Mamare Touno

Mamare Touno is the author of the Log Horizon series, having previously written Maoyuu Maou Yuusha. When he is writing for a volume, he usually updates on Syosetu before he compiles it into a published volume. He recently dropped another work of his, Trattoria After School, for unspecified reasons.

Personal Life
Touno himself is rather asocial and would probably be classified as a hikikomori. He usually writes about his relationship with his sister in the Afterword of volumes 1-5; in volumes 6, 7, and 8, he has written about his editor, F-ta.

According to him, contrary to what people believe, his little sister "is not tsundere or cute at all." She has a tendency to hide one of his shoes whenever she is mad at him. Despite belittling him at times, however, she did not hesitate to buy the first volume of the Log Horizon novel when it first released. When asked to hug her and report what happens, he responded that neither of them hugged each other, and that she would more likely kick him.

Q&A Sessions
Touno has had three question-and-answer sessions on 4chan; the first was to clarify Nureha's subclass, Courtesan, being less like a prostitute and more like the Japanese dayu. The second was after episode 10, and the third was after the first season finale.

Session 1

 * Thread: http://archived.moe/a/thread/95479152/

Geisha word that points to the job. Dayu is the best grade of geisha. Geisha was also made prostitution sometimes. It has led to social cognition another in the long history. You should not make together with the modern. "Can not be owned by the man" lover + Hollywood actress. Those who think so are correct.

Okay, I'll write this in Japanese. Forgive this. I was (post number) 95480689. Courtesan (娼姫) is a somewhat rare (sub)class that was made up on the whim of the developer. They get involved in court politics, secret maneuvers, and negotiations. Also, when they raise their skills, it's easier to get good loot. That's how they worked in the game.

>Second season of Maoyu when? Production (of the second season) depends on the commercial success, so I can't say even though I'm the author... But the staff is still fired up (to do it)!（≧∀≦）

>"What class would he play if he played Elder Tale?" I'd probably play as a Kannagi/Shaman. I played as an Enchanter or Shaman in EQ2

'''>Could you tell me more about druids? I want to know more about the class and the skills, please.''' http://ncode.syosetu.com/n5313bu/10/ http://ncode.syosetu.com/n5313bu/11/ Druids are described in detail right here. Unfortunately, my power is too low to translate all of it. I believe that someone will do it eventually.

'''>>Is the manga any good? Only 1 chapter translated?''' The manga is good, yes I like how the LN's illustrator, Hara Kazuhiro (a friend of mine), draws the characters. There's a personality for each in another story. It's good to choose your favorite characters.

>How did you find your way here? A Japanese fan told me about it. There are many people who like and know a lot about MMOs in 4chan threads. It's like the home of MMOs.

>Who is your personal favourite character in Log Horizon? Whichever character I'm currently writing. I like the character that's there at the moment, no matter the scene.

>Can an alchemist create drinks and alcohol or is that only a brewer thing? They both can do it. The things you can do are constantly increasing. The expansion of the world is an important theme.

'''>来年出版されるTRPGのことは何か教えてくれませんか？ ヘイトシステムがつまれるよ. それに大物ゲームクリエイターがリプレイで登場します. ''' It will include a Hate system. Oh, and a pretty big game creator is behind it.

'''>私は本当にあなたの作品を楽しんだ. こちらこそありがとう. 沢山の人に届いて、作者もとても嬉しいよ. ''' Thank you too. As an author, I'm glad that it reached out to many people.

>秋のアニメには、どちがすきですか？（log horizon以外） I'm enjoying Kill la Kill and Kyousougiga. And aside from that, Non Non Biyori.

>こんにちは橙乃ままれさん '''>あなたの文庫はすごくいい. 私は日本語よくわからないけど読むやってみて''' Hello. My editors are hard at work.

'''>Log Horizonアニメが日本に人気ですか. ''' Well, about that. The anime is on its 3rd episode, and I still can't tell if it's popular or not (as far as I can understand) I was a bit worried about having NHK (Japanese state-funded channel) air it. Does the youth of the world know about current Japanese culture? Do you know about the most common thing of the past 10 years? NHK is a state-funded channel. And I didn't want it to have short-lived popularity based around the number of girls. It was a project discussed in many meetings. So me being here conversing with the English community is one of the first steps of the anime's success By which I mean that it reached all of you（≧∀≦）

>Will shiroe and akatsuki date? You can see it in the anime. ...Shiroe is a bit timid and dense, though.

