's an overly complicated character, so I still don't understand him very well. (wry laughter) However, if I make a mistake in my performance, I can be corrected on it, and that's a part of acting I enjoy as well. It'd be nice to see how he came to be like this depicted someday. (laughter) As for what's important at this stage, that would be his constant low-level arguments with Joe. (laughter)

—What do you consider important in portraying Cherry Blossom, and what direction did you receive?

Like I said just a moment ago, his fighting with Joe is over the top to the point of being childish. (laughter) And delivering lines with a low center of gravity to make it feel like he's riding his board.

—In the episodes up to 7 that have been broadcast so far, are there any of Cherry Blossom's scenes or dialog that have had a particularly lasting impression on you?

Naturally, his scenes with Joe. Is it that they get along so well they can argue? (laughter) I thought Cherry was a cool character type at first, so I had the feeling like, "You're really going that far!?" but now I've completely gotten used to it. (laughter) Also, I'm interested in how kind he is to Carla. Why? (laughter)

—Cherry Blossom is constantly arguing with Joe, but Midorikawa-san, how do you feel about Cherry Blossom and Joe's relationship? What did you consider important when you were playing their interactions?

If they really had a bad relationship, they probably wouldn't take things that far. (laughter) Because there are so many scenes like that, we have to be mindful of keeping up a good tempo. I'm sure they've known each other for a long time and been repeating themselves for aaaaaaages, so it has to feel smooth, doesn't it? (wry laughter)

—Regarding Cherry Blossom, Joe, and ADAM, what impression do you have of them? Could you also give us your impressions of ADAM's skating scenes in episodes 4 and 5?

Something definitely happened between them in the past, didn't it? It's funny how Cherry has some kind of burning desire to fight him, but keeps getting flippantly ignored by ADAM. (laughter) As for ADAM's skating, it's absolutely crazy. (laughter) But it makes me want to watch it over and over again, or rather, it's addictive. (wry laughter)

—And what are your impressions of the student characters, Reki and Langa?

Absolutely adorable! Pure! Please skate together for your whole lives! ♪

—Is there anything in the upcoming story you think we should pay particular attention to, or look forward to?

How will Reki, who hasn't yet gotten to do anything protagonist-like, shape up to fill the position of a protagonist? (wry laughter) Also, Reki and Langa's friendship. I'd like them to keep being friends for a loooooong time.

(from spoon.2Di, volume 71 - February 2021)

#sk8 #sk8 the infinity #kaoru sakurayashiki #hikaru midorikawa #translation #spoon.2Di

[danceofthephilos]

Miya Chinen + Hiromi Higa Character Intros & Takuma Nagatsuka Interview (spoon.2Di vol.71)

"I want to hear the ding of leveling up for the first time in a while. You're fine with it, right?" / "Which of you will skate? I won't mind both of you at once!"

Miya Chinen

"S" Name: MIYA Birthday: February 22nd A middle school first year and a hopeful for the Japanese national skateboarding team. He's a talented skater who can easily pull off high-level tricks. He has a cheeky personality and loves video games.

Hiromi Higa

"S" Name: Shadow Birthday: September 14th The self-proclaimed Dynamite Flower blooming at "S". He uses every dirty trick in the book to toy with his opponents. His public face is that of a mild-mannered florist.

Takuma Nagatsuka Interview

—When you were playing MIYA, what sort of direction did you receive from the staff? What did you consider important to your portrayal?

They told me not to forget that even though he acts prickly, Reki and Langa and the others are precious friends to him, and that left a lasting impression on me. Even at times where he talks like he's keeping his distance and pushing them away, those aren't his true feelings. I was very conscious of trying to convey that contradictory nuance.

—MIYA really gave his all in the BEEF in episode 3. Could you give us your impressions from when you were performing, and tell us your feelings about what Reki and Langa are to MIYA?

