Interesting Interviews in Paris

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23 Responses

  1. Interstellar says:

    Hello Ms Puddle,

    Thank you for your updates surrounding the aforementioned interview.

    The fact remains, however, that Keiko Nagita has decided, yet again, to remain not only silent but mainly dubious and especially ambiguous concerning the identity of Candy’s partner (aka “anohito”) in the mid/late-30s (prior to the outbreak of World War II in September 1939).

    Throughout Nagita’s interview in Paris, it’s crystal-clear that Nagita has provided equivalent leverage to both Terry and Albert as being the potential “anohito”. Irrespective of the wishes of both the Terry-fans and the Albert-fans, Nagita has remained obscure and will probably continue to behave as such because she appears to refrain from providing any definite answer as to who “anohito” really is.

    This aforesaid ambiguity and doublespeak have contributed to the furthering of the bickering between these two main sides of the CC fandom-the Terry-fans and the Albert-fans. As I had mentioned in my previous posts, Nagita could have simply put an end to all this enmity within the CC community by specifying whether Terry or Albert is “anohito”. However, it’s highly unlikely that this will ever occur, presumably, due to marketing purposes and profit. It’s quite clear that both the author and the publishers wouldn’t want to disappoint nor alienate any of the two sides of the CC fandom as that would lead to a significant reduction in sales and, ultimately, profit. Money does matter and this whole marketing gambit surrounding the identity of “anohito” and continual online bickering confirms this indisputable and inevitable reality.

    Nevertheless, certain points were specified by Nagita which finally clear the air surrounding some queries and controversies concerning Albert which are the following:

    1. Nagita clearly states that Albert is not dead as some ludicrous commenters kept on obsessing over. Thankfully, Nagita has made it clear that Albert is alive and well. He’s also “very happy” as she also specifies.

    2. Nagita also makes it clear that Albert is not a father-figure to Candy in any way whatsoever; nor is he “friend-zoned” as some foolish commnters have been yapping about since time immemorial. Finally, Nagita has slammed a tombstone on that idiotic rumour and various other slurs against Albert.

    3. Interestingly enough, Nagita also reveals that Candy and Albert have developed a romantic relationship. Their “bromance” somewhat morphed into a romance. I could only imagine the hysterical fit which has overwhelmed certain Terry-fans after having listening to Nagita’s revelation about the Candy-Albert romance, LMAO.

    That said, Nagita makes it clear that Candy is sexually attracted to Terry as she is to Albert. Now this claim functions as a double-edge sword because, on the one hand, both the Terry-fans and and Albert-fans may “rejoice” that their beloved character constitutes a love-interest to Candy; however, on the other hand, this claim simply retains the ambiguity that both Terry and Albert have the exact same chances of being “anohito” as they’re both valued equally by Nagita. These are the facts, albeit unpalatable, and there’s nothing either the Terry-fans or the Albert-fans can do about it.

    Needless to mention that if anyone takes a “tour” around the pro-Terry and/or “pro-Albert” fan-pages on social media, one will find that each fan-page is making their own assumptions based on their own biases and personal preferences. Gotta rain on their parade here though and remind both sides that Nagita has NOT revealed the name/identity of “anohito”; therefore, Candy’s partner could be Terry as he could be Albert as a 50/50 possibility. Nothing more and nothing less.

    See you around,
    Interstellar

    • Avon says:

      Well said, Interstellar!

      Each fan-page is saying its own thing based on the character which it favours. They’re interpreting her words based on what they want. Mizuki has created this whole mess and I agree with you that she’s making a lot of money out of this online fighting between the Terry and the Albert fans.

      It’s all about the money-as the song goes..
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXd155v8Z5U

      Sad but true,
      Avon

      • Ms Puddle says:

        Hello Avon, you know me. I would never fight or argue with any of them unless they leave a comment on my blog. Only then will I respond. They haven’t done it for a long time now so I won’t bother either. 😉

        Yes, sadly, it’s all about money and marketing, but TBH some Terry fans have my pity. They really have to scratch their heads to come up with convincing arguments to explain those letters in ccfs epilogue, in which the feelings and attraction are mutually palpable.

        It matters little what tactics have been employed so far; pro Terry fans are not supposed to reuse their groundless arguments that Albert is a father or brother figure to Candy now…

        The sensible fans will see the truth one day, sooner or later.

        • Avon says:

          I’ve read your responses to some of those Terry-fans and I’ve got to admit that I admire your patience. I’m referring to a specific person who was so annoying and persistent that I just refused to read that person’s posts any further. Again, I have to say that your classy and elegant responses were so commendable. Great job, Ms Puddle!