>Wait so he has at least 2 charcters and the second one is called "Roetwo"? Shiroe's sub account? Her name is Roe2. She's gonna appear sometime. Keep it a secret.

>Are you considering an English release if Log Horizon will be popular or is that out of the question? I don't really know what exactly you're asking. 1) We'll definitely get English DVDs 2) Getting the LNs translated into English is a bit complicated. Japanese books rarely sell when translated.

>I-im sorry for pirating your works and for being a poorfag. Considering what I am, I can't really say it in a loud voice, but... You shouldn't worry too much. If you ever become rich, make sure to buy many great works!

>Which MMORPGS did you get inspiration from? >You mentioned Everquest2 and it looks like there's some Dungeons and dragons, are there any more? >Did you also put in something from personal, in-game, experience? Everquest 1/2, Ultima, Online Diablo 1/2, among many others I really think they're trying hard to make FF14 into a great game. I've been playing DnD since red box.

'''>先生、paypalアッコウントがありますか？DVDが買えなくだが金おあげたいです. ''' No. No need for that. Just saying "This was interesting!" is more than enough support.

>Are economics and world building the things that you like to write in your series? They're just a means to an end. In the world we're living now, governments and economics are as natural as seas and mountains. Like the people in the middle ages feared storms and drought, many of us live in fear of recessions and terrorism. I want to write about people who don't lose courage and live on in those and similar situations.

'''>ローズガーデン・プリンセスってなに？と、この人が知りたいです. ''' (Asking about the Rose Garden Princess subclass) It's a subclass made for a single character in the LN She'll be in the anime soon enough. It's the lazy princess.

'''>I hope your work will be successful. Do BD/DVD matter or are only tv ratings important?''' TV ratings and support from fans, both Japanese and otherwise It's state-funded, so foreign relations are important :)

>Do you play many games outside of MMOs? I play a lot of games, most of them tabletops, but I don't forget video games

'''>Do you play Fire Emblem? Have you played Fire Emblem: Awakening? Who is your waifu?''' I like Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War. My waifu is Ira.

>我々海外のファンに何か質問あるですか？ Who's your favorite character? What do you think of Naotsugu? Do you understand what's explained in the battles? What do you think of the OP, ED and the music overall?

>Do you know of any plans to release figures of I'm pretty excited about that too. I wonder if any company would take up the job. Which character's figure would you like?

>Touno-san, why do you do not sleep at this hour? That's part of being a MMO player.

>This is truly a nyanderful day. Yes! grate nyanderful :)

>EQnextを見ませんでしたか？それはどうと思う？ I'm very excited about it. I'll even take an exclusive holiday.

>セララと他の方々には、一生にそのクラスにいらなきゃ？それとも、クラス・チェーンジも出来る？ You can change subclasses.

>スレは今からどんどん早く動きます I'm doing my best to keep up （＞＜）

Sorry, everyone. It's 7:15 in Japan right now and I'm going to eat breakfast. I think I'll leave it at that for the moment. Thank you for your support!

Session 2

 * Thread: http://archived.moe/a/thread/97960047/

Good evening. Is Tounomamare. As promised, I visited again at the turning point # 10. To report the status of the animation, you can meet some of the questions :)

>>Who will win? (picture of Akatsuki and Minori) That will be clear when the story goes on, but rather than winning or losing, I want them both to grow through love.

'''>>Why wasn't Souji the first player to die, like in the West Wind Brigade spinoff? Would it have been too gory for NHK?''' Circumstances of the script and production.

'''>>The history of Theldesia 350 years ago said that Humans, Elves, Dwarves, and Alvs existed after the gods rebuilt Earth to half its surface area. Were those other three races created by those same gods?''' The remaining three races were brought forward by the People of the Lands' ancestors using the Alvs' legacy.

'''>>Players are able to change subclasses, correct? Can you describe the process as if you were a player in the setting?''' Players can change subclasses. Most subclasses can be changed simply by talking to an NPC in one of the various towns, but some require a quest or rare item. Almost every subclass resets to level 1 when you change to it.

