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This is a series of Q&A's with creator, Ken Akamatsu, that appeared in the back of volumes 28, 29, & 31, the questions provided by the Japanese readers. Written below are the official translations provided in English releases of the books.
Volume 28
Interviewee: Ken Akamatsu
Pages: 2
Pages: 2
I don't understand the difference between pactio cards and artifact cards.
A pactio card is a certificate proving that a probationary contract was made, and among them, only those that have an artifact function listed are called artifact cards. In other words, there are pactio cards that don't have artifacts.
Of all the girls in 3-A, who would you like to make a pactio with, Akamatsu-sensei?
Maybe Kakizaki...
Fate seems insanely strong, but in his fight with Negi in volume six, he gets caught with aer capturae and even gets hit in the face. I feel like that's not possible, so how do you explain that?
He was probably underestimating Negi. But he did actually turn Eishun to stone, so there's no doubt he's powerful.
Why does the exclamation point in the Japanese logo for "Negima!" have a dot in the middle of its point?
You're right, it does! (laugh)
I understand you use to use a Mac, Akamatsu-sensei. Do you still use a Mac?
I still love Macs. I'm currently using a G5. I wish I had an SE/30.
Does each person only get one artifact? Do they only get one type?
Most of the time, there's only one, but there are cases when someone gets multiple types. Also, when someone is a novicem sometimes they can only produce a weaker version of the artifact shown on the card.
I would like to see the manga Haruna Saotome is working on. Is that possible?
It's only for women age 18 and up. (laugh)
When the Fate Party made their probationary contracts, did they kiss Fate?
I think they probably did. But that's if Fate has a soul.
In Rakan-san's self-produced movie, he had a battle with Eishun-san, but if they were to have a serious fight, who would be stronger?
I think they might be almost on par. But Rakan has fewer weaknesses.
How do you read the name on Tatsumiya's old pactio card?
It's "Mana Arcana".
Why Chamo (the ermine)? In most stories about wizards, the main character's partner (pet?) is a cat or a bird. Please tell us what led to the creation of Chamomile.
His name comes from the Japanese saying, "along came a duck (Kamo) with a leek (negi) on its back" I made him an ermine because they are cute.
In Chapter 180 in Volume 20, there was a scene where Konoka made a phone call to Nekane. Did she actually make a phone call, or was Konoka just acting?
I think you're exactly right about Konoka acting. Nikane picked up the phone a little too quickly.
Kotaro isn't a wizard. Can he really make a pactio?
Whether they're a master of magic or a master of chi energy, they can still be the master in a probationary contract. If the master doesn't have a strong magic or chi energy, then they can make a contract, but it won't necessarily produce an artifact card.
How can Negi be so sexy and adorable?
It's genetic.
What do you eat for a snack when you are working?
I eat instant ramen a lot.
Are those horns on the Third Imperial Princess Theodora's head?
Yes. They are characteristics of the races from that region.
Can an average wizard block bullets with a magic barrier?
If they have it up already, then yes. But if the bullets have already been fired, then there is no way they would get the barrier up in time.
Up to this point, which graphic novel has been your favorite cover?
I like volume nineteen.
In your current staff, do more people prefer large breasts or small breasts? Also, is the art influenced by the majority?
Both sides are fighting for superiority. The art is not influenced.
What will you do about the character descriptions when you run out of classmates?
I plan to introduce important characters one at a time.
The picture on Al's pactio card and the one on the other card he can't use anymore are the same. So why are the pictures on the Setsuna/Negi card and the Setsuna/Konoka card different?
She got a different version artifact card. Maybe to Setsuna it really is a special pactio...?
In volume 4, chapter 30: "Konoka and Setsuna's secret," was the dog that showed up in Konoka's flashback scene Kotaro-kun?
They look the same, but it's a different dog.
How is normal mind-reading magic different from the Diarium Ejus?
When Negi used mind-reading magic, he had to touch his subject directly, and could only get a vague impression of what they were thinking by sensing their reaction to the question he asked. The Diarium Ejus is superior in that it can get an exact reading from an enemy, in paragraph form, even from far away, and it can display pictures.
Why is Anya so obsessed with her bust size?
Apparently she is very insecure about hers. (laugh)
What would happen if you used dark magic to complexio a disarming spell?
You'd be able to throw a disarming punch.
The character Paio Zi is a breast connoisseur, but did you originally plan for her to be a woman?
Yes. But it was just a little secret fact about her like, "Let's say she's actually a woman..."
