Japanese newspaper Yomiuri has an interesting article on a global "TV chill." From the article:

Beyond Sazae-san-land, even that solid foursome of cartoon kids--Chibi Maruko-chan, Crayon Shinchan, Meitantei Conan and Doraemon--can barely keep their little heads above the 10 percent mark. Last week Conan and Doraemon slipped down into the 9 percent range where they might keep a look out for the latest edition of the Precure series which has been successfully clinging to a slot in the animated top 10. Yes! Precure Five (Sundays, 8:30 a.m., TV Asahi network) features a five-member, color-coordinated team of teenage heroines battling the universe's bad guys with cutesy mascot sidekicks who can morph into cute teenage guys.

It is reminiscent of, but not quite as successful as, the Sailor Moon mania of the 1990s.

Worth reading the whole thing if you have time.

Site reader Lori sent us in her write-up of Yuko Minaguchi's attendance at the ACen 2007 Madhouse panel; give it a read here. Minaguchi is the voice of Sailor Saturn in the anime.

We'd like to thank Lori for sending this in; be sure to check out her other images from the panel.

On the web side, most people know that Sailor Moon channel's being pretty regularly updated. On the 1st there was a new puzzle added, and two days ago they put Act 3 on the Prism Channel.

I've been thinking about how we want to follow the SM Channel's updates at this site; we've had a couple requests for translations and our forums. I'm not sure how much time I'll have to do this regularly, but I'll start thinking of options.

In the meantime, they updated the "Mailbox" portion of the site on June 1st, and I've translated it. I'm not sure who does the responses for their website but my guess would be the webmasters that Bandai has hired. (Bandai Networks runs the site.)

From Yuri-chan, 12 years old:

Even though I'm now 12, I love Sailor Moon! When I see Usagi fighting evil, it makes me want to do my best too!

We're delighted to see that you've been encouraged by Usagi's fighting the good fight. Try to be a gentle, strong girl like Usagi!
 

From Alice-chan, 7 years old:

Usagi, Luna, good evening! I'm writing my first letter. It's nice to have a lot of friends like Usagi. I'm making a lot of friends at Dance School and elementary school. I love you Usagi!

Thank you for your letter! You're going to dance school huh? You must be a bright girl full of cheer, just like Usagi. I'm sure you'll make a lot of friends.

From Usagi-chan, 12 years old:

Hello. Do they sell the Sailor Moon manga at regular bookstores? The manga is a bit different from the anime so I'm thinking of buying it. Please let me know.

There are 12 volumes in the re-released manga, along with 2 extra volumes that are being sold. If you can't find them at your nearby bookstore, just ask them to order it. You can find a list of everything available at our comics page.
 

From Niko-san, 22 years old:

I love the Prism Box's "Drama Digest." Those comics I read and loved way back when now come with music give it that extra step that really move me, I'm touched. (laughs) Usagi taught me to pour my love and joy into the person I love most, and I've finally reached an age where I understand that.

Thank you for liking our Drama Digest ("Prism Channel.") You seem to have like Sailor Moon for a long time. We're planning to add more of Usagi's adventures each month, so keep looking forward to it.
 

From Sera-chan, 10 years old:

I really love Tuxedo Mask. Good luck Usagi!

What? A caring rival of Usagi's? What part of Tuxedo Mask do you like so much? Let us know next time.

That's all that's in the mailbox for June.