>>If a Guardian activates both Anchor Howl and Castle of Stone, does the attack from Anchor Howl work even though the Guardian is immobile from Castle of Stone? It should work.

>>Do the women statues in Episodes 9 and 10 represent anyone? Those are the Ruquinjé. The Alvs' final leaders.

>>Will we see hybrid classes? Elder Tale is restricted to 12 classes for the sake of game balance.

>>Can you tell us if there are any localization efforts for the series in other countries yet? There are plans to publish the novels in Thai!

>>あなたは私たちのために、新しいニュースを持っていますか？ (Do you have any new news for us?) I'll discuss that in details next thread!（≧∀≦）

Dear 4channers, My reason for revisiting here was to convey my appreciation.

The anime, Log Horizon, is currently broadcasting in America, France, China, and South Korea. It seems it's not too unpopular in these various countries. This is thanks to all the fans in these countries. NHK has done their part as well. There is one more thing. At that NHK, currently, from those various countries and regions fan letters and e-mails are being received. They are from so many places the person in charge was bewildered. This is wonderful news.

Usually it is the author or anime's creator who receives support from the fans. However, the staff in administration, who manage the budget, who work to bring the show overseas to all these countries aren't visible to the public and have no chance to receive this support. It's wonderful that with everyone's support, NHK's staff has managed to negotiate to bring the show to many countries. They are also part of the team. That's why, everyone, please be sure to convey your thanks to your publishers' staff and translators!

'''>>Q: Do you know what therm "sandbox" mean in regards to MMO? Did you play any?''' '''>>Q: Do you know about EVE Online? That the game is pretty much social study about players taking order in their hands and organizing a world? What do you think about it?''' It's an MMO trend with a themepark mentality and unaligned players. I know of EVE Online.

'''>>Q: Many believe, that your portrayal of PvP guilds and players in MMO is extremely shallow. Do you have expiriences with PvP? PKing? Guild warfare? Faction wars? Sandbox MMO PvP?''' I know some things about PvP and Guild warfare. However, regarding Log Horizon there's no plans to make it a major theme at the moment. There's no way to fit every theme in a single work.

>>Do you have plans to localize the Log Horizon board game? There aren't any plans for the board game yet.

'''>>How much are you involved in making the anime? Do they ask your opinions much?''' I talk to the anime staff. If I demand things in a loud enough voice, various opinions make it through to them. However animation and novels are different media, and they're professionals. We've strived to build a relationship where we work together while respecting each others' domains.

>>Can you confirm season 2 for Log Horizon, or is still negotiating with NHK? Of course, negotiations take forever. However, at the moment I can't say anything.

'''>>How do you feel about the pacing of the anime? Do you like how they handled the Round Table Conference?''' I wonder if they put the most effort into the storyboards and script. I am satisfied with the pacing.

The thread is moving really fast! Sorry if I miss any questions. Also, if I misunderstand, please point my mistakes out.

'''>>Q: round table conference was interesting. Guild drama is typically prevalent in MMOs. Especially ones with PVP. Where did you get your ideas from for these parts? Any past experience or stories?''' I'm influenced by MMOs I played in the past. In addition, I was inspired by real human relations and negotiations between companies.

>>Sensei, do you hate us for pirating? A lot of Japanese creators differentiate between copyright infringement and fan activities. Copyright infringement, i.e. earning money based on other's works, isn't good. But, regarding this work, see my answer from last time. :)

>>Also I apologise if some people are rude, please ignore the trolls. No matter the place, there are many nice people and lonely people :) I understand, so don't worry!

'''>>How do you feel about adaptation? Is NHK doing a good job? Are they cutting out much?''' They're doing a really good job. Anime has its own appeal, and Mamare is enjoying that.

>>What is your favorite Japanese novel? There are many, but I'll say "Dragon Farm". It's by Kumi Saori!

>>Mamare, XBOXONE or Play Station 4 or PC? PC！

>>Can't wait to see the newbies fight in the animation mamare feels the same way.

>>Do you have any ideas about your next series after Log Horizon, or is that still really far off? Yes, I do. But I need to focus on Log Horizon for the next few years.