          I agree with you that the sensible fans have accepted and respected the author’s intentions. Yet, there still are some crazy die-hard fans (you probably know those 2-3 people I’m referring to) who have isolated themselves within their own echo chambers and continue to repeat their nonsensical rage and hatred against Albert. It’s so sad that they get all worked up like that over a fictional character who’s such a nice and noble character. Too bad Mizuki has ruined their hate speech against Albert by eliminating any negative claim against him.

          Some of those fans need to stop being so nasty and learn to become even a little bit classy. It would do them some good.

          Regards,
          Avon

          • Ms Puddle says:

            Thanks Avon for your kind words. I wanted to respond earlier but got tied up at work.

            Yes, echo chamber indeed. If they enjoy that and leave us Albert fans alone I would not want to get involved with any of them.

            However, when they leave a comment to my posts, I’ll do my best in answering them, with hopes that their rumours or false claims can end here. Even if not, I have problems tolerating speculations not based on sensible discernment or solid evidence, so I will most likely reply.

            On the other hand I have mixed feelings about Nagita being asked about Albert and Candy’s relationship, point blank, as though the regular Western readers have difficulties in reading between the lines or comprehending subtleties. 😅

            Yet I totally agree with you, Avon. The author has successfully destroyed their various long term arguments (attacks) against the fascinating fictional character, Albert.

    • Ms Puddle says:

      Hello Interstellar, really appreciate your thoughtful and thorough summary of what have essentially taken place in Paris and Nagita’s stand throughout the event.

      I understand the frustrations from CC fandom concerning the identity of Anohito. Yet, as much as the author and the publishers want to remain ambiguous, her writings have given away hints, some louder than others. The fact that some Terry fans have resorted to speculations of the main character’s death speaks volumes. Now that the author has further provided indisputable perspectives re Candy and Albert’s relationship, I’m curious of what other rumours or tactics will result from this… 🤔

      • Interstellar says:

        Hello Ms Puddle and Avon,

        Thanks for your kind messages.

        Ms Puddle, certain Terry-fans are still obsessed with the past and can’t accept what the author herself-Keiko Nagita-has clearly stated about the romantic relationship between Candy and Albert is an indisputable event in the CCFS. If they can’t accept that statement made by the author of the CCFS herself, then don’t count on them even considering the possibility that “anohito” could be anyone else except Terry. Many of those Terry-fans even have that ludicrous belief that the POTH is Terry, FFS.. The bottom line is that some of those Terry-fans have filed a divorce against logic and common sense. They’ve completely lost the plot.

        As you’ve mentioned previously, the second volume hasn’t come out yet and it will be interesting how the CC community will react to it.

        See you around,
        Interstellar

    • Louna97 says:

      Hello Avon and Interstellar: Reading your comments you seem a little discouraged. When I met Keiko Nagita in Paris in March, I always knew she would not reveal Anohito’s identity. just wanted to see the one who wrote this beautiful story about our dear Candy and her handsome prince on Albert Hill. For my part I have no doubt about the identity of Candy’s husband. At the conference in Paris Nagita confirmed to have always known the end of Candy since the beginning of the story. To the question you are inspired by Shakespeare to write the story of Candy which seems to be quite dramatic?  Nagita responds without hesitation: No. I’ve always loved Anne’s story at Green Gables and Papa Long Legs that’s where my inspiration comes from.
      When asked why did the place of correspondence change between Candy and Albert? Nagita replies that I wanted it to be something concentrated !! Something that readers will not be able to miss for me is the best place. A place of choice!! All this and many other things confirm that Albert is the only person present in Candy’s life and heart despite Nagita’s silence so as not to disappoint certain Fans. Quote from Nagita: Terry I felt sorry for him! But Albert was so charming. Then Nagita answers mischievously it’s up to Candy to choose between Terry and Albert with a smile. When we read in Cfs second volume: Candy for me made her choice and it is Albert that she chose. Link by this invisible red thread forever. The second volume Candy- The Prince on the Hill planned for June contains more details than the Japanese and Italian version. Nagita’s Japanese interpreter and the Pika Edition team assured me that I would not be disappointed.

      • louna97 says:

        The second volume Candy- The Prince on the Hill planned for June contains more details than the Japanese and Italian version. Nagita’s Japanese interpreter and the Pika Edition team assured me that I would not be disappointed.