Can Hama no Tsurugi cancel chi energy as well as magic?
Yes, it can.
Can people pactio each other? For example, currently with Negi and Konoka., Negi is the master and Konoka is the servant. Could they also form another pactio where Konoka is the master and Negi is the servant?
The master-servant relationship changes depending on how the magic pactio circle is drawn. So if the circle was drawn with the master-servant part reversed, a reverse pactio would be possible.
Where and how does Kaede store her giant throwing star?
When she's traveling, she splits it into four and keeps the blades together, and carries it hidden on her back like Guts from the manga Berserk.
Is the headmaster powerful?
He's pretty powerful. He has a certain unique ability.
Does Negi-kun's pactio card still exist after his fight?
When they took the collars off of Ako and the others, he returned the card to Theodora and cancelled his contract.
What are your future ambitions for Negima?
To bring the story to a nice, clean ending. (laugh)
A pactio card is a certificate proving that a probationary contract was made, and among them, only those that have an artifact function listed are called artifact cards. In other words, there are pactio cards that don't have artifacts.
Of all the girls in 3-A, who would you like to make a pactio with, Akamatsu-sensei?
Maybe Kakizaki...
Fate seems insanely strong, but in his fight with Negi in volume six, he gets caught with aer capturae and even gets hit in the face. I feel like that's not possible, so how do you explain that?
He was probably underestimating Negi. But he did actually turn Eishun to stone, so there's no doubt he's powerful.
Why does the exclamation point in the Japanese logo for "Negima!" have a dot in the middle of its point?
You're right, it does! (laugh)
I understand you use to use a Mac, Akamatsu-sensei. Do you still use a Mac?
I still love Macs. I'm currently using a G5. I wish I had an SE/30.
Does each person only get one artifact? Do they only get one type?
Most of the time, there's only one, but there are cases when someone gets multiple types. Also, when someone is a novicem sometimes they can only produce a weaker version of the artifact shown on the card.
I would like to see the manga Haruna Saotome is working on. Is that possible?
It's only for women age 18 and up. (laugh)
When the Fate Party made their probationary contracts, did they kiss Fate?
I think they probably did. But that's if Fate has a soul.
In Rakan-san's self-produced movie, he had a battle with Eishun-san, but if they were to have a serious fight, who would be stronger?
I think they might be almost on par. But Rakan has fewer weaknesses.
How do you read the name on Tatsumiya's old pactio card?
It's "Mana Arcana".
Why Chamo (the ermine)? In most stories about wizards, the main character's partner (pet?) is a cat or a bird. Please tell us what led to the creation of Chamomile.
His name comes from the Japanese saying, "along came a duck (Kamo) with a leek (negi) on its back" I made him an ermine because they are cute.
In Chapter 180 in Volume 20, there was a scene where Konoka made a phone call to Nekane. Did she actually make a phone call, or was Konoka just acting?
I think you're exactly right about Konoka acting. Nikane picked up the phone a little too quickly.
Kotaro isn't a wizard. Can he really make a pactio?
Whether they're a master of magic or a master of chi energy, they can still be the master in a probationary contract. If the master doesn't have a strong magic or chi energy, then they can make a contract, but it won't necessarily produce an artifact card.
How can Negi be so sexy and adorable?
It's genetic.
What do you eat for a snack when you are working?
I eat instant ramen a lot.
Are those horns on the Third Imperial Princess Theodora's head?
Yes. They are characteristics of the races from that region.
Can an average wizard block bullets with a magic barrier?
If they have it up already, then yes. But if the bullets have already been fired, then there is no way they would get the barrier up in time.
Up to this point, which graphic novel has been your favorite cover?
I like volume nineteen.
In your current staff, do more people prefer large breasts or small breasts? Also, is the art influenced by the majority?
Both sides are fighting for superiority. The art is not influenced.
What will you do about the character descriptions when you run out of classmates?
I plan to introduce important characters one at a time.
The picture on Al's pactio card and the one on the other card he can't use anymore are the same. So why are the pictures on the Setsuna/Negi card and the Setsuna/Konoka card different?
She got a different version artifact card. Maybe to Setsuna it really is a special pactio...?
In volume 4, chapter 30: "Konoka and Setsuna's secret," was the dog that showed up in Konoka's flashback scene Kotaro-kun?
They look the same, but it's a different dog.
How is normal mind-reading magic different from the Diarium Ejus?