'''>>my only question i would like answered is are the train tracks from japan still there in the half gaia project? fixing them up would create a great and safe pathway between cities and it would be exciting to see the people in akiba make a steam train.''' Most of those tracks are completely rotten and restoring them would require an enormous amount of effort and funds. But that's a very nice idea.

>>What games do you like? I really like various types of games. One board game I'm having fun with is "7 Wonders"

>>Q: What music do you listen to when you're working on Log Horizon? I listen to the ED (your song) a lot. I listen to Old Number too. In my next volume (8), I intend to focus on Isuzu, so I need to study music.

'''>>Will there be less censorship on the Blu-rays? For instance more bloody fights or mob kills, for instance the light novels show that killing monsters are like killing animals and the killed monster would leave a corpse before turning into a bubble.''' The BD footage should be almost completely the same as the TV broadcast version. And there will be bonus stuff provided with the BD. >>Mamare-sensei, do you watch Sword Art Online or .hack? I do!（≧∀≦）

'''>>Akatsuki is my waifu. I guess what I'm trying to ask is, do I have your blessing as her creator to continue having Akatsuki as my waifu?''' There are lines even the author can't cross. You should ask things related to Akatsuki to Akatsuki herself!

'''>>I'd just like to ask about the real-world props that got dragged into Log Horizon's world. For example, all those cars that we see covered in moss in the backgrounds, do they still have an engine? And is it possible for someone in their world to fix it, with the right subclass? A Mechanic, maybe?''' Repairing cars that have rusted away to the point there's moss on them must be extremely difficult. Even if those cars are Peugeot or Honda. That said, there are adventurers trying to do this in the novel. They're most probably in The Rodrick Firm.

'''>>Q: How are HP and Mana (MP) decided for each player? Is it based on their race or class?''' It's decided by their class, their race, their level, and also by their current equipment

>>Q: Do all subclasses grant extra skills like Akatsuki's 'Tracker' subclass? A lot of the subclass give skills to their owner. There are also subclasses that are exclusively there for roleplaying.

'''>>Is there any plan to release the novels for Log Horizon in the UK? I would love to own them but I can't read Japanese.''' There was a meeting just recently about this very topic. But unfortunately they couldn't manage to settle to an agreement. Looks like it'd be hard making a profit on it.

>>Watching Nobunagun next season? I'm looking forward to it!（≧∀≦）

>>Are you a fan of Nobuyuki Fukumoto's works? Of course. My favorite work from him is Gin to Kin (Silver and Gold). >>Mamare do you like monmusu Of course I do! I'm buying it day one at Akihabara! The most cute is the new heroine, Arakune.

'''>>Tetra seems really cute. Will she get with Naotsugu?''' His lovers aren't his partners. Tetra is a good girl.

>>Is your sister real? She does exist. But she isn't as cute as everyone seems to think. When she gets angry, she goes and hides only one of my shoes.

'''>>Have you heard of the new MMO "Wildstar"? Have you tried it?''' First time hearing of it. I'd love time to be able to play all of the games.

>>Are you still NEET, Mamare-san? Much like Princess Raynesia, my days filled with laziness and elegance have vanished away. I'm working everyday :(

'''>>001 Can I move the game character between different servers at a time when the ancient tales were playing? Kanami could go to the European server?''' Of course, you can change servers.

'''>>002. What kind of ability in subclass "Pathfinder" from Hasegawa Naotsugu? And what he does not use them?''' It's being used everyday. You win more loot when you kill monsters, and you're able to sense when monster are nearby on the field. It's just not explicitly shown in the novel/anime.

>>Speaking of which, will the international community receive a chance to develop items for Log Horizon? If you get access to the NHK, I think you have a chance.

>>Mamare-san, how many hours weekly do you spend playing MMO I haven't had the chance to play for the last few months. (T-T)

'''>>Also a question, have you heard that your fans are fan translating your Light novels? Because we're enjoying them a lot.''' I am aware of it. Because of my relations with the guys at my editing company, I can't really recommend it but... If you enjoy it, then it's OK for me!（≧∀≦） >>Mamare-sensei, what is your favourite part of MMOs? Getting to knowing various people, and working together with them to achieve one task.