Honestly, seeing him lose to Langa, who could still barely skateboard (he's more experienced than MIYA at snowboarding) was devastating to me, and not just as the person playing MIYA! I think for him, who'd lost his friends and is living totally dependent on his skills as a national team hopeful, it's a tremendous humiliation. But because he experiences losing to Langa, he's able to tone down his conceit for others, and thanks to Reki he's able to realize the importance of having friends to free you from despair. I think Reki and Langa become irreplaceable friends and rivals to MIYA.

—Do you have any stories from recording with Reki and Langa's voice actors, Hatanaka-san and Kobayashi-san?

Because of the situation with production, we often recorded in different booths, and being surrounded by our seniors, the atmosphere was tense and we were focused on the work, so I don't have much I could call stories, but it seems that Tasuku likes the same "salt crystal" toothpaste as Reki. (laughter) Oh, and I bought a skateboard recently, so Chiaki-kun and I made a three-person group chat on LINE with him right away and we've been talking about going to skate together.

—In episode 6, enjoying the beach and the hot springs with Reki and the others and get covered in mud, we were able to see the real MIYA. In particular, when he called Joe "papa" and all that, that cheekiness and charm felt so MIYA-like. What were your impressions and memories from recording?

Personally, episode 6 is one of my favorite episodes. Up until now there's been so many developments that there's barely been time to catch our breath, so you could say we finally had a chance to take a break. (laughter) I was happy to see MIYA getting to act like a mischievous middle schooler when he was calling Joe "papa". Maybe he's overcompensating for having lost his friends before, but he's actually a real attention-seeker. He's like a needy cat who can't be left alone, that MIYA. (laughter)

—Are there any other characters in the work you like, or think we should pay particular attention to?

Of course, as the one playing him, I think you should pay attention to MIYA. (laughter) But my favorite character is Joe. I always end up liking muscular characters. He's got that adult charm and manliness. I guess what I want is the things I don't have? (laughter)

—Is there anything coming up in the story that you thing we should pay close attention to?

I assume since watching episode 6, everyone's understanding and appreciation for the characters has gotten even deeper. Episode 7 is past a turning point, so the story's going to pick up the pace and get even more intense from here on out. I'm sure it'll be more exciting and move your heart even more than the first half... Hang on tight so you don't get shaken off!

—Finally, please send a message to all our readers.

The pain of thinking you have no talent. The struggles that come from having talent. The things you lose by having too much talent. This story is born from each and every character's feelings clashing and conflicting. Isn't there at least one character you sympathize with so much it hurts? Through this work, I hope I can convey through MIYA how to face that pain and find a path to overcoming it. Thank you, and please enjoy and support us until the end!

(from spoon.2Di, volume 71 - February 2021)

#sk8 #sk8 the infinity #miya chinen #hiromi higa #takuma nagatsuka #translation #spoon.2Di

[danceofthephilos]

Langa Hasegawa Character Intro & Chiaki Kobayashi Interview (spoon.2Di vol.71)

"Right now... I'm having fun!"

Langa Hasegawa

"S" Name: SNOW Birthday: February 8th A returnee* transfer student from Canada, and a high school second year who's always spacing out. He sometimes shows a stubborn side.

(*note that "returnee" here refers to a child with Japanese nationality through their parent(s) who's come to Japan after living elsewhere, but includes children who were born overseas - this doesn't imply anything one way or another about if Langa was born in Canada or Okinawa.)

Chiaki Kobayashi Interview

—When you were playing Langa, what sort of direction did you receive from the staff? What did you consider important to your portrayal?

My own impression of Langa is that he looks cool at a glance, but is an unexpectedly expressive and aggressive boy. So when we were recording the first episode, I played him really lively, like he could keep up with Reki. And then in direction I was told "we want him to be more spaced out and out of touch", "he should go at his own pace without discussing things with Reki." Moreover, that as the story progressed from here, he'd gradually show more expressions. I think it was exactly because I received that direction that Langa began to come to life as a character to me.

—In episode 5, Langa has his first BEEF with ADAM. Could you give us your impressions from when you were performing, and tell us how you perceive what ADAM is to Langa?