When Negi used mind-reading magic, he had to touch his subject directly, and could only get a vague impression of what they were thinking by sensing their reaction to the question he asked. The Diarium Ejus is superior in that it can get an exact reading from an enemy, in paragraph form, even from far away, and it can display pictures.
Why is Anya so obsessed with her bust size?
Apparently she is very insecure about hers. (laugh)
What would happen if you used dark magic to complexio a disarming spell?
You'd be able to throw a disarming punch.
The character Paio Zi is a breast connoisseur, but did you originally plan for her to be a woman?
Yes. But it was just a little secret fact about her like, "Let's say she's actually a woman..."
Can Hama no Tsurugi cancel chi energy as well as magic?
Yes, it can.
Can people pactio each other? For example, currently with Negi and Konoka., Negi is the master and Konoka is the servant. Could they also form another pactio where Konoka is the master and Negi is the servant?
The master-servant relationship changes depending on how the magic pactio circle is drawn. So if the circle was drawn with the master-servant part reversed, a reverse pactio would be possible.
Where and how does Kaede store her giant throwing star?
When she's traveling, she splits it into four and keeps the blades together, and carries it hidden on her back like Guts from the manga Berserk.
Is the headmaster powerful?
He's pretty powerful. He has a certain unique ability.
Does Negi-kun's pactio card still exist after his fight?
When they took the collars off of Ako and the others, he returned the card to Theodora and cancelled his contract.
What are your future ambitions for Negima?
To bring the story to a nice, clean ending. (laugh)
Sayo Aisaka
Is the uniform Sayo wears an old Mahora Academy uniform?
Yes, it is. Sayo happened to go to school at the same time that the Headmaster attended Mahora as a student. It would seem that she has no memories of that time period.
Yuna Akashi
If Professor Akashi is a wizard, does that mean that Yuna has magic, too?
There is a very strong possibility. Or, since her mother was purely a warrior type, it's also possible that she inherited her abilities.
Kazumi Asakura
For some time, there has been rumors that Kazumi has a boyfriend. Are they true?
It would appear that she does not have a boyfriend. In fact, there seems to be some truth to the idea, that her pactio was her first kiss. She may be the type to be in love with her work.
Yue Ayase
In 251st Period, in volume 28, when Negi uses the disarming spell and blows all of the girls' clothes off, Yue's boobs seemed to have gotten a lot bigger than we've ever seen them before. Why is that?
Hey, compared to the panels above that one with Emily and the others, she is still really flat (laugh). But, it is certainly plausible that she has grown in both mind and body since coming to the Magical World.
Ako Izumi
Why did Ako Izumi want to be the manager of the soccer team? There is nothing in the story about her liking soccer.
I understand that she fell in love with an upperclassman on the soccer team. After that, she was dumped spectacularly. She likes to take care of people, but she can't stand blood, so she might not be suited to manage a sports team.
Akira Okochi
Akira is very strong. Is there any connection between her name and Attila the Hun?
None whatsoever (laugh). But, man, I haven't heard that name in a while. My first-stage exam (now they call them center tests) was for world history.
Misa Kakizaki
Kakizaki is the only(?) girl in class with a boyfriend. Is there some special reason for that?
The concept I was going for when creating Kakizaki was, "modern-day junior high girl," so I designed her looks and personal life around that.
Asuna Kagurazaka
Is Asuna so stupid because she lost a ton of brain cells from having a powerful forgetfulness spell cast on her in the past?
I don't think she necessarily lost a ton of brain cells ( ^ ^;), but I think that's about the gist of it.
Misora Kasuga
Did Misora and Cocone make a pactio by kissing?
That is unknown, but my hope is that it was more, like...she gave her a rosary or something (laugh).
Chachamaru Karakuri
Do doll contracts create artifacts?
Like vampire contracts, it would appear that there are no artifacts. Also, I have not heard any reports of there being any contract cards, either.
Madoka Kugamia
The flag went up for Madoka and Kotaro at Mahora Fest, but will there be any future developments with them?
I can't say that there won't ever be any. In fact, personality-wise, I think they are a perfect match. I think it would be easy to draw the two of them together.
Ku Fei
Ku Fe gave Chao the swords she received from her master; does that mean that her master could use sword techniques as well as kempo?
That's right. Ku Fe is extremely skilled at handling weapons, too. She even got something along those lines for her artifact.
Konoka Konoe
I have been wondering this for a long, long time. But what is the connection between Konoka and Love Hina's Motoko?
