Letter From the Editor:
Dear Seikai: Crest of the Stars Fan: Thank you so much for purchasing Princess of the Empire. I’m very proud to have been a part of bringing this long-anticipated novel to English-speaking audiences.
Morioka-sensei’s epic space opera is a unique masterpiece. In the original Japanese version, all the text is in kanji, and then above those Japanese characters are the Abh language words (called Baronh) in rubi (a smaller, phonetic alphabet). Because of the way left-to-right English text is formatted for print, it was not possible for TOKYOPOP to put the entire book in English with foreign words in between the lines. So the decision was made to have most of the book in English, but to put phonetic Baronh in parentheses next to the English counterparts in narration, so that fans wouldn’t miss out on the experience of Morioka-sensei’s fantastic alien language. The only time Baronh is left untranslated is when it occurs in dialogue this is to ensure the reader’s suspension of disbelief