I think, to Langa, ADAM is someone who can show him sights he's never seen before, and can teach him a kind of excitement he's still never experienced first-hand. So, when I was recording episode 5, he pursued him without any negative feelings like fear or worry he could lose. But because I got direction that I was coming on too strong and it felt like Langa would win from the beginning of the race, I had to be conscious of the balance between being overwhelmed when he was supposed to be overwhelmed, but still chomping at the bit. I was really overjoyed to be able to talk everything until now out with a great veteran on the front lines like Koyasu-san. (laughter)

—Episode 6 turned out to be a really fun episode. What were your impressions and memories from recording?

We, the cast, will enjoy ourselves! After this, we're over the hill! That's how we got through it. (laughter) The episodes right before and after this were particularly hard, so this was a pretty extreme difference in intensity. But thanks to this episode, we were able to deepen the camaraderie between the characters, and dig into each character in more depth, so I think it was a really important episode.

—Are there any other scenes in the story so far that have made a lasting impression on you, or episodes you remember recording the most strongly?

Episode 2 made a lingering impression on me. Episode 2 was an important episode that really condensed Reki and Langa's deepening relationship and the joy of skating. Episode 1 was still the episode where they first met, so Reki and Langa weren't really opening their hearts up to one another yet. But in episode 2, they're dealing with the same things, they're sharing their "fun" with one another, and gradually start to get along. It was an episode without a race in it, but I think it's this episode that really solidified Reki and Langa's friendship. On top of that, because the episode's crammed full of things that beginner skaters go through, people who've never skated before can have the sense that they're growing alongside Langa, while experienced skaters can have a taste of nostalgia and think "I used to do that!", so I thought the composition of the episode was amazing.

—Is there anything coming up in the story that you thing we should pay close attention to?

I think you should look out for the outcome of the tournament, that everyone will be staking their hopes on when they compete, and what will happen to Reki and Langa. Of course the main draw of a tournament is who's going to battle who, and which pair is going to end up competing in the finals, but underneath that, there's an intricate web of human relationships depicted from all sorts of angles that you can't tear your eyes away from. I think you'll enjoy it, even when it's heart-wrenching. (laughter)

—Finally, please send a message to all our readers.

Will Langa go down the same path as ADAM? What will happen to Reki and Langa's relationship? There are a lot of things to be anxious about, but please keep watching over those two! The staff and cast are working together as one to do our best to show you those things, so please keep waiting with infinite anticipation! I think there will be more and more developments unfolding that you won't expect. Thank you, and enjoy!

(from spoon.2Di, volume 71 - February 2021)

#sk8 #sk8 the infinity #langa hasegawa #chiaki kobayashi #translation #spoon.2Di

[danceofthephilos]

Reki Kyan Character Intro & Tasuku Hatanaka Interview (spoon.2Di vol.71)

"Time, place, possibilities... Skating is infinite!"

Reki Kyan

"S" Name: Reki Birthday: August 8th A high school second year who loves skateboards and is crazy about "S". He has a bright and energetic personality, and works as a mechanic who builds his own boards.

Tasuku Hatanaka Interview

—When you were playing Reki, what sort of direction did you receive from the staff? What did you consider important to your portrayal?

Generally, I kept in mind that he's straightforward and honest about what he likes to do. What I remember most about the direction was in episode 2, when Reki was teaching Langa how to skate, I was told to support him while enjoying myself too. The director told me we were having fun because we were doing it together, that it was exciting to be skating together, and that direction really resonated with me. When I was playing Reki, I really wanted to honestly feel that fun and excitement.

—In episode 4, Reki had a BEEF with ADAM. What were your impressions, or what do you remember most from recording?

ADAM-sama was terrifying. I was scared because I had no idea what made him the way he was or how a person like that could come to be, and even his skating technique was so off the rails that I felt like no one could match up to him, like he's from a different world. Hearing Koyasu-san's outrageous performance was way beyond my expectations, and I got struck with the feeling like, "Oh, I'm totally going to die." It was a really exhausting recording session.