'''>>How will plumbing work in elder tales? Or other things that runs the city infrastructure, like electricity and such.''' There aren't any electricity or gas infrastructures in town. Water is provided to the water tower by the Spirit of Water, or by magic tools. There are sewers. (and as a matter of fact, there's a white crocodile monster living inside)

>>Question:How many Player will Join the Log Horizon guild? Eventually there'll be 12 players from the 12 classes joining Log Horizon.

>>Anyone know the NHK mail address to send the fan mail? http://www9.nhk.or.jp/anime/loghorizon/letter/index.html You should be able to send it over there.

'''>>Are you pleased with how the anime is adapting your work? Is there anything that was skipped or changed that you don't like?''' That's hard to say. I'm satisfied with the anime as an animated work. The VAs are doing a wonderful job. Shiroe, Naotsugu, Akatsuki, Nyanta, Serara, Krusty, Isuzu, Rundelhous are particularly wonderful. And there's one more wonderful VA I'm keeping secret. I'm a fan of her. Please look forward to watching the last five episodes!

Yeah, I'm not unhappy with it, but...

The anime is being nationally broadcast, and as such there are also grade schoolers watching it. Because of that, there have been several changes. That's also why there are very few sexy scenes of the heroines. But thanks to that, some parts have been made more fun.

'''>>How long the novel volume you plan to write before it ends? I hate to see it stop half way like alot of author did. I do hope the novel volume are very long since the story are enjoyable to read at.''' I intend to make Log Horizon a 15 volume series, with some small things on the side. I should be able to complete it with your support.

>>Q: Who is your favorite character in K-On? It's Ricchan（≧∀≦）

'''>>Mamamare-san, do you like to cook? What is your favorite food?''' I love cooking. I can eat almost anything, but my favorite are fish, eggplant, and natto.

>>Mamare san, do you enjoy Berserk? You're talking about the manga "Berserk", right? I love it. The art is awesome.

>>Mamare, what is your favourite anime? I'm enjoying Kill la Kill, Non Non Biyori, and Arpeggio this season.

'''>>If Log Horizon was ever to become popular enough for NHK to put funding towards a real life game of Elder Tale, would you approve of it? I'm sure it'd be cool if it didn't break the fourth wall and had Shiroe as a character.''' As NHK is the broadcaster, it won't be made into a game. You need lots of funds to make an MMORPG. That's why I know it's very hard to make. That said, there's a chance small-scale offers like smartphone games make it, so that's great.

>>Are any of the characters based off of friends or people you know? They're resembling my friends. There's actually a character based off a player with whom I've played a MMO in the series.

'''>>Q: will there plans to show and explain more of the subclasses that haven't been mention yet? like the vampire, beast tamer?''' A vampire should be showing up soon. I can't actually explain all of the sub classes, so it'd be great if we could announce a setting book/artbook. >>Question: What would be your reaction if Yoshiyuki Tomino would personally critizie your work and call it talentless and harmful? Mr. Tomino is one of the greatest anime directors and a senior. You're basically asking me what I would do if I got spoken ill of by someone like him? Young creators are basically desperatly fighting their way in, with their own works. If they don't do that, they won't make good works. Knowing that, Mr. Tomino is criticizing those young creators to bring them up well. Even if that ended up making you cry, you need to endure it. And first of all, Mr. Tomino is only giving challenges to creators he thinks are full of prospects.

'''>>How can us fans overseas show support and future demand for more seasons of Log Horizon? Are blu-ray sales the most important factor? >>I'd like to hear it from Mamare-sensei himself. And LH is a different case than most other shows due to being under NHK.'''

Of course the sales are the most important factor. That said, it's not the only important factor. The view count on Crunchy Roll, the comments, and the fan letters are also important. If I wanted to go further, I'd even say that simply it being discussed a lot on Twitter is good. Log Horizon is receiving a lot of support! And the team is thankful for that.

'''>>The Fox-Tail race loses primary class skills randomly with level ups. Was this just to balance out the higher beginner stats? Were there more reasons?''' This is unreasonable for an MMO, and so wouldn't appear in a reality. However, it was necessary to make Shiroe's rival character special.