The Konoe family has hired masters of the Shinme School as bodyguards for generations. In this story, all you see is the one picture where Tsuruko and Motoko visit when Konoka is very young.
Haruna Saotome
What kind of manga does Paru always draw?
Apparently, she draws everything from boy's love manga to sell at Comic Market to manga she can submit to publishers. She's a very skilled artist, and she can match the art style of all kinds of manga and anime.
Setsuna Sakarazaki
Setsuna Sakarazaki has two different artifacts. Is it possible to use multiple artifacts at the same time?
Yes, it is. When she does, she can receive extra power, such as magic and defense, from Negi and Konoka. (But, the Shinme School doesn't require magic).
Makie Sasaki
What is the farthest Makie's gymnastics ribbon can reach?
According to the rules of rhythmic gymnastics, it has to be at least 6 meters. But in the story, it does look like it can go about 10 meters, doesn't it? (Laugh)
Sakurako Shiina
In Volume 2, I think there was a girl that looked like Sakurako who showed up in the elementary school in the chapter about Asuna and Ayaka. Was that Sakurako?
Yes, it was. Apparently, she was already enrolled in Mahora Academy in elementary school. (Maybe preschool, too?)
Mana Tatsumiya
Does Tatsumiya-san have two magic eyes?
Only her left one is magic. It helps her see through monsters' disguises and take aim from long distances. She doesn't usually have it activated.
Chao Lingshen
How high is her IQ?
For a long time, her IQ had been set at 300 (laugh). But I feel like it might actually be that high.
Kaede Nagase
Is it possible to hide in Kaede's artifact forever, and live there?
It is possible, but under one condition. It would have to be a permanent contract, as opposed to a probationary one. Just like there are limits when you join a school club on a probationary basis, artifacts that go with probationary contracts do not last eternally.
Chizuru Naba
Is the mole on Chizuru's cheek genetic?
Can those be genetic? ( ^ ^;) When designing her character, I put it there as a symbol of her sexiness and motherliness.
Fuka Narutaki
Does she have other sisters?
The twins don't seem to have any other older or younger sisters. (Lookingat the IP address and handle name, did this question come from France? ( ^ ^;)
Fumika Narutaki
Why did Fumika join the school decor club?
According to her character design, she is more of a neat-freak than her sister. But you don't get to see that side of her much in this story...
Satomi Hakase
How did Hakase get to be involved on the construction of Chachamaru Karakuri?
Hakase was famous as a genius since before she advanced to junior high. And so, Eva, who had lost her powers, made a request to Hakase and Chao for them to make Chachamaru; she injected a temporary soul into her with a doll contract and made her into her partner for the time being.
Chisame Hasegawa
Can Chisame use Linux?
It is essential knowledge for anything related to hacking these days, so of course she can. Furthermore, if she uses her artifact, she can get a root in a snap.
Evangeline
Will there be a pactio between Negi-sensei and Eva!?
Eva: "Well, if I'm the master, it might happen. Heh, heh, heh..."
Nodoka Miyazaki
Nodoka's chest size grows and shrinks depending on the picture, but what is it really?
It's growing gradually, but basically, she's a flat-chest.|
Natsumi Murakami
Please tell us Natsumi's real family situation.
It really is a very, very normal family. Everything is ordinary for Natsumi; that's why she is always wanting to change.
Ayaka Yukihiro
How does Ayaka understand Zazie when she doesn't talk?
Apparently, understanding all of her classmates' thoughts is one of her natural abilities as Class Rep.
Satsuki Yotsuba
What is Satsuki's best dish?
It would appear that she is into Chinese cooking lately. But she can basically cook anything.
Zazie Rainyday
When will we get to see Zazie in the spotlight?
I plan on withholding the explanation of Zazie's true identity until the last arch.
Is the uniform Sayo wears an old Mahora Academy uniform?
Yes, it is. Sayo happened to go to school at the same time that the Headmaster attended Mahora as a student. It would seem that she has no memories of that time period.
Yuna Akashi
If Professor Akashi is a wizard, does that mean that Yuna has magic, too?
There is a very strong possibility. Or, since her mother was purely a warrior type, it's also possible that she inherited her abilities.
Kazumi Asakura
For some time, there has been rumors that Kazumi has a boyfriend. Are they true?
It would appear that she does not have a boyfriend. In fact, there seems to be some truth to the idea, that her pactio was her first kiss. She may be the type to be in love with her work.
Yue Ayase
In 251st Period, in volume 28, when Negi uses the disarming spell and blows all of the girls' clothes off, Yue's boobs seemed to have gotten a lot bigger than we've ever seen them before. Why is that?
