The Blitz Broadcast is About to Begin!

Translated by: Dylan Acres
Thanks to Mitchell for scans and transcriptions.

The blitz broadcast is about to begin! Urusei Yatsura episode 1 in the dubbing studio

The sexy and spunky Lum and Ataru Moroboshi, a unique yet ugly looking boy, will finally make their anime debut! The anime is currently in production, with the roles of Lum and Ataru being played by Fumi Hirano and Toshio Furukawa, respectively. The cast all have one thing in common: they are all fans of the original work by Rumiko Takahashi!

Staff & Cast Comments:

I love the way they vent their stupidity! (Toshio Furukawa)

I can't hate Ataru, but he really is a bad guy. So, I guess that means he's my favorite, (laughs). I like playing roles that radiate this kind of stupid energy. I myself am somewhat of an introvert. We're surrounded by beautiful figures both on screen and in the studio, and I’m really looking forward to what's to come (laughs)! (Toshio Furukawa)

From now on, you can call me Lum Hirano. (Fumi Hirano)

I have been doing a lot of DJ work up until now. So, I'm a complete novice in the field of animation, and I've been giving everyone a lot of trouble. I'm trying to become a full-fledged Lum-chan by getting scolded more and more, but the truth is that I'm just too absorbed in my voice at the moment. Anyway, I will do my best. (Fumi Hirano)

I have a cute side too! (Ichiro Nagai)

I've never had a nice role, I've only had creepy roles like this one (laughs)! But there is a cute side to him, too, because his nickname is "Cherry”. Depending on the way he appears, he has a certain grace that can completely change the screen. (Ichiro Nagai)

I understand, I’m a woman too. (Natsumi Sakuma)

This mother is a very human person, and she gets a bit emotional at her age… (laughs). I think she has a psychological proclivity to misunderstandings. Just like her, I tend to fall in love easily as well. I was so impressed after reading the original manga that I really want to do a good job. (Natsumi Sakuma)

I thought I had finally gotten my second wind... (Kenichi Ogata)

I've only read the first episode’s script so far, but he seems like a fun dad. But this is the first time I've played a supporting role like this. Up until now, I’ve been playing the roles of bad guys and sidekicks. Huh? His wife will start to feel sorry for him after three movies or so? No, that would be a problem (laughs). (Kenichi Ogata)

It's an original work that even old men can relate to. (Shigeharu Shiba)^[1]

I’ve known about the original manga for a long time. I was impressed by how well written the characters are, even though the author is young. It’s amazing that it can move an old geezer like me. I’m sure we’ll be able to produce something interesting since all the staff members are working hard. (Shigeharu Shiba)

Would you like some techno-like Lum-chan? (Yuko Matsutani) ^[2]

The idea is great, and Lum is so cute. Ataru's good too. What? The song is a techno children's song created using a computer called MC18. It was quite difficult to create the atmosphere of Lum-chan, but I did my best. (Yuko Matsutani)

Additional Staff Comments:

Studio Pierrot, a new production company thats "on the rise" and has been highly acclaimed for its work on NHK's Nils no Fushigi na Tabi, is currently engaged in the production of Urusei Yatsura.^[3] We visited the studio, located at Mukura-Koganei Station on the Chuo Line, which runs east to west through Tokyo, with excitement in our hearts. Studio Pierrot has just established a third studio for the production of Urusei Yatsura. Only three weeks ago, the entire staff had just moved in with their heads held high(?). The studio is young, the staff is young, and the production staff is young! Of course, the author, Rumiko Takahashi, is also young! It's a blessing that Lum-chan is coming to life by such a young force! As I was talking to the staff in the studio, which was filled with enthusiasm, Rumiko Takahashi happily entered. Takahashi, who was surrounded by the large studio staff, cameraman, and lighting crew, was a very petite and lovely person under the lights! Before the trailer, I'd like to report a first-hand look at Rumiko. The studio scene is filled with 100% anticipation for what kind of anime Urusei Yatsura, with a manga at the peak of its popularity, will become. What will be the fate of our sexy Lum-chan and Ataru aka Darling, the owner of the most unfortunate face in the world?

I think the tempo of this work is the future (Mamoru Oshii)^[4]

I've already experienced a lot of all-nighters. We divided the production group into three and are working day and night. The original work has a very good reputation, so I don't want it to be said that I was simply influenced by it. I want to bring out the flavor that only animation can bring out. I intend to make good use of the exquisite tempo of the original work and re-create the characters in a fresh style, while keeping the plot original. I recently attended an audition for voice actors and was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and expectations of everyone. (Mamoru Oshii)

I'm more of an anime person than a career woman! (Tamiko Kojima) ^[5]

I have been directing for about two years. I used to work for Tatsunoko Productions. People tend to think that I am good at gags since I worked on the "Time Bokan" series, but "Urusei Yatsura" is very unique and ....... it was a new challenge for me, too. I didn't know much about the original, so as soon as I heard about it, I went straight to the bookstore. Hahaha... (Tamiko Kojima)

It fits perfectly with the feeling of the original work. (Akemi Takada) ^[6]

We design about 100 characters a week. I am currently working on the opening character design. I have to be very careful because the same characters appear in every episode, so I am working hard. My sensibilities of Urusei are exactly the same as the original work. (Akemi Takada)



(Ichizo Kobayashi) ^[7]
I have just started working on the original illustrations. There are so many characters and they move a lot, so it's quite difficult! The number of original drawings is likely to increase in direct proportion to the lively movements. I'll do my best.