—In episode 6, Reki got to enjoy the beach and the hot springs with Langa and the others and get covered in mud, and it made a really fun episode. What were your impressions and memories from recording?

It was like our ultimate prize, wasn't it? I really enjoyed getting to act in that one. All the actors got really into it and recorded together, and it was really fun to work alongside them. During the scene where we get attacked by Paantu, Chiaki-kun and I were both shouting like crazy, probably the most we've had to scream in all the episodes so far. It made me dizzy, but that was fun too! It's a great memory.

—Leading up to episode 7, there's been a gradually growing distance between Reki and Langa, but could you tell us your impressions of Reki's conflict and what Langa is to Reki?

I thought, wow, I've felt just like that. I'm sure everyone's felt that way at some point in their lives, but Reki's feelings were so real to me that it was painful to play the role, and it made me feel really lonely because I couldn't treat it like it was someone else's problem. He wouldn't have had a taste of these feelings if he hadn't spent time together with Langa, and you could say Langa's taught Reki everything he knows about himself. It really is harsh.

—Are there any other scenes in the story so far that have made a lasting impression on you?

After seeing episode 7, I want to look back on episodes 1 and 2. I want to treasure all the feelings in those episodes, and try and search for if there aren't any hints leading to where they are now. The day they first met, the scenes where they practiced together, the excitement they felt, stuff like that. I think episodes 1 and 2 were really tightly packed. Hang in there, Reki.

—Is there anything coming up in the story that you thing we should pay close attention to?

Right. Langa and ADAM-sama's relationship, for example, that's definitely the major thing to pay attention to. Just where are those two going to go from here? And it'll be interesting to see what path Reki is going to choose, too. I'll support him whatever direction he takes. But I really want to see him smile one more time. How things are now is too painful. Anyway, you should pay attention to the whole cast. It feels like everyone has something ahead of them that they have to overcome. Good luck, everyone! I just have to support all of them.

—Finally, please send a message to all our readers.

I'm so happy to see more and more people watching and saying how they enjoy "SK8 the Infinity." The director, the staff, the cast—I think everyone's absurdly happy! It's a really great anime packed full of important messages. I'd be happy if everyone watches and supports us until the very end. I'll give it my all as an actor! Please enjoy!

(from spoon.2Di, volume 71 - February 2021)

#sk8 #sk8 the infinity #reki kyan #tasuku hatanaka #translation #spoon.2Di

[danceofthephilos]

Our Youthful High School Days (Animage November 2021)

Utsumi: For Sakurayashiki, he's probably never had a friend with charisma like Adam's before. He's been fighting and having fun skating with Nanjo, but then this amazing guy he's never met before appears, and he can't help but be attracted to him. Being called special by a guy like that must have deeply moved him. Gotou: Though I guess it wasn't that he was attracted by any particularly amazing scene. Utsumi: Being told that by such a special person—wouldn't that have been really important to him? Being acknowledged, being able to be a part of Adam... Gotou: For the scenes in the high school era, I also remember coloring them to have that special feeling. —Meeting Adam again, both Sakurayashiki and Nanjo seem to want to rehabilitate him and see him return to his old self, but you could feel a difference in enthusiasm between them. I wonder if Sakurayashiki's yearning for Adam is stronger. Utsumi: That might be so. The scenes in the original work are from Sakurayashiki's perspective, so it may just be that he sees it that way, but I think the feelings he's carrying are different from Nanjo's. It feels like he has stronger feelings for Adam, doesn't it?

(Director Hiroko Utsumi and color designer Yukari Gotou, from Animage November 2021)

#sk8 #sk8 the infinity #translation #animage #ainosuke shindo #adam sk8 #kaoru sakurayashiki

[danceofthephilos]

ADAM's proposed tournament opens!

ADAM proposed a tournament to determine the best skater at S. Naturally, his real goal is nothing other than having another passionate BEEF with Langa.