Hey, compared to the panels above that one with Emily and the others, she is still really flat (laugh). But, it is certainly plausible that she has grown in both mind and body since coming to the Magical World.
Ako Izumi
Why did Ako Izumi want to be the manager of the soccer team? There is nothing in the story about her liking soccer.
I understand that she fell in love with an upperclassman on the soccer team. After that, she was dumped spectacularly. She likes to take care of people, but she can't stand blood, so she might not be suited to manage a sports team.
Akira Okochi
Akira is very strong. Is there any connection between her name and Attila the Hun?
None whatsoever (laugh). But, man, I haven't heard that name in a while. My first-stage exam (now they call them center tests) was for world history.
Misa Kakizaki
Kakizaki is the only(?) girl in class with a boyfriend. Is there some special reason for that?
The concept I was going for when creating Kakizaki was, "modern-day junior high girl," so I designed her looks and personal life around that.
Asuna Kagurazaka
Is Asuna so stupid because she lost a ton of brain cells from having a powerful forgetfulness spell cast on her in the past?
I don't think she necessarily lost a ton of brain cells ( ^ ^;), but I think that's about the gist of it.
Misora Kasuga
Did Misora and Cocone make a pactio by kissing?
That is unknown, but my hope is that it was more, like...she gave her a rosary or something (laugh).
Chachamaru Karakuri
Do doll contracts create artifacts?
Like vampire contracts, it would appear that there are no artifacts. Also, I have not heard any reports of there being any contract cards, either.
Madoka Kugamia
The flag went up for Madoka and Kotaro at Mahora Fest, but will there be any future developments with them?
I can't say that there won't ever be any. In fact, personality-wise, I think they are a perfect match. I think it would be easy to draw the two of them together.
Ku Fei
Ku Fe gave Chao the swords she received from her master; does that mean that her master could use sword techniques as well as kempo?
That's right. Ku Fe is extremely skilled at handling weapons, too. She even got something along those lines for her artifact.
Konoka Konoe
I have been wondering this for a long, long time. But what is the connection between Konoka and Love Hina's Motoko?
The Konoe family has hired masters of the Shinme School as bodyguards for generations. In this story, all you see is the one picture where Tsuruko and Motoko visit when Konoka is very young.
Haruna Saotome
What kind of manga does Paru always draw?
Apparently, she draws everything from boy's love manga to sell at Comic Market to manga she can submit to publishers. She's a very skilled artist, and she can match the art style of all kinds of manga and anime.
Setsuna Sakarazaki
Setsuna Sakarazaki has two different artifacts. Is it possible to use multiple artifacts at the same time?
Yes, it is. When she does, she can receive extra power, such as magic and defense, from Negi and Konoka. (But, the Shinme School doesn't require magic).
Makie Sasaki
What is the farthest Makie's gymnastics ribbon can reach?
According to the rules of rhythmic gymnastics, it has to be at least 6 meters. But in the story, it does look like it can go about 10 meters, doesn't it? (Laugh)
Sakurako Shiina
In Volume 2, I think there was a girl that looked like Sakurako who showed up in the elementary school in the chapter about Asuna and Ayaka. Was that Sakurako?
Yes, it was. Apparently, she was already enrolled in Mahora Academy in elementary school. (Maybe preschool, too?)
Mana Tatsumiya
Does Tatsumiya-san have two magic eyes?
Only her left one is magic. It helps her see through monsters' disguises and take aim from long distances. She doesn't usually have it activated.
Chao Lingshen
How high is her IQ?
For a long time, her IQ had been set at 300 (laugh). But I feel like it might actually be that high.
Kaede Nagase
Is it possible to hide in Kaede's artifact forever, and live there?
It is possible, but under one condition. It would have to be a permanent contract, as opposed to a probationary one. Just like there are limits when you join a school club on a probationary basis, artifacts that go with probationary contracts do not last eternally.
Chizuru Naba
Is the mole on Chizuru's cheek genetic?
Can those be genetic? ( ^ ^;) When designing her character, I put it there as a symbol of her sexiness and motherliness.
Fuka Narutaki
Does she have other sisters?
The twins don't seem to have any other older or younger sisters. (Lookingat the IP address and handle name, did this question come from France? ( ^ ^;)
Fumika Narutaki
Why did Fumika join the school decor club?
According to her character design, she is more of a neat-freak than her sister. But you don't get to see that side of her much in this story...
