Scheduled update #10

Hello Arashi fans! Isn't everyone excited that Jun is finally going to be in next week's MMA Bangohan episode? Not that Ohno and Aiba did a bad job for 7 straight episodes (they were actually pretty good)--but in fairness, Jun's a lot less busy now that Bambino's done. Soon, Aiba will be in his butai so we might see more Ohno and Jun episodes this time around. ^^

On to the actual news on our project...

We are modifying the schedule a bit to account for increased time in creating the puzzle. We are working to get back on track once we start the video phase of the project.

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Some good news. First, we have the release forms ready. So, if you had said in the sign-up that you were interested in participating in the video, you'll be receiving a form shortly via email. Please remember to email your filled out forms by Monday, August 6. Please fill it out by hand, scan it, then email it to us. When you meet with us, bring the original hard copy with you so that you can give it to us. Any questions with that, please address it to us.

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Also, we have the final image set up for the puzzle design.



Subarashii, ne? Our artist Kyoku-chan did a very good job! Didn't we say you'll be blown away? We were so we hope you are too!

The image is already in the process of being made into an actual puzzle. So just sit tight a bit, folks!

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About the envelopes: We didn't receive any objections on the color, so we're sticking with yellow.

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We weren't able to attend Otakon last weekend, but hopefully those who did had a great time meeting with fellow JE fans.

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All right, that's it for now. Please still continue to support us. Hope you all have a good week ahead of you!

Scheduled update #9

Konnichiwa!

How is everyone?

We didn't get to update last week as there wasn't much to report on. But, we'll try to make up for it this week...Ikimasho?

This week's update includes:

I. Tekkonkinkreet releases in the US
II. Puzzle design nearing completion
III.Envelope selection


I. Tekkonkinkreet releases in the US
Did any of you get a chance to see Tekkon in the cinemas? It was released in NY and LA last Friday and will be released in Portland, OR at the end of the month. The best part is all of them are screening the movie in Japanese with Eng subs! With Transformers and Harry Potter also showing this week, we might find ourselves in a dilemma of which to watch first, but for those who can watch Tekkon, let's go and support this, ne!

II. Puzzle design nearing completion
Our winning artist is hard at work putting in the finishing touches for our puzzle design. She's been working very closely with us and we will be revealing it to you all very soon. Without giving anything away, let us just say that we think your patience will be rewarded. Stay tuned!!

III. Envelope selection
As we mentioned in the Project Plan/Outline, each of the puzzle kits you will be receiving will include an envlope. This is the envlope we'll use to put our individual puzzle pieces in and mail to JE. To help everyone in recalling, here's what we said about the mailing envelope in the Project Plan:

1. Will be a distinctive color that we’ll all decide on
2. Having the same envelope will make it uniform and easier to spot

The time has come for us to choose the color of the envelopes we'll be using. Due to postal restrictions barring bright colors, we've decided to limit our choices to pastel colors. We've come up with some options below:

a.pastel yellow
b.lavender
c.pastel blue
d.pastel orange

In the end, we decided on going with pastel yellow -- we must admit our newest CD, Time, had some influence on this choice^^ And we like how harkens to the "Kiiroi Namida" motif.

We recognize that everyone is quite busy, so for this round, we thought we'd try something new. Instead of doing a poll, we'll collect the number of responses that run counter to the pastel yellow. If we receive responses from more than half of you, we'll reconsider. But if there's no negative responses, or very little, we think it's safe to assume everyone(or the majority) is okay with the pastel yellow.
So if you don't agree, make sure to send us an email at arashiaroundamerica@gmail.com by next Saturday, 7/21.

Well, that's it for now. Everyone have a great week ahead and enjoy listening to TIME!!

- Joan and Jean

And the winner is...

Konnichiwa, minna!

We had promised to update yesterday, July 3, 2007 but failed to do so. For that, gomen! We got caught up in family activities for 4th of July and had no access to email.

Ja, enough about us!

But first...we want to thank everyone who voted! It was a really tight race so that means that the entries were really good. We are honored to have such talent among us. ^^

Well then, without further ado, the winner of the Arashi Around America Postcard Puzzle Design Contest (phew!) is...



Entry B!!!

Congratulations!

'Til next time, folks. Have a great 4th of July!

Scheduled Update #8: Design contest, etc...

Argh! It's Sunday again. That means it's Monday again tomorrow! XD Gambatte minna!

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This week's update includes:

I. Postcard Puzzle Design Contest
II. Release forms

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I. Postcard Puzzle Design Contest

We've sent an email last night regarding the design contest. If you have not received it, here's the link directing you to the contest proper (ie. to see entries and to vote):

http://arashiaroundamerica.blogspot.com/2007/06/postcard-puzzle-design-contest-voting.html

Again, voting is until July 2, 2007 (also the day when Nino and Sho appear in Tokyo Friends Park XD). The winner will be revealed on July 3, 2007.

II. Release Forms

This is for those who said they're interested in participating in the video.

We are getting ready for our second phase of the project: the tour itself. This would involve us filming you the fans. With that, we believe it's practical to get everyone's consent first before actually flying in to your location. We will be emailing everyone release forms to be filled out and returned to us via emaail. PLease fill in the forms by hand with a black or blue pen, and then scan the completed form to be emailed to us. Please, please, please if you are under 18, have your parent or guardian to sign the consent form for you. When we meet up with you, we will collect the orginal copy of the form.

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For the next update:

1. Status of the contest and where we are with the actual puzzle making

2. Other matters that come up

'Til next time. Have a good week, minna!