Violet Evergarden The Anniversary -Flower- contains two messages, one from illustrator Takase Akiko, and another from author Akatsuki Kana.
The message from illustrator Takase Akiko reads:
Congratulations on the 10th anniversary of Violet Evergarden!
It is due to everyone's support that the series can commemorate its 10th anniversary. I feel honoured to have been part of that group. I still clearly remember the amazement I felt when I came across the original Violet by Akatsuki-sensei. I feel fortunate to be able to continue drawing Violet today even after 10 years. It would make me happy if this becomes an opportunity for everyone to revisit the original work or the anime. I look forward to being able to see you somewhere again!
Takase Akiko
The message from author Akatsuki Kana reads:
How have you been? It has been a long time since we last met.
Ten years have gone by since Violet was brought into this world. I am surprise by everyone's support over this long period of time, and at the same time, very grateful.
How have you been during this time? Your world is filled with so many things, and you do not need to pick up this particular story. But you did, and we meet again. "Violet, it has been a while. I had so wanted to see you." That kindness, and a personality that treasures memories--all I can do is bow my head and say, "Thank you."
When I started writing about Violet, I was just a girl wanting to become a novelist. I was blessed to be able to work with Kyoto Animation, but looking back, there were so many unpolished areas. I reread the novels in preparation for the publication of this 10th anniversary commemorative volume, and it made me feel so embarrassed. My writing, both in terms of the words and the techniques, was so rough.
The only good things were the emotions that only my past self could convey, and the burning desire to bring such a story to you. I just wanted to pass you the passionate love letters, and did not really give much thought to everything else. What a shallow girl I was.
I wanted to rewrite everything now. But I stopped myself from doing so. I must not bow down to my own embarrassment. There were people who were touched by this unpolished debut work and acknowledged my style as a writer. I felt I have to love such a past. That is because I felt so much love from everyone who loved my immature self. It is true. I only have overflowing love and gratitude for everyone.
Do you know? Stories are necessary for us to live. We cannot read novels unless the world is at peace. A writer is an occupation that can only exist in a world protected by many people. It is an existence that can disappear at anytime if it is no longer needed. However, you are there, treasuring the world of expression. You are there, supporting the activities of writers. You are there, pushing us forward, telling us: write, run, move our hearts. It is because there are such people that I can persevere so far. I have 10 years' worth of gratitude.
It is a pity that I have to end this letter soon. To Kyoto Animation, who gave its support until the end of the publication of this series. To every person who was involved in the production of this work. To all book stores who assisted. To my friends and family. And finally, to you, the reader. Thank you always for your support.
May you be blessed with amazing moments.
Akatsuki Kana
Some of my other posts regarding Violet Evergarden series:
Events:
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All posts related to
Violet Evergarden.