    • Myra says:

      Hi Ms Puddle and Interstellar!

      I couldn’t agree with you more, Interstellar. Since Nagita has not revealed who anohito is, everything remains mere speculation devoid of evidence. This complete lack of proof makes fans jump into their own conclusions based on what they want and not on what’s in that problematic novel itself. The novel ends vaguely without any clear indisputable revelation as to who anohito is. That novel is full of loose ends and loop-holes. It’s pointless trying to prove that anohito is Terry or Albert cause Nagita has decided to retain her silence by winking to the Terry fans as well as the Albert fans. She’s playing on a double tableaux by giving hope to both and saying the same rubbish to both. This is a cringe-worthy dishonest move by Nagita which makes it all too obvious that she’s in for the extra cash. I’m not going to waste my hard-earned cash buying her books though. Glad I got all those fantastic vintage manga volumes and I’m grateful to Igarashi’s beautiful artwork for that.

      It’s a little bit too ironic that Nagita kept on accusing Igarashi of being greedy (which she is) but she’s proven that she’s not any better herself.

      Ms Puddle, I understand why you like the manga so much. I don’t know if you would agree but my theory is that Candy’s story wouldn’t have been anything great had it not been for the awesome visuals found in the manga and the massive popularity deriving from the anime.

      Cheers,
      Myra

      • Interstellar says:

        Thanks Myra, and yes, the manga is the one I like the most, especially the original black&white one. There’s a more “Scanner Darkly” vibe to it.

        I said it before and I’ll say it again.. I honestly don’t care whether Candy ends up with Terry or Albert. Those two dudes are complex as they are and they don’t need to be paired to or with someone else in order to be complete as characters; they simply stand out on their own and in their own right.

        What I don’t appreciate, however, are those foolish games Keiko Nagita is playing at the expense of both the pro-Terry and the pro-Albert fans. It’s unfair to both sides, IMO.

        Nonetheless, the reader can have a better understanding of the relationship between Candy and Albert via the Epilogue section; this correspondence between Candy and Albert sheds light into the ways in which their relationship was moving forward, whereas the relationship between Candy and Terry remains stillborn (similar to her relationship with Anthony albeit under different circumstances, apparently).

        Arguably, Keiko Nagita is giving much less to the Candy-Terry relationship as the only “significant” element is that brief letter. Apart from that scrap of paper though allegedly sent by “T.G.”, there’s really nothing else to work on.

        In the Candy-Albert relationship though, there’s so much more going on and far more character development. Yet, Nagita leaves the reader with a cliff-hanger as she cuts those letters short and in mid-air.

        I don’t know if this rumour is true but it’s circulating that Yumiko Igarashi was the one who organised the story apart from working exclusively on the illustrations. Is it true that the manga preceded any sort of book or novel? Is it true that Keiko Nagita only had some dispersed stories about Candy before Yumiko Igarashi formed them into an organised and well-structured story? Loads of these rumours are floating around the internet and I’ll remain sceptical concerning their veracity. If the rumours are true though, then that’s really messed up. I’ll explain later why..

        See you around,
        Interstellar

        • Ms Puddle says:

          Hello Myra and Interstellar,

          Like you and the others, Nagita’s answers were disappointing, but as I mentioned before, it was not surprising at all. Didn’t Avon (or another) say it was all about marketing and driving more sales?

          Nonetheless, I totally agree with Interstellar. It’s clear in CCFS epilogue Candy and Albert were growing fond of each other, and by the time she ended her letter with love and gratitude, she no longer saw him as merely a friend. On the other hand, Candy’s unsent letter to Terry and her decision of declining Ms Baker’s invitation contributed to the solid evidence that she deliberately kept a distance from him. That was even before Albert’s confession.

          Therefore, Nagita’s various interviews did not affect me much other than that I’m more than glad that she had probably put an end to the long term insults (attacks) from certain people in the fandom.

          Regarding the rumours, as much as I admire the manga and the beautiful illustrations by Yumiko Igarashi, I still think she had to follow Nagita’s storyline and plot. Have you heard that Igarashi had intentionally added something new by not being faithful to Nagita’s manuscripts? For example, she drew that Candy accidentally found another Ardlay’s badge under Albert’s pillow. Remember she missed him so miserably and had been sleeping in his bed during his absence? Anyway, that was just one example that Igarashi had to remove that and redraw parts of that episode.

          What I heard though was that Igarashi brought some of Nagita’s corrections of her drawings during their bitter trials. Not sure what her intentions were, but of course this only confirmed who the original author was.

