Translated Official Documents/Redesign

This page contains articles and interviews from the staff, that got translated or summarized. Please note that there still are a lot of documents waiting for a translation. You can find them here; if you want to help and have the knowledge to, you are very welcome to translate some of these documents.

Pre-broadcast interviews

These were interviews that were published either before the series started airing, or when it was. They are kept for the viewers' curiosity ... And to witness how the staff tried to fool us

About the show in general

	Source article		Translation or summary	Additional information
	#1	Megami Magazine, February 2011.	Akiyuki Shinbo: Once it ends, I want [the viewers] to watch again one more time. I want to make it a show that you can enjoy watching 12 episodes straight. There might even be some parts that is not understandable without watching it that way. I think it is fun if you watch it once you know how it ends. You can empathize the characters that way, and you can discover something new by watching it from different viewpoint.	Interview with Akiyuki Shinbo (series director), prior to the show
		References:
	#2	Animedia, February 2011	Every word from Homura has meaning. We will deliver a certain theme throughout the series. Mahou shoujo does not equal heroine. It doesn't have to follow the defeating-one-enemy-a-week pattern. Weapons of magical girls and the concept of enemy are different from standard. Each character has a strong attachment to their past or present.	Interview with Atsuhiro Iwakami
		References: Characters -- Setting
	#6	Newtype, March 2011	Interview with Gen Urobuchi in NewType Magazine 2011/03 regarding the story from now on: "Hey everyone, have you enjoyed it until episode 5? Well, the roller coaster is now at its peak, time for guidance has ended! What's left is to leave the body to go along with the story. I'm writing it so that you want to watch the next episode, so if you didn't quit it by episode 3, and were able to watch it until episode 6, I believe you'll be able to enjoy it until the end "	Interview with Gen Urobuchi in NewType Magazine 2011/03
		References:
	#7	NewType, March 2011	Miyamoto: I like it better when fight scenes are not only tough, but also have their own merits and demerits and depends on each individual's tactics. For example, Mami can bring out a giant gun, but it is single-loaded, that's why she lost to the witch… NewType: If she's able to rapid-fire, then she might not lose. Miyamoto: Yes. Magical girls are not strong. Homura is only strong because of her special ability, but she's weak as a magical girl.	Interview with series director Yukihiro Miyamoto in NewType 2011/03 regarding fighting styles
		References:
	#11	Megami Magazine, April 2011	Couple interesting points (Q = Megami, A = Yukihiro Miyamoto, series director): Q - What did you think when you first read Urobuchi-san's screenplay? A - I just read it quickly as usual, and finished it in one go, but before I knew it tears just came out of me. I was so moved. I did not really keep in mind that it was in the mahou shoujo genre, but I felt that "I would really want to animate this work as my next job". Q - From an animation point of view, were there specific instructions from Shinbo or Inu Curry? A - Shinbo would say something on the drawings on the layout and the situation design, like "I want here to be like this". But he did not say much about the personality of the characters. He only said "A character that killed other people cannot get a happy end". Q - PMMM is now approaching the climactic stage. Is there anything to watch for at this final part? A - Kyubey is still Kyubey at the end. And personally I am happy with that.	The latest Megami magazine has a feature of Puella Magi Magica Madoka. In it there are a couple of interviews, some of those interviews were translated on this forum.
		References:
	#16	Megami Magazine, February 2011.	(Partial translation) Tomoe Mami: Mizuhashi Kaori I was drawn to the role since I've rarely been able to play a part like this before. I was allowed to choose which role I could audition for and really wanted to try her out so I'm glad I challenged myself this time around. And then when I heard the story setting, I really wanted to play this role, so I'm happy I got it. See also this and this scans.
		References:
Key: Gray = source confirmed and translation trusted; red = translation request; amber = verify translation; yellow = source identification request; purple = verify source

