Phenomeno:Volume 01, Afterword To The Afterword

Afterword To The Afterword

One evening, after I had sent the first chapter, ‘The Wish-fulfilling House’ to the person in charge of my story, Katsushi Ota-san, he soon called me back and asked, “That was really interesting, but what’s going to happen in the story from here?” Being bad at writing plots, I timidly replied, “I don’t know. I just feel like the main character ◯◯’s ◯◯.” “Wow—I would love to read that! Then please continue!” I still remember how easily I was given permission to publish the book. 　

Normally, for a writer in my position to publish an issue, I would have to submit things like ‘Plot design’, ‘Character setting’, and ‘plot details’, but it was my first time being easily approved with my vague explanation. Since then, and until the series was completed – I was actually thankful to the point of tears for never having been given the task of submitting a plot, and my days consisted of writing frantically, determined to never betray this trust.

Now when I think of it, this series called ‘Phenomeno’ was a beautiful dream that ended before I had a chance to think of how to thank everyone, Abe Yoshitoshi-san, who was chosen to do the illustrations, the visual novel(with key animation by Yūichi Tanaka-san) that had been created to promote the series, and an audio reading event by Chiaki Kuriyama-san.

And today, when the paperback edition is published and Yukito Ayatsuji-san appeared on the obi, I was convinced that this was indeed a dream. No, even in my dreams, these kinds of extreme developments are not allowed. Truly, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to you all once again.

In addition, Mr. Moegi Hirabayashi who was assigned to "Phenomeno" series as deputy in charge. I have been thinking that I should thank him for his continuous support behind the scenes; He himself is an excellent editor, and I am a little relieved to be able to write about it in this "Afterword to the Afterword". I am much obliged for all your support. Thank you very much for your kindness.

Finally, to those of you who are picking up this series for the first time here. 　

Nice to meet you, I’m Ninomae Hajime 一肇.

“I can’t read this pen name!” Mr. Ota butted in when we first met, “It’s read as Hajime Ninomae”. “Please carry that illegible pen name as a cross for the rest of your life!” I was told that as well, but I will do my best to carry it for the rest of my life.

Together with the main characters of this work, ‘Nagito’ and ‘Yoishi’, I would like to thank you very much.

31st September

Ninomae Hajime

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Translator's notes and references

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