      • Ms Puddle says:

        Hello Myra, I won’t say that the novel ends vaguely without clear revelation, but there’s no point to argue with some stubborn Terry fans if they choose to believe only what they want to believe.

        Yet I sadly agree with you that this tactic is to drive even more sales. Regardless, those who will read her novel will soon see that the second half of book 2 is apparently focused on the same male character. The other male character is undoubtedly no longer a part of Candy’s life. He is an outsider no matter how you read the story.

        About the manga, oh yes, Myra. It’s still the best. The story (plot) per se is great but the illustrations essentially made the fictional characters come alive and become real to us readers.

  2. Reeka says:

    Hello Ms Puddle,

    How are you, my friend? I’m great and I hope everything in your life is great as well. :-*)

    I got a mixed of confusion and excitement reading this post and comments by dear Louna. So, is it finally we have conformation that Anohito is William Albert Ardley? 🙂 hahaha

    Louna :
    Wow you’re so lucky? Thank you so much to share your precious moment with Nagita with us. Are you by any chance also a writer at ffnet? May I know your facebook account?

  3. Louna97 says:

    Meeting and interviews with Keiko Nagita Saturday, March 18, 2019 Book fair in Paris

    1 – Louna: I also had the opportunity to ask Nagita at the Paris Book Fair on Saturday, March 18th, the question: Why Candy still continues to call Albert San! Instead of Albert simply?

    -Nagita: it’s just an expression that has only been used in Japanese.

    2 – Louna: Do you know that because of this expression: Albert San! Many fans think there can be stronger feelings between Candy and Albert? Because it can create a kind of confusion in the minds of some fans.

    – Nagita: I did not know it could be interpreted that way, this expression is totally Japanese, so to speak, it’s a kind of respect in Japanese.

    – Information: Visibly the French translator decided to correct this expression between Candy and Albert especially during their cohabitation at the Magnolia apartment. Simply using (Albert instead of Albert San.)

    -Louna : Note: A Terryfans site translated this change from Albert San to Albert simply. In this sense I quote: The French translator told us that it was difficult for him to translate Albert San into French, which is why he simply passed from Albert. Which means in French of you to you an informal form to informal.

    3 – Louna: I allowed myself to emphasize to this group that: This sentence in French does not mean anything. that it is a question of going from the formal to the informal, which is the opposite in the French language. And that the change of the French translator passes from Tutoiement to Vouvoiement a form that is much better suited to the close relationship between Candy and Albert especially at the apartment Magnolia.

    4 – Louna: In one of your interviews from the past you say that you have abandoned The Art of Manga. What do you mean by that? I wanted Nagita to clarify this point which is one of the arguments the Teryfans use to say that Nagita rewrote Candy’s story in Cfs in favor of Terry.
    5 – Louna: Do you know that there are two types of Candy fans on one side the Albertans and the other Terryfans?

    – Nagita: Yes I did not hear (Laughs ..)

    6 – Louna: Know that there are Candy Fans who write fanfictions: These are fans who write their own sequel to Candy’s story? Is it something that bothers you?

    – Nagita: No, as long as it does not stray from the original story and is not marketed.

    7- Louna: No it’s non-profit. Have you ever read one of his fanfictions?

    -Nagita: No

    -Louna: Then I told Nagita my childhood marked by Candy’s cartoon broadcast in France. I told Nagita that when I started to look at Candy I was the age of one of my daughters who accompanied me between 9-10 years old. And that today in her forties the story Candy always fascinates me so much. And that I’m glad she decided to tell us after so many years what becomes of our dear Candy.

    -Nagita: Was impressed and very emotional, then she asked my youngest daughter: And do you like Candy?

    8-Louna – My daughter replied: Yes

    -Question from fans during the conference

    -Fans – Why have changed places in the epilogue the letters between Candy and Albert? Because these letters were placed at the beginning in the old novel and are at the end in the novel of Cfs.

    -Nagita: I wanted these letters to be something Concentrated. So for me it was the best place.

    -Louna: Then I told him that the 13 year old, she had not hooked to Candy because she thinks that Candy cries often and suddenly she burst out laughing.

    -Nagita and her interpreter were Mdr 😂😅 then Nagita had a loving gesture , Nagita offered each of them a bookmark of Candy.

    – Louna: Note: I have looked in the French dictionary the expression of something Concentrate: this translates into having a place of choice something that can not be missed.
    -Fans: Why was the Lankewood mansion sold ? whereas for Albert that had sentimental value?