About the story and setting in particular

	Source article		Translation or summary	Additional information
	#3	Animage, February 2011	Mahou Shoujo in this show are not united as a single group. Main element of the story is how everyone from a different standpoint understands each other. Everything about Homura is mysterious, unlike other characters whose parts and motivation are clear. Mami knows the mechanism of the world to a certain degree, so her part is a guide to Madoka and Sayaka. Madoka and Sayaka will follow the way Mami leads, but at a certain point they might choose their own paths. Urobuchi "this is my first time I have been entrusted with a big task that is scenario for all episodes, I feel like I can say I'm an anime scenario writer now (laughs). Can I go ahead from this point is up to "Madoka."	Interview with Gen Urobuchi
		References:
	#4	Nyantype or Newtype, March 2011	Gen Urobuchi, regarding Mami: If this were a 26-episode show there would be more of Mami. Someone that looks exactly like Mami in a traditional hotspring maid outfit. Or something that looks like Mami in a life guard vest. That would be nice, wouldn't it? Except that I am lying. Sorry. (Urobuchi) Regarding the story: Mahou shoujo is a cruel task, that kind of story is what the producer believed is needed. So he asked someone who's good at stories like that. The reason he chose me was because of Fate/Zero; the style he seeks was clear to me from that point.	Interview with Gen Urobuchi in NewType 2011/03. Regarding Mami's death
		References:
	#10	NewType, March 2011	Interview between NewType and Gekidan Inu Curry: In episode 1, the familiars are "gardening". Why and what are they gardening for? They're raising roses for the witch that appeared in episode 2. That's what they're born for. What are those familiars and witches doing when they're not fighting magical girls? They're acting on their own judgement. For example, the witch of the rose garden will just raise a rose. In the witch's barrier, there are a lot of weird signs placed everywhere. What are they? It's what they found in the human world. When the barrier is created, anything in the surrounding environment will be drawn into it. They will then get affected by the magical powers of the witch, and its looks will be altered. What do you think about the saying "weak humans are witch's prey; and witches are magical girl's prey. It's a natural rule, ordered by the strength of each one." Maybe it's not that different from our human society. Just like how we can't refuse when a senior asks us to buy a coffee milk. The way this world works is harsh. Please tell us your favorite witch or familiar. The one with a mustache.	Interview with Gekidan Inu Curry regarding the witches
		References:
Key: Gray = source confirmed and translation trusted; red = translation request; amber = verify translation; yellow = source identification request; purple = verify source

About the characters

	Source article		Translation or summary	Additional information
	#5	Megami, March 2011	About the opening: At this point the opening looks like an amazing fraud (laughs). How they're not taking the decision to become magical girls lightly adds weight to it. After all, it's the story until they make that choice. The viewers might be confused by that, but it's possible because we don't need to sell any toys. If this were a project with many sponsors, we'd get slapped around if we didn't make her transform in the first episode (laughs). But since we're not stuck with that type of project, we'll just do anything we can get away this time. Regarding Kyouko: She appears as a character that covers values of battle after the premise of the series has been established. How her sense of values differs from other characters, as a character that changes the viewpoint [of the premise], that there's someone with this way of thinking. After Mami's death, the viewpoint is changed to Kyouko; the way each Mahou Shoujo treats her is how each character's nature becomes clear. Regarding Homura: Homura's position is that she's another veteran Mahou Shoujo apart from Mami, since it's clear that she knows something Sayaka and Madoka don't know. After Mami's death, she's going to become the one who holds the key about various mysteries in the show. She's going to be the one that pulls out the truth together with Kyubey.	Interview with Gen Urobuchi
		References:
	#9	NewType, March 2011	NewType: As a last question, please say something to Kyubey. Yūki: I want to know what you're thinking. Saitō: Please never come to me. NewType: That's cruel! Kyubey looks so cute (laughs). Yūki: In the recording room, everyone was excited when Kyubey appeared on the screen. At first Kat? Emiri-san (Kyubey's VA) defended him, but recently she started saying Kyubey is scary. Saitō: Kyubey is always in an interesting position. Yūki: Kyubey is the most mysterious character. Please pay attention to him.	Interview with Saitō Chiwa (Homura Akemi) and Yūki Aoi (Madoka Kaname) regarding Kyubey
		References:
Key: Gray = source confirmed and translation trusted; red = translation request; amber = verify translation; yellow = source identification request; purple = verify source