(from the SK8 the Infinity Official Guide Book)

#sk8 #sk8 the infinity #translation #sk8 official guidebook #ainosuke shindo #adam sk8

[danceofthephilos]

Thus Fate Knocks at the Door - Adam, Eve, and Beethoven's 5th Symphony

SK8 as a series almost exclusively utilizes its (excellent) bespoke soundtrack for its music, but there are a few conspicuous exceptions, all to do with Adam. Specifically, there are two notable scenes in episodes 1 and 5 that make use of Beethoven's 5th Symphony—as music that he is, in-universe, listening and humming along to as he watches Langa skate for the first time, and as the score to the scene where he first declares Langa his "Eve."

This isn't an arbitrary choice of a famous piece of classical music, but representative of a consistent theme in Adam's characterization, especially in regards to his feelings toward Langa: his preoccupation with fate and the idea that they were destined to be together.

One doesn't have to look very far to draw a connection between this and Beethoven's 5th Symphony; there are a variety of unconfirmed stories about the origin of the famous four-note motif at the beginning of the piece, but the most famous comes from an account by Beethoven's secretary, Anton Schindler.

The composer himself provided the key to these depths when one day, in this author's presence, he pointed to the beginning of the first movement and expressed in these words the fundamental idea of his work: "Thus Fate knocks at the door!"

Schindler's writings on Beethoven after his death are... unreliable, to say the least, with many of his stories about the composer known to be outright fabricated, so it's very likely that this story is apocryphal. Nonetheless, it's one that's ingrained in public consciousness, and the influence of this particular account is especially obvious in Japan, where the whole symphony is known by the title "運命", or "Fate". It could even be said to be better known by this title than just its real name; if you search "交響曲第5番" on Youtube, Spotify, or even look at Japanese CD jackets, it is invariably referred to as 運命.

運命 is a word Adam himself uses in the show, in the preview at the end of episode 4, translated here as "destiny":

This concept of fate/destiny is one that permeates Adam's entire search for "Eve"—a desire to find someone "just for him", as he puts it in the flashback in episode 8.

The title for episode 8 itself refers to fate, albeit with the word 宿命 rather than 運命—with the title first being shown over the shot revealing the "fated tournament" in question being named "White Eden Wedding Beef".

There's a bit of nuance to 宿命 and 運命—strictly speaking, 運命 refers to fate that can change in one's lifetime, while 宿命 refers to fate set in stone before one is even born. Regardless, they're near-synonymous; the tournament named for the Garden of Eden, that Adam holds for the specific purpose of skating with Langa again, is called fated.

Both words for fate/destiny also appear in the lyrics to the Japanese version of Behind the Mask:

The boundary line of fate, an unseen answer To that unfulfilled love Gotta feel it, the never-ending thrill

Sparks spread high Let's go to the depths of the colored rainbow and speed Yes, now, dancing in the midst of destiny I devote my love

The first uses 宿命, while the second uses 運命 (though pronounced "sadame" rather than "unmei" as it usually is here; this is a common enough affectation in lyrics, though さだめ does typically have the same implication of totally fixed fate as 宿命.) The first chorus also has the same line about "dancing in the midst of destiny" in it, but I chose this one for the fact that the direct reference to the Zone ("the depths of the colored rainbow") makes clearest that this version of the song, presented as being sung by Adam, is also directed at Langa.

Even the Chill Out! manga, lighthearted as the comics are, zero in on this fixation on fate/destiny in two different comics showing Adam's inner thoughts.

There's Line∞6, where, in his daydreams, Adam imagines Langa saying "この気持ち… もしかして愛抱夢が… 俺の運命のアダム…?" ("This feeling... Could Adam be... my destined Adam...?", using katakana for the biblical Adam to distinguish from Adam's S name in kanji), as though Langa has been searching for "his Adam" in the same way:

And Line∞8, where Adam refers to himself as Langa's "運命の伴侶"—soulmate, or literally "destined partner":

So it's this throughline, specifically in regards to Langa, that's reflected in the choice of music in episodes 1 and 5. The very first time he lays eyes on Langa, and when his heart is really set on Langa being his Eve—his "destined partner"—Adam truly does believe it's fate that they met, and the crew chose a song with such a heavy link to fate to represent his state of mind.