Satomi Hakase
How did Hakase get to be involved on the construction of Chachamaru Karakuri?
Hakase was famous as a genius since before she advanced to junior high. And so, Eva, who had lost her powers, made a request to Hakase and Chao for them to make Chachamaru; she injected a temporary soul into her with a doll contract and made her into her partner for the time being.
Chisame Hasegawa
Can Chisame use Linux?
It is essential knowledge for anything related to hacking these days, so of course she can. Furthermore, if she uses her artifact, she can get a root in a snap.
Evangeline
Will there be a pactio between Negi-sensei and Eva!?
Eva: "Well, if I'm the master, it might happen. Heh, heh, heh..."
Nodoka Miyazaki
Nodoka's chest size grows and shrinks depending on the picture, but what is it really?
It's growing gradually, but basically, she's a flat-chest.|
Natsumi Murakami
Please tell us Natsumi's real family situation.
It really is a very, very normal family. Everything is ordinary for Natsumi; that's why she is always wanting to change.
Ayaka Yukihiro
How does Ayaka understand Zazie when she doesn't talk?
Apparently, understanding all of her classmates' thoughts is one of her natural abilities as Class Rep.
Satsuki Yotsuba
What is Satsuki's best dish?
It would appear that she is into Chinese cooking lately. But she can basically cook anything.
Zazie Rainyday
When will we get to see Zazie in the spotlight?
I plan on withholding the explanation of Zazie's true identity until the last arch.
During 210th period, Collet points out that Yue's one weakness is that she "goes to the bathroom a lot..." Is Yue okay at night?
She wakes up frequently to use the toilet. That's what happened during the school trip, too.
About how many dojinshi comics does Haruna sell during a single event?
She's not in a wall circle* yet, so I think she may sell a few hundred.
Note: "She's not popular enough that her dojinshi group (circle) has to stay near the wall to prevent long lines of buyers from blocking aisles at dojinshi events.
Light magic is the opposite of dark magic. What would happen if one tried to load it with Magia Erebea?
I think it would be possible to load light magic. Darkness really does swallow everything.
Do you have some kind of rule dictating which character you choose to put on the spine?
I used to use a cut of one of the classmates from the cover, but now, to make sure each classmate gets a chance, I specifically draw a new picture of one of the remaining characters. It's hard.
Did they plant the World Tree at Mahora Academy? Or did they build Mahora Academy where the World Tree was growing?
The campus. I mean, the latter*.
*Note: In Japanese, "campus" and "latter" are the same word (but with different kanji). Akamatsu-sensei was being punny.
During 158th Period, Chao says, "I'm not done yet." Did you make that sound like Captain Quattro's line in Zeta Gundam on purpose? Also, I hear that you mutter a lot while working, Akamatsu-sensei. Is that true?
I do mutter a lot while I work. And, as the line suggests, the manuscript is never done.
Why does Chachamaru stay little when she's with the Negi Party?
Because it's easier to draw her that way.
In volume 17 the 159th Period, around the fourth page? Chao-san has marks on her body. Are those a strengthened version of Magia Erebea?
Not exactly, but there's no doubt that it's a similar principle.
What would happen if Negi-kun were to sneeze at his current level of power? Would he blow away half of the planet?
That's specifically a disarming spell, so he would blow away the clothing of half the women on the planet.
Since the beginning, Asuna has had a sort of romantic/sisterly relationship with Negi. Now that her past has been revealed, the situation strikes me as very much like the relationship between Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia in the Star Wars movies. Was this a consideration of yours? If so, who will play the Han Solo to the Asuna's Leia?
Hmm...There isn't really anyone who could be Solo, is there? Although, that's kind of the position Kotaro is in. If I had to pick someone...maybe Setsuna? (laugh)
The 100km Broom Rally forbade attack magics, but I think Bea fired a magic arrow.
That was clearly a violation. But she'll do anything for Ojousama.
Why does Kaede hate frogs? Did she have a traumatic experience?
Hattori-kun came up with that detail. Apparently it's because ninja cannot oppose their tonosama(gaeru)*.
Note: *Ninja cannot oppose their lord--tonosama. The Japanese word for bullfrog is tonosamagaeru. Since a bullfrog is therefore a tonosama, Kaede would be bound to obey one.
20 years ago, Fate's party was nothing but men, so why is it nothing but girls now?
Storytelling-wise, it turned out that way to match the Negi Party, which is mostly all girls (laugh). 20 years ago, it matched Nagi's party.