>>Jin Kisaragi (the person that translated these responses) Good evening (good morning?), Jin! You have become known as the "French LH fan" in the Japanese community. Thanks for your support!

>>Do you have plans for any international collaboration on details, similar to your current arrangements with your Japan fanbase? When we next ask for new items, please try submitting ideas on twitter! The writing team has their hands full, but we'll keep on the look out as best we can.

>>Could you give information on what is happening on the European Server? And is there a Crusading guild in Europe? On the European server, city states are employing adventurer guilds as mercenaries, like in medieval times. It has become a tale of adventure, dragon slaying and duels of honor.

>>Question: Would you let Yutaka Yamamoto adapt your works into anime? >>What are your favorite anime studios? >>If you had to chose between two - would you pick SHAFT or Kyoto Animation? All animation studios have their own good points, but I really like Toei Animation.

>>Have you realized that through Internet Log Horizon has reached to people worldwide? Yes. There are comments from various countries using the #loghorizon hashtag. This is something not seem by other anime. "It seems something different from usual is happening here." I notice this, and the Japanese fans are also noticing this. It is a great honor.

'''>>If it's an MMO, why did everyone name their characters so seriously? I mean there is noone like "XxX_Arhas_XxX" around. Considering that there is too much people on the server, you'd have a hard time naming your character.''' Instead of portraying 'real' MMO usernames, I prioritized having usernames that make it easy for the reader to remember for the story.

>>Q: Are the NPCs and Adventurers able to have children together? '''>>Q: Can Adventurers have kids? And would they be adventurers?''' They'll probably be able to do so. Even if it's just a few people, this might eventually happen. However, this is for the story to answer, so I'll leave it here.

'''>>Does Krusty ever arouse you when you write about him? He arouses me when I read about in.''' >>Krusty arouses everybody (picture of the Simpsons character) That is so. The guy with the "Krusty" username chose that name because he liked that character (from the Simpsons).

>>Waiting for the scrubs arc in novel 8! Roger that. I'll get that done before the new year. (bling!)

'''>>Q: Is there any character in Log Horizon that is based on yourself? Or any character that you can self-insert into easily?''' Nope. I wrote this story more for the readers than myself.

'''>>Q: Do you also enjoy DATABASE DATABASE LIVING IN THE DATABASE WOW WOW, Sensei? I love that song. How did you choose that song?''' The staff for the anime series chose this song with anime fans and the direction of this novel in mind. It's the wolf head.

>>How close are the actors and actresses voicing your characters to the voices you imagined when writing them? >>Did you get to take part in casting for the anime? We chose the VAs through an audition process. Of course I had my say in the matter too. Everyone had a fascinating and charming voice. Even now as I'm writing my manuscript, I am motivated by listening to their voice acting.

>>Which Touhou character is your waifu? Just a moment. They're doing a final showdown. * pachu* And the winner is Nazurin. '''>>Mamare-sensei, serious question: Why do Shiroe, Krusty and Henrietta adjust their glasses so much? Are the glasses buggy?''' That's because it's a cool, anime-ish gesture. It's a gesture that shows that they're a true villain inside. Don't think too deeply of it, or you won't be able to truly enjoy it（≧∀≦）

'''>>Q: C85 is slowly approaching. Are you looking forward to the incoming fan material that's gonna be produced about Log Horizon? How about a lewd doujin here and there?''' You're talking about those things that boys of age are interested in, right? I close one eye and just overlook it.

>>Any chances that we get figmas for Naotsugu? I also want Log Horizon Nendroids.

'''>>Q: Will there come a point that the LN plot (aka Shiroe's story), and Kanami's story (aka the web side story) intersect? Or will they remain separate? Because it would be... interesting to see how Shiroe and his friends tackle the &lsaquo;Genius&rsaquo; monster dillema.''' If Shiroe doesn't want to push too hard and settle with a normal conclusion, they won't cross. If he want the absolute best conclusion, then he'd need some kind of support he couldn't even imagine, and you guys know that Kanami is one of those people able to help him in that way, right?

>>Its obvious that Naotsugu and Marielle will get together eventually, will you portrait in the novels in a obvious way or you plan to take the subtle approach and give slight hints about it? In my next publication, out on the 20th, you will be able to see how their couple develops.