Anime (and franchise in general)

General

	Source article		Translation or summary	Additional information
	#21	NewType, July 2011	The names of the characters Madoka, Homura, etc. and the key staff who worked on Madoka (Shinbo, Urobuchi, etc.).	A spread published in NewType Magazine's July 2011 issue.
		References:
	#23	NewType, July 2011	Click here for the translation.	An interview with Gen Urobuchi published in NewType Magazine's July 2011 issue.
		References:
	#25	Blu-Ray Volume 2 Booklet	Click here for the translation.	An interview with Shinbo published in Puella Magi Madoka Magica Blu-Ray Disc Volume 2's booklet.
		References:
Key: Gray = source confirmed and translation trusted; red = translation request; amber = verify translation; yellow = source identification request; purple = verify source

Characters

	Source article		Translation or summary	Additional information
	#14	Source needed	Homura's Hopes, Madoka's Wish Magical girls are a miraculous existence. They can have any wish granted for them, possess magical powers, and have a powerful body that surpasses any human one. However, they must pay for these gifts, and that payment is despair. Carrying the burden of a life of fighting, with no exit in sight, they must accept a future without salvation. Magical girls live alongside their despair. One magical girl, Akemi Homura, who had to learn of this herself, accepted the responsibility of tremendous power, lusted for wisdom, and redefined her heart to make a single wish come true. The magic she possesses can alter the flow of time. Time after time, she turns back the flow, fighting, struggling, beating against the fate that awaits her. To live through the same moments again, she must relive the despair herself. She has thrown away her own future. She has chosen to take it on alone, refusing to share it with anyone. But still, she will not give up. To find the exit that may or may not exist, to find the answer that may or may not be waiting for her, she walks through the mazes of time. Every time she turns back the clock, the distance between her and Madoka grows. In every timeline, she starts out as a simple transfer student in her eyes. There is no way Madoka can understand her actions. She will never tell Madoka how she feels. Her only hope, one which will never be fulfilled. But, if by some chance her hope reaches Madoka - that would be a miracle. The world is waiting silently for the miracle that will awaken by Madoka's wish.	Spoilers the anime up to Episode 10.
		References:
	#17	Ani-Com, December 2010, and Comike	Click here for the translation.	A 100 question survey filled out by Madoka.
		References:
	#18	Megami, July 2011	Click here for scans and translations.	A series of interviews published in Megami Magazine's July 2011 issue regarding the characters, their abilities, and their thoughts during events in the show.
		References:
	#19	Animedia, July 2011	Click here for the translation.	An interview published in Animedia Magazine's July 2011 issue regarding Kyubey's expressions and behavior in the ending.
		References:
	#22	NewType, July 2011	Click here for the translation.	A page about Sayaka's story that was published in NewType Magazine's July 2011 issue
		References:
Key: Gray = source confirmed and translation trusted; red = translation request; amber = verify translation; yellow = source identification request; purple = verify source

Art style/Animation

	Source article		Translation or summary	Additional information
	#13	Animage, May 2011	Several magazine scans related to the series art style (interviews and various trivia). The translations are on the images. Source: Animage, May 2011 for the following: part 1 part 2 Source: Otona Anime Vol. 20 for the following: part 3 part 4 part 5 part 6
		References:
Key: Gray = source confirmed and translation trusted; red = translation request; amber = verify translation; yellow = source identification request; purple = verify source

Voice acting

Interviews of the cast. Either directly linked to the work of voice acting, or just referring to the seiyuu's opinion