(Katsumi Aoshima) ^[8]
The works I have done so far include Toward the Terra and Marco Polo’s Adventures. ^[9] All of them are craftsmen's work, requiring fine craftsmanship, and I am a little confident about that. Timing is my motto.

(Hinako Kobayashi) ^[10]
I made my debut as an animator with Nils. I am still learning about animation from my seniors, but I think I am learning a lot from doing gags.

(Junko Abe) ^[11]
It has been two whole years since I started working at Pierrot. I have been working on Urusei Yatsura and what I have learned is how difficult it is to draw the characters. Lum is easier to draw than I thought, but the most difficult one is Rei.

(Mariko Suzuki) ^[12]
I do some checking, but mostly work on videos. It was my first time to work on something by a female author, and when I saw Lum-chan, my first impression was, "She's so cute!”

(Chiyoko Uchida) ^[13]
When I saw Lum-chan for the first time, my first impression was "cute.” It is very difficult to avoid duplication of colors. I think the coloring will be more like a manga-like and feminine.

(Tatsuo Imamura) ^[14]
In Urusei, the range of change of location is wide, from the earth, to the outer space and the fourth-dimensional world. I try to create a certain level of reality wherever I can. I also use abstract patterns in the background.

(Yoichi Kitagawa) ^[15]
I used to work for a TV station as a live-action producer. So, I am an amateur when it comes to animation, but I am determined to succeed because I fell in love with the original work and because I love the job of production.

(Yumi Shiraokawa) ^[16]
On Urusei, I do things like hand tracing and painting. I've never been directly involved in drawing manga, but my honest feeling is that if Urusei is made into an anime, it will be interesting.

(Richiko Shimizu) ^[17]
I've only been working in animation for a short time. I read the original manga. Lum-chan is so cute. What! How old am I? I haven't turned 20 yet. I’m still young.

Making an anime is like sharing my children. I feel a little sad. (Rumiko Takahashi)

I wasn’t an expert on anime to begin with, but now that my work is going to be made into an anime, I feel both a little sadness that my own child is going away and a sense of excitement at the prospect of what kind of Urusei Yatsura will be created. I guess I’ve always liked shonen manga a lot, and I also liked the atmosphere of science fiction without realizing it, and that's how I was able to create such a "girly" work (laughs). My ideal is to draw a fast-paced science fiction story with gags. The reason why Lum is sexy is because I like sexy women. I'm actually having trouble with the number of characters. I should probably organize them all someday. (Rumiko Takahashi)

Wishing for the success of Urusei Yatsura, a lively "Urusei Yatsura Launching Party" was held on September 19. ^[18]

The staff and cast were all present for a grand meeting. First of all, Oka-san, the producer of Fuji Television Network, led the audience in a round of "Cheers!" "This is the centerpiece of Fuji Television." I thought, "Wow this is it!” Nunokawa-san, President of Studio Pierrot, said, "We are grateful that you’ve been looking forward to this. We’ll put all our energy into making a good product, so please give us your support! The scale of this work is very large," said Takahashi-sensei from Shonen Sunday's table. “The original story and the anime are both big in scale," said Takahashi-sensei. “I want there to be a cute quality to the anime that makes you feel anything is possible.” Tanaka-san of Sunday said, "A million readers in a magazine is not enough, and I’m happy that we can realize our wish to have people all over the country become fans through the TV adaptation.” ^[19] The original author, Rumiko Takahashi, also encouraged the audience with a cheerful face, saying, "I am very much looking forward to Urusei Yatsura on TV.” After that, the cast greeted the audience one after another. The cast members were cheered repeatedly, and their enthusiasm for Urusei Yatsura was in full bloom!

Episode Summaries:

I'm Lum the Notorious! (Episode 1, 10/14)

One day, a spaceship appears in Ataru and his friends' town and an alien, Lum-chan, descends from it.

It's Raining Oil in Our Town (Episode 2)^[20]

Mail From Space--Ten Arrives! (Episode 3, 10/21)

Mrs. Swallow and Mrs. Penguin (Episode 4)

The Coming of Rei, the Handsome Shapechanger! (Episode 5, 10/28)

Die, Ladykiller! (Episode 6)

Kintaro of the Autumn Sky (Episode 7, 11/4)

Live Vigorously! (Episode 8)

I Want to Know.