#sk8 #sk8 the infinity #sk8 meta #adam sk8 #ainosuke shindo

[danceofthephilos]

Theory: Did Tadashi call the police on S?

The first beef between Langa and Adam gets famously interrupted by a police raid. It's the only time the police interfere with S specifically in the whole series and the plot thread is not followed up on, leaving this raid as a bit of an oddity.

What I'm proposing here is nothing but a theory - I consider it possible that this is intentional subtext woven into the show, but I would not be able to confirm it one way or another.

My proposition is that Tadashi called the police at this juncture, and that this is completely in line with how he expresses his concern for Adam throughout the whole series. Let's dive in!

Almost immediately preceding the police raid is this reaction shot of Tadashi looking stunned by Adam standing motionlessly under the flickering streetlight. It's when Adam decides that Langa not only could be but definitely is his Eve - even from a distance, observing through the live feed from the drones, Tadashi can tell that Adam is deeply affected by this.

When the episode aired and we didn't yet know a lot about Tadashi, I thought that this shot's inclusion was doubtlessly meant to imply that he is the one who put a stop to the race. With Kiriko's further involvement and the slow reveals about Tadashi's devotion to Adam, this could seem like it was a red herring. But... was it?

Let's dissect this bit by bit!

As I said before, this is the only time in the series that the police messes with S. But not only that! It is also the only time that S has been on the police's radar in recent memory of the characters:

So: why now? Why at this exact point in time? Is that really just some insane coincidence? Is it Kiriko? (It's not, we'll get to that.)

It's noteworthy that the S system shuts down immediately. As the police usually doesn't bother with S, this is not routine. It's a very swift response to something that is completely unusual if not unprecedented. It could be that Tadashi just has very quick response skills, but... It's undeniable that shutting everything off on time would be far easier for him to accomplish if he knew this would happen.

This is further supported by the way Tadashi just casually rolls up to pick up Adam, not stressed in the slightest by the unusual threat to their little operation (and Tadashi does stress about anything that could threaten Adam's reputation, we see it often.)

Adam also immediately points out the strangeness of this event, while we as the viewer are treated to a foreground shot of Tadashi's impassive, unconcerned face.

It is then Tadashi who looks into the matter. It is his word we have to trust if we want to blame the police raid on Kiriko. But... should we?

We know Kiriko as incredibly persistent in her pursuit of Adam. Would she really discover that Ainosuke Shindo walled off a whole area from police patrol, and then quietly accept it as that same area is removed from patrol once again? That should be raising huge red flags for her!

If Kiriko had a hunch of Ainosuke Shindo doing something illegal at the abandoned mine out of town, that should be her absolute first priority to investigate! It's her best bet at getting him to court!

But Kiriko herself never once mentions the abandoned mine, altered police patrol routes, or anything of the likes. To her, this is about perjury. She's only ever seen following the perjury and collusion trail; never once does she discuss anything adjacent to S. Even presuming that she's merely suspicious about the abandoned mine in general, without any reason to connect it to Ainosuke Shindo, the person whom Adam is in contact with to assure S's continued protection is the chief of police.

Kiriko is working with Chief Matsumura throughout the rest of the season, and until he intervenes to prevent her investigating the Shindo estate and sends her back to Tokyo in the finale, there's no indication that she distrusts him, nor anyone within the Naha police, at all. If Tadashi's account of events is correct, Kiriko grew suspicious of illegal activities at the abandoned mine, thought it had been removed from the patrol route by someone higher in the chain of command, and had it raided... only for her to think nothing of it when it was removed from the patrols again, and continue to completely trust the person who would have authority over these decisions without so much as following up with him about what happened.

If Kiriko is meant to be the culprit behind the raid, this is a huge plot hole. She should, by all means, have become a threat to S itself.