Does Kotaro-kun have both animal ears and human ears?
Only the animal ears.
When Chizuru is going to poke Negi in in the butt, where would she fall on Rakan's strength chart?
I don't think she'd be able to poke Kotaro and Negi now, so it can't even be in the thousands.
What's the relationship between Eishun Konoe and Motoko Aoyama?
I believe he is a close relative of the Aoyama family. They're not father and daughter or anything like that.
Who are the other students that graduated with Negi? What jobs do they get?
The students that graduated in Chapter One were each given very witch/wizardly assignments, like running a delivery service, fortune-telling, etc. It is extremely rare to get a job like teaching middle school.
Negi has provisional contracts with several classmates, but if he were to make a formal contract with someone, would the provisional contracts become void?
Normally, yes. Normally.
Are there more Tsukuyomi-level battle freaks in the Shinmei School?
It's not like there are a lot them, but it would seem that when someone gets strong in the Shinmei School, it's easy to draw them to the dark side.
During 254th Period, Negi is in Thunder in Heaven, Great Vigor mode, and Kurt says that physical attacks have no effect. So how does Rakan's punch damage him when he's in that mode?
Guts.
Why does Arika-sama cut Master Zecht's hair in volume 26?
Because his hair is getting annoying. It was the Princess of Hellas who cut it.
Are artifacts specific to the person who has them? Can more than one person have the same artifact?
A few cases have been confirmed in which people with similar abilities have acquired the same artifact.
If you were to create an artifact for yourself, Sensei, what would you name it, and what would it do?
It would have the power to trade one strand of hair for one page of completed manga manuscript. Its name would be the "Kami no Kami (Hair of God)*."
Note: *Hair, paper, and god are all kami in Japanese. Akamatsu-sensei is being punny again.
Did you audition voices of Negima? Or had you already decided who play who from the beginning?
We held auditions. The anime's director chose all the voices.
If Negi-kun were the main character in a dating sim, how many of the Negima! heroines' endings could he get with one play-through?
Negi-kun's a kid, so he doesn't have to take responsibility for anything, so he could probably get about fifteen.
Do any of the characters' chests grow during the story?
They do and have. Quite a lot.
Can Setsuna use her artifact from Konoka and her artifact from Negi at the same time? If she can, would she be receiving magical power from both of them?
She can. She does get magic from both of them. But if a normal person tried it, they might overheat and pass out.
How do you register your activation key? And is it possible for multiple people to use the same one?
You don't have to register it with an organization or anything; you just have to decide your key and get your body used to it. It is possible for multiple people to have the same key, but the spirits you employ get confused, so it's preferable to members of the same party to use different keys.
Chisame can tell all of her electron sprites apart with no problems, but how does she know the difference?
They all have different ID numbers, so they look like completely different electron sprites to Chisame. If you're a voice actor fan, I think you should be able to distinguish them by their voices. (laugh)
Negima! is still going on for a while, right? Please tell me it is.
There's going to be a long animated series starting next year, so logically it wouldn't end until then at least.
She wakes up frequently to use the toilet. That's what happened during the school trip, too.
About how many dojinshi comics does Haruna sell during a single event?
She's not in a wall circle* yet, so I think she may sell a few hundred.
Note: "She's not popular enough that her dojinshi group (circle) has to stay near the wall to prevent long lines of buyers from blocking aisles at dojinshi events.
Light magic is the opposite of dark magic. What would happen if one tried to load it with Magia Erebea?
I think it would be possible to load light magic. Darkness really does swallow everything.
Do you have some kind of rule dictating which character you choose to put on the spine?
I used to use a cut of one of the classmates from the cover, but now, to make sure each classmate gets a chance, I specifically draw a new picture of one of the remaining characters. It's hard.
Did they plant the World Tree at Mahora Academy? Or did they build Mahora Academy where the World Tree was growing?
The campus. I mean, the latter*.
*Note: In Japanese, "campus" and "latter" are the same word (but with different kanji). Akamatsu-sensei was being punny.
During 158th Period, Chao says, "I'm not done yet." Did you make that sound like Captain Quattro's line in Zeta Gundam on purpose? Also, I hear that you mutter a lot while working, Akamatsu-sensei. Is that true?
I do mutter a lot while I work. And, as the line suggests, the manuscript is never done.
Why does Chachamaru stay little when she's with the Negi Party?
Because it's easier to draw her that way.
In volume 17 the 159th Period, around the fourth page? Chao-san has marks on her body. Are those a strengthened version of Magia Erebea?