	Source article		Translation or summary	Additional information
	#12	NyanType, May 2011	Question 1 : What do you think of Kyubey? Madoka (Aoi Yuuki): *smile* (a smile after a victory) Homura (Chiwa Saito): (SHAFT head tilt) Mami (Kaori Mizuhashi): Let's see, Kyubey is really my friend, so I hope everyone can get along with him a little better (ha ha ha) Sayaka (Eri Kitamura): Kyu, Kyubey!! Kyouko (Ai Nonaka): Such a pain. (Kyoko's voice) QB (Emiri Katou): I didn't understand how you felt... I'm sorry. Question 2 : Which one of your character's scenes has stuck in your head? Madoka : After episode 3, there hasn't been an episode where Madoka hasn't cried. Homura : Every scene with Homura in episode 10. Her feelings for Madoka really moved me. Mami : The scene where I talked about my contract. Oh, and the transformation and battle scenes were awesome. Sayaka : The scene where I say "Miracles and magic both exist". I think that's when, in some ways, "Magical Girl Sayaka Magica" started. Kyouko : The line "Kuukai?". Whenever she says it, it gives me a feeling that she's opening her heart and wanting to share her food, and it makes my heart skip a beat. QB : The scene where QB was shot full of holes was really shocking. Question 3 : If you had magic, what magic would you want? Madoka : I want the magic to be positive, whatever happens! Homura : If I wanted magic, I'd have to become a magical girl, so I'd have to refuse the offer! Mami : The power to fly! Sayaka : Eternal life! Kyouko : The power to make flowers bloom. That's all I really want to do. QB : The magic to heal people! Question 4 : Do you have a message for your fans? Madoka : If all of you can find the message hidden in this work, I'll be very happy! Homura : The answer is whatever has been left in your hearts and minds after you view this work. Mami : I'd be very happy if I could meet all of you again. Sayaka : Thank you very much for watching us magical girls. Kyouko : It might change the way you see magical girls from now on, but I'd like you to work hard and believe that miracles and magic do exist! QB : I'd be happy if everyone stopped bullying Kyubey so much *tear*, okay?
		References:
	#15	Clip recording that portion from Kitaeri's radio 2ch post summarizing her words	現場では、完全に「さやかマギカ」と言われる In the studio, we're all referring to this project as "Sayaka★Magica." 可哀そうな方向にしかいかないが、一寸の光はある Things are going to move in a tragic direction, but there's a ray of light at the end of the tunnel. ３話以降（例のシーン）以降、ニトロ作品らしいダークな一癖も二癖もある話が展開されていく After Episode 3, we're gonna have a Nitroplus-like development in the story. There'll be a twist or two in the plot, and it'll get dark. さやかには、話の核心を付いたセリフがあるらしい 自分からフラグを立てていき、さやかの周りでも引っくり返しが２～３回以上起こるらしい ほむら役の千和曰く、「さやかはおいしい役だった」とのこと キーパーソンになる She'll become a key person. (Summary from 2ch)	Radio interview with Eri Kitamura (Sayaka's voice actress)
		References:
	#24	Animedia, June 2011	Click here for the text translation and original scan in Japanese.	A comic about the show's voice recording published in Animedia Magazine's June 2011 issue.
		References:
Key: Gray = source confirmed and translation trusted; red = translation request; amber = verify translation; yellow = source identification request; purple = verify source

Other

	Source article		Translation or summary	Additional information
	#20	Animedia, July 2011	Click here for the translation.	An interview published in Animedia Magazine's July 2011 issue regarding the staff's visit to a shrine.
		References:
Key: Gray = source confirmed and translation trusted; red = translation request; amber = verify translation; yellow = source identification request; purple = verify source

Madoka manga series

	Source article		Translation or summary	Additional information
	#26	Manga Vol. 3	Click here for an alternative text translation and original scan in Japanese.	The afterword of Puella Magi Madoka☆Magica Volume 3.
		References:
Key: Gray = source confirmed and translation trusted; red = translation request; amber = verify translation; yellow = source identification request; purple = verify source

Tweets

Tweets from the staff and cast can be found here

To be determined

• Pre-broadcast interview with producer Iwakami Atsuhiro. Source needed.
• SHAFT history on Anim-apple
• Madoka Magica's behind-the-scene on Anim-apple
• Ume Aoki interview translation on OneZeroTwo
• Interview with Ume Aoki from Megami Magazine Vol.128