However! The only person who ever implicates her in this is Tadashi. If Tadashi was the one who called the police, Kiriko would have been an incredibly convenient scapegoat for him.

So then... isn't Tadashi a loyal dog? Why would he go against his master like this, so early in the show? Let me explain!

First off, it's important to remember that at the start of the show, Adam hasn't been attending S in years. People there treat him as a legend and many have never seen him. Recently, Adam has been focused on furthering his career and only consumed S passively via videos - no skater interested him enough to go out personally.

Tadashi supports this. Over and over we see him concerned for Adam's career and reputation. He believes that a 'normal' successful life is what is genuinely best for the man.

For years now, Tadashi has blamed skateboarding (and himself) for everything wrong with Adam's life. He believes that he led Adam astray and he is desperate to fix his 'mistake'.

Tadashi is not an outsider to the value system of the Shindo clan. As the child of a generations-long servant family, he grew up on the estate as well. He too spent his whole life internalizing the 'life lessons' taught by the Shindo adults. As Aiichiro's secretary, he might have spent more time with Adam's father than Adam himself ever did. Tadashi definitely listened to his views over and over and over.

And because of that, what Tadashi regrets about Aiichiro burning Adam's board is not that he didn't stop it or that he didn't stand up for Adam... It's that he taught Adam skateboarding in the first place and thus led to him 'needing to be punished'.

As such, it's no surprise that he opposes Adam's initial return to S. He wants to 'make up' for his 'mistake' by leading Adam into a normal life. Participation in S is to the direct detriment of that.

Tadashi feels no disdain for Adam, of course. On the contrary, he feels endless love and affection. He genuinely wants what's best for him. Well, what he thinks is best for him...

Which means that Tadashi is a product of the Shindo clan through-and-through.

And all of that wraps us back around to where we started:

After years of Adam doing well in Tadashi's eyes (no hospitalizations, yay!), this happens. Adam is affected in a way he's never been before - he's had objects of affection in the past, but none of them made him stop dead in his tracks like this.

Tadashi knows Adam. And he knows Adam is about to be obsessed.

So he panics and tries to rip Adam and Langa apart as soon as humanly possible. He wants to nip this obsession in the bud so Adam won't be distracted from work. So Adam will be able to live the perfect life that everyone wants for him.

It's even possible that Tadashi didn't stop at calling the police.

At the start of the tournament, we encounter a group of masked skaters who are hellbent on getting Langa out of the race. The way they talk about Joe here is dismissive. When they say to let him have the win they use the form くれてやれ which is rather rude and dismissive - they're not doing this for Joe's sake, they just don't care if he wins. It's Langa they're after.

Now, it's possible that they just want to take an arrogant rookie down a peg. That seems like something thugs would do. But there is one person who has a vested interest in Langa falling short of Adam's expectations and not making it to the finale - that person is Tadashi.

The assault on Langa in this race is a similar oddity as the police raid - it's never addressed before or after it happens, standing isolated as a momentary obstacle that doesn't contribute to the overall plot of SK8. Being 'out of place' ties these two incidents together - and thus may tie them to Tadashi.

It might not be coincidence that Tadashi enters the tournament as Snake only after the assault team fails to take out Langa.

Entering the tournament shows that Tadashi is not afraid to go behind Adam's back if he thinks it serves Adam's best interests. But becoming 'Snake' means alerting Adam of his betrayals - to me, that seems like a drastic final measure after the sneakier ones failed.

The tragedy of it all is that even though Tadashi is deciding over Adam's head, going behind his back, and generally repeating his family's abusive mantra at him over and over.... Even though Tadashi does all these things, he genuinely loves Adam. Everything he does is for Adam's sake. Unlike the aunts or Aiichiro, he does not see Adam as a representative of his own power. He just loves him, but he expresses his love in the only way he's ever learned to do it:

By forcing him to fit the mold.

#sk8 #sk8 the infinity #tadashi kikuchi #sk8 meta