Q: The October issue of The Anime did not list the Urusei Yatsura cast. I would like to know the cast, so please let me know in this column.

A: Let's start with Lum. Fumi Hirano plays Lum. Toshio Furukawa as Ataru, Masako Nozawa as Kintaro-chan, Kazuchiko Washio as Sakura, Ichiro Nagai as Cherry, Kazuko Sugiyama as Ten-chan, Tetsuaki Genda as Rei, Natsumi Sakuma as Ataru's mother, and Kenichi Ogata as his father. (Yuji Nunokawa)

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Footnotes

• [1] Shigeharu Shiba (斯波 重治) is the sound director on Urusei Yatsura. His role is to assist in casting as well as oversee and direct the voice actors in their performances for each episode. He would go on to work on the anime adaptation of both Maison Ikkoku and Ranma 1/2. A more in-depth interview with him discussing the casting process of Urusei Yatsura can be found here and on his work in Maison Ikkoku here.
• [2] Yuko Matsutani (松谷祐子) debuted her singing career with " Lum no Love Song" and also sang "Ai wa Boomerang" for Urusei Yatsura.
• [3] Nils no Fushigi na Tabi (ニルスのふしぎな旅/The Wonderful Adventures of Nils) is a 52 episode anime based on the novel of the same name by Selma Lagerlof. It was the first production animated by Pierrot.
• [4] Mamoru Oshii (押井守) got his start as a director on Urusei Yatsura but would go on to direct numerous famous anime films and series. We have numerous interviews archived with him here at the website.
• [5] Tamiko Kojima (小島多美子) directed 19 episodes of Urusei Yatsura and would storyboard 19 episodes of Maison Ikkoku.
• [6] Akemi Takada (高田明美) is the character designer for Urusei Yatsura as well as Maison Ikkoku from episodes 27-96, Magical Angel Creamy Mami (魔法の天使 クリィミーマミ), Kimagure Orange Road (きまぐれオレンジ☆ロード), and Mobile Police Patlabor (機動警察パトレイバー)
• [7] Ichizo Kobayashi (小林一三) served as a key animator on Urusei Yatsura. He would go on to have long associations with both the Naruto and Boruto franchises.
• [8] Katsumi Aoshima (青嶋克己) started as an animator for Urusei Yatsura but served as the Animation Director for Urusei Yatsura Movie 1: Only You and Key Animation on Urusei Yatsura Movie 6: Always My Darling as well as character designs for the Firetripper OVA.
• [9] Tera e... (地球へ/Toward the Terra) is a 1980 animated film based on the manga of the same title and Animation Kikō Marco Polo no Bōken (マルコポーロ/Marco Polo's Adventures) is a 79 episode series that ran from 1979 to 1980.
• [10] This animator is identified as Hinako Kobayashi in the article but is likely Sakiko Kobayashi (小林左希子) who did work on both Urusei Yatsura and Nils no Fushigi na Tabi.
• [11] Junko Abe (阿部純子) would later become a Key Animator on Detective Conan (名探偵コナン) films, Lupin III (ルパン三世,) specials and numerous Soreike! Anpanman (それいけ！アンパンマン) films.
• [12] Mariko Suzuki (鈴木まりこ), worked as a Video Checker on the series.
• [13] Chiyoko Uchida (内田千代子) would work on Color Coordination for the Firetripper, Justy and Dallos OVAs.
• [14] Tatsuo Imamura (今村立夫) served as the Art Director for the first 20 episodes of Urusei Yatsura and would later work on background art for Inuyasha
• [15] Yoichi Kitagawa (喜多川洋一) dealt with production progress on the series.
• [16] Yumi Shiraokawa (白男川由美) was a cel inspector.
• [17] Richiko Shimizu (清水理智子) worked on Clean Up for Urusei Yatsura and later Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind ( 風の谷のナウシカ/Kaze no Tani no Nausicaa)
• [18] While this article sets the date for the opening cast and crew party as September 19th, 1981 an article in My Anime's November 1981 issue lists the party as occuring on September 11th.
• [19] Tadashi Oka (岡正) was Urusei Yatsura's producer for Fuji TV. Yuji Nunokawa (布川ゆうじ) is the founder of Studio Pierrot, and you can read a more in depth interview with him here. Kazuki Tanaka (田中 一喜) was the Shonen Sunday Editor in Chief from 1977 to 1984.
• [20] For the sake of creating as accurate a translation of the historical record as possible we have left the episode numbers identical to what they were listed as in the original periodical this article appeared in, however these episode numbers do not match the numbering convention that most fans and producers use in regards to Urusei Yatsura in the present day. The confusion stems from the early episodes airing two unique 15 minute episodes in one 30 minute block. The links will link to the correct episode with the number reflecting the unified numbering system.

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