Not exactly, but there's no doubt that it's a similar principle.
What would happen if Negi-kun were to sneeze at his current level of power? Would he blow away half of the planet?
That's specifically a disarming spell, so he would blow away the clothing of half the women on the planet.
Since the beginning, Asuna has had a sort of romantic/sisterly relationship with Negi. Now that her past has been revealed, the situation strikes me as very much like the relationship between Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia in the Star Wars movies. Was this a consideration of yours? If so, who will play the Han Solo to the Asuna's Leia?
Hmm...There isn't really anyone who could be Solo, is there? Although, that's kind of the position Kotaro is in. If I had to pick someone...maybe Setsuna? (laugh)
The 100km Broom Rally forbade attack magics, but I think Bea fired a magic arrow.
That was clearly a violation. But she'll do anything for Ojousama.
Why does Kaede hate frogs? Did she have a traumatic experience?
Hattori-kun came up with that detail. Apparently it's because ninja cannot oppose their tonosama(gaeru)*.
Note: *Ninja cannot oppose their lord--tonosama. The Japanese word for bullfrog is tonosamagaeru. Since a bullfrog is therefore a tonosama, Kaede would be bound to obey one.
20 years ago, Fate's party was nothing but men, so why is it nothing but girls now?
Storytelling-wise, it turned out that way to match the Negi Party, which is mostly all girls (laugh). 20 years ago, it matched Nagi's party.
Does Kotaro-kun have both animal ears and human ears?
Only the animal ears.
When Chizuru is going to poke Negi in in the butt, where would she fall on Rakan's strength chart?
I don't think she'd be able to poke Kotaro and Negi now, so it can't even be in the thousands.
What's the relationship between Eishun Konoe and Motoko Aoyama?
I believe he is a close relative of the Aoyama family. They're not father and daughter or anything like that.
Who are the other students that graduated with Negi? What jobs do they get?
The students that graduated in Chapter One were each given very witch/wizardly assignments, like running a delivery service, fortune-telling, etc. It is extremely rare to get a job like teaching middle school.
Negi has provisional contracts with several classmates, but if he were to make a formal contract with someone, would the provisional contracts become void?
Normally, yes. Normally.
Are there more Tsukuyomi-level battle freaks in the Shinmei School?
It's not like there are a lot them, but it would seem that when someone gets strong in the Shinmei School, it's easy to draw them to the dark side.
During 254th Period, Negi is in Thunder in Heaven, Great Vigor mode, and Kurt says that physical attacks have no effect. So how does Rakan's punch damage him when he's in that mode?
Guts.
Why does Arika-sama cut Master Zecht's hair in volume 26?
Because his hair is getting annoying. It was the Princess of Hellas who cut it.
Are artifacts specific to the person who has them? Can more than one person have the same artifact?
A few cases have been confirmed in which people with similar abilities have acquired the same artifact.
If you were to create an artifact for yourself, Sensei, what would you name it, and what would it do?
It would have the power to trade one strand of hair for one page of completed manga manuscript. Its name would be the "Kami no Kami (Hair of God)*."
Note: *Hair, paper, and god are all kami in Japanese. Akamatsu-sensei is being punny again.
Did you audition voices of Negima? Or had you already decided who play who from the beginning?
We held auditions. The anime's director chose all the voices.
If Negi-kun were the main character in a dating sim, how many of the Negima! heroines' endings could he get with one play-through?
Negi-kun's a kid, so he doesn't have to take responsibility for anything, so he could probably get about fifteen.
Do any of the characters' chests grow during the story?
They do and have. Quite a lot.
Can Setsuna use her artifact from Konoka and her artifact from Negi at the same time? If she can, would she be receiving magical power from both of them?
She can. She does get magic from both of them. But if a normal person tried it, they might overheat and pass out.
How do you register your activation key? And is it possible for multiple people to use the same one?
You don't have to register it with an organization or anything; you just have to decide your key and get your body used to it. It is possible for multiple people to have the same key, but the spirits you employ get confused, so it's preferable to members of the same party to use different keys.
Chisame can tell all of her electron sprites apart with no problems, but how does she know the difference?
They all have different ID numbers, so they look like completely different electron sprites to Chisame. If you're a voice actor fan, I think you should be able to distinguish them by their voices. (laugh)
Negima! is still going on for a while, right? Please tell me it is.
There's going to be a long animated series starting next year, so logically it wouldn't end until then at least.