>>Teacher Mamare, what system would you use for your Log Horizon Tabletop RPG? It's a completely original system. They'll progressively start releasing news over the course of the year, or so the development team said. >>Mamare-sensei, is the reason why the gaiden have hard time getting published due to the certain turtle ninja? It's for a reason resembling that. The true reason is that I don't have the time to go back and review/correct the text.

>>I have a question for you: Would you consider making an appearance at international anime conventions or festivals? I'll tell you the truth that shouldn't be known. Those kind of events are only offered to diligent and excellent writers. As I like being lazy at hom and just purring at home, I don't know if I'll be given that chance. But if I'm ever given a chance, I'll be very glad to meet all of you!

'''>>What does your imouto think of Log Horizon? In the volume 4 afterword you mentioned that she bought it too.''' She told me that "You did somewhat well, for someone of your kind". That's the greatest word of praise I've received from her in ten years.

'''>>Q: Do you think Crunchyroll is the future of anime in foreign countries in getting money to you quickly, sensei? A lot of anonymous apparently use it to support your works from overseas.''' I'm really thankful for it. Thanks to Crunchyroll, Japan anime is being spread legally, and in a timely manner.

>>Q: Who's got the bigger size, Demon Queen or Maryelle? Maou's are so bigger they're not even comparable. Marielle's are somewhat small.

>>Q: Do you have megane fetish? I do think girls with glasses are cute. There's a wonderful dance scene awaiting starring Henrietta.

'''>>Q: Are Assassins the only class with the ability to quickly vanish from active combat? Or does the Tracker subclass allow it?''' If there's a great enough level difference between them and their enemy, then assassins have the power to OHKO stuff. Akatsuki, being a Tracker, is also very good at ambushes and surprise attacks. That said, if an Assassin is facing an enemy of the same level and lots of HP, it'll be difficult for him to beat it.

>>Mamare-san, can people create modern technology like guns or television if they have a high enough skill and real-life knowledge? There's a possibility, but there's a difference between making things and actually using them. Even if you make a very powerful weapon, you might need to be level 200 to be actually able to use it.

'''>>Q: As you can see, the OP is very popular. DATABASE, WOWWOW, have become memes. What do you think of the OP?''' I think it's a nice song. I'm not that knowledgeable in music, but I find it really heroic.

'''>>do you still play EQ2 sir mamare ? if yes in which server ? i'd like to play with you sometimes : D''' I've retired. I'm sorry!

My question list is getting longer and longer（＞＜） I'll skip any questions that have already been answered already or that are similar to already answered questions

>>First, could weapons that are normally impossible to wield with one hand, like large axes, hammers, or even spears, be used single handed by an Adventurer with sufficient arm strength, like say a high level Guardian running around with two giant hammers, or are there unseen game forces stopping them from using them like that? Regardless of their weight, single-handed equipment can only be worn using one hand, and two-handed equipment can only be used with two hands. That's how it goes in such a digital game. That's why if it ever becomes possible to do as you said, it'd become an oral tradition.

>>Secondly, if an Adventurer were to just dump all the weapons in their inventory out on the ground, could they wield any of those weapons normally by just picking them up? They could, if they fulfilled all of the appropriate requirements.

'''>>Q: We will get a second season of the anime, right? RIGHT?''' I still don't know.

>>Before the Catastrophe, how were EXP pots restricted for trade to other characters? No, those pots are bonus items that you simply received and were able to trade. In Elder Tale, low-levelled players leveled up quickly, so those item didn't have that much value.

'''>>Mamare-sensei, are you planning on explaining the reason why they got stuck inside the game? Or is it explained later in the novels?''' Yes, of course I plan to. But you know, you say "they got stuck". It could not be the case! For instance, they could have slipped inside, or have been forced into by a third party. '''>>Q. Who is your waifu?''' That's a secret... There are so many I can't choose!

'''>>Q. What is your favorite anime of all time?''' That's also something I can't answer because there are so many. That said, I've watched and rewatched the Utena movie many times. I absolutely love it.

>>Beach Episode when? You're right, that's an extremely important question. The answer is, next week. In episode 11!