    -Nagita: Use your imagination !!

    -Fans: How did you choose the name Grandchester and Ardlay?
    – Nagita: All the boys in this family had a name starting with A: Albert, Anthony, Alistair and Archibald. So I found it interesting that the last name also starts with A. For Grandchester: I thought it sounded good. The name Terry comes from the work of Shakespeare.
    – – Nagita: I wanted to write more about the sadness of Terry and Albert but it was asking me too much page over 500. Which was impossible, as well as Susana’s character. If one day I had to write something about it I would do it online (on the internet) but I think I’m too old for that (Laughs ..).

    – Pika: Why did you decide to tell Candy’s life in the novel when she was 30?

    -Nagita: Because I wanted to do it before the outbreak of the Great War. And when I had discussions with Candy in my head, she seemed to me more at the age of 30.
    Pika: how did you choose Candy’s job?
    -Nagita; When Candy left St. Paul’s College, I thought she had to fend for herself so I had to choose a job! I found that nursing is a good job because it involves caring for others and caring for them

    – Louna Note: Nagita had chosen the same job to Albert when he was in Africa. Still another passion that Candy and Albert have in common, moreover Candy is motivated for this job after receiving Albert’s letter from Africa.
    Pika – Have you been to the United States visiting any of the places you describe in Candy’s story?
    – Nagita: Yes, I went to the United States before writing Candy’s story.

    -Pika – Candy and all these characters are American and you describe several places in the United States. Does the Roman have a chance to go out in English?

    -Nagita: It’s true that the characters are American, but I did not have any offers in English-speaking countries. I think they did not hook on Candy’s story.
    – Have you been inspired by Shakespeare’s work to write Candy’s story?

    Nagita: Not really, it’s true that I like the work of Shakespeare, which is dramatic. But I also loved the story of Anne Green Gables and Papa Long Legs my inspiration comes from these two books.

    -Pika: Could Elisa and Neil become better in the future?

    -Nagita: As far as Elisa is concerned, she is irretrievable. For Neil, I wanted to humanize his character a bit more, but I already had too much kindness in the story so I could not use his character as I wanted.

    -Pika – The cartoon and the manga of Candy Candy have not been published for more than 20 years, both in Japan and elsewhere. We know the reason (a different with the mangaka Yumiko Igarashi, but is there really any chance that one or the other will come out one day?

    -Nagita: First of all, I apologize for this unfortunate situation. Regarding the manga, a possible reissue is the world of manga publication and I have no decision on this decision. On the other hand, on the cartoon, I gave my agreement for it to be rebroadcast and yet: Toei Animation does not do it. Why? I do not know because nobody is opposed to that. So maybe they have some misgivings because there has been this really complex situation and in that case, I feel a little responsible. In the meantime, I say it publicly, but I would very much like the series to be rebroadcast, if only to pay tribute to all the animators who spared no effort to make this cartoon.

  4. Louna97 says:

    Hello Ms’Puddles

    I was also in Paris on Saturday, March 17, 2019. And I met Nagita Keiko, as well as his Japanese publisher and interpreter who spoke perfect French, there was also the daughter of Nagita. I signed my novel Candice White the horpheline in the name of Louna Neella Alberfans.

    A signature that I dedicate to all Alberfans who could not be present in Paris. I spoke at length with Nagita and the pika Edition team. I asked him several questions including the expression Albert-San ect..

    Expression that Terryfans use as an excuse or a barrier to deny the love relationship between Candy and Albert. Nagita assured me that this was a very common expression and used only in Japanese, including:
    with love and gratitude, these expressions do not translate into our European language and she was far from suspecting that some fans interpret it this way.

    I had many meetings, including Sweetpouppee.com (Alberfans) with which I took pictures and videos that I shared on my Facebook profile.

    And Terryfans; Nila of the English forum. Sophie from Canyneige forum in France who offered (Daffodils from her garden) to Nagita and other Latino-Terryfans carrying a petition for the translation of the novel into Spanish.

    This meeting with author Nagita was very moving. I talked to Nagita about the wonderful relationship between Candy and Albert .And his publisher told me that with the second volume Candy – The prince on the hill, I would not be disappointed !! because there are many more details in the version of Cfs in Japanese and in the Italian version. Curiously the Pika team
    gave me the same confidence and told me that he already had it in hand before.

    I look forward to reading it, I am currently reading the first volume of Candice White the Orphan. I also had the marks -pages. Is it an illusion? of page 64 of chapter 7 of the novel

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