'''>>What do you think of Minori's Voice Actress? I her voice is really cute.''' Nao Tamura is a rookie VA. I've chosen her knowing that fact. To voice the youngsters (Minori, Touya, Isuzu, Lundelhaus, Serara), we've chosen VAs whose careers were comparatively short. This so so that they grow up together with Minori, or so wished the staff. Regardless of them being rookies, they've got charm. I'm supporting those cute girls, and the rest of the VAs too.

'''>>Is there any plan for the story in the American server ? in the main story or in "gaiden". >>like rebuilding the security or a story of a cook destroying the huge crime guild. >>I wanna see what its like if a Hollywood-like story or American comic-like story happens in Log-hora world.''' This is something I also want to see, but I just don't have enough energy left for it. What happens in the world of Log Horizon, and the mysteries that I've left in various locations around the world, are blank pages that are there so that people can write their very own story about it. '''>>What's your opinion about the anime as well? If given the chance to choose your preference, would you have chosen another anime studio to do your LN series?''' The anime companies in Japan are very close to each other. Someone can work at several studios, and studios help other studios anonymously. Success isn't guaranteed by simply choosing a certain studio. I'm satisfied with the current system.

'''>>Mamare-san, who is your favourite character in Non Non Biyori? I like Koma-chan.''' The candy shop owner.

'''>>Hi Mamare-sensei. Do certain servers have specific classes? For example, in North America, it would not make sense to have a Samurai.''' Yeah, they've probably got various classes. I'll think of an event that'll clear things up.

>>How is religion treated in Elder Tale world Mamare san? This is also something that is being dealt with in the actual story.

>>Mamare-sensei, if you could play Elder Tales, what class and subclass would you be? I'd probably choose something like Druid and Apothecary. There are so many I'd like to become I can't choose. I've created them so that they're all charming, after all.

>>How many hours your work per day? On busy days, around 14 hours. But there are also days where I nap for half a day! :D

'''>>Why does Japan have a population problem? Is it connected to anime?''' If I had to say, I'd say that it's mainly because of the depression. The proportion of elderly in the whole population has greatly increased, and young people feel that their life is as if they'd become slaves of the society.

'''>>Q. Mamare-san, what's your favorite Gundam?''' V-Gundam. It's a masterpiece. Katejina is the best.

>>1) How are class armor and weapon restrictions handled now that the world has changed? For example: If a mage attaches plate / mail armor onto their robe, does that allow them to still equip the armor, and if so, does it apply any negative effects? He can put on the armor, but due to the severe penalties he might not be able to battle.

>>2) Are there any weapons which have more than one weapon type, like a sword that is also a magical device, or a spear that has the properties of a blunt weapon like a halberd? Yes there are, since the times when it was still just a game. However, they are mostly high-level magic items.

>>3) Are there crossbows in the world of Elder Tale and can they be equipped by players? Hien has this equipped. You should have known this even from the anime.

>>4) Do adventurers age at all? >>5) Do the different races of adventurers (half-alv, elf, human) age differently? This is still unknown.

>>6) Do the different races of adventurers have special racial abilities or more proficient at certain types of combat than other races? (Elves at archery, half-alvs with magic, etc) Yes, like having night vision.

>>Q: If someone creates a hang-glider flying apparatus would it be possible for a magician to use air spells and keep it floating indefinately sort of like an airplane? Magicians can't cast spells that last forever. However, they surely are people in the LH world that would experiment with this.

Well then, I've been around here for a really long time. Even though there are still plenty of questions unanswered, this is as far as I can go for today. Yours truly will be going to bed soon. Thanks everyone!

have a Nyanderful day!

Session 3

 * Thread: http://archived.moe/a/thread/104187414


 * He mentioned that he has 15 volumes planned for Log Horizon, plus extra material.
 * His favorite pairing is Rundelhous Code and Isuzu.
 * His favorite character is whoever he is writing at the moment; at the moment of the Q&A, he was writing about Tohya.
 * Krusty's cat was named "Nobody".
 * Shiroe and Akatsuki were given the Enchanter and Assassin classes, respectively, because the theme of MMORPGs is that "living by yourself is difficult," so they had specialized classes that were difficult to play solo with.

Trivia

 * When writing chapters, he enjoys listening to music, especially Yun*chi's "your song", the ending for Log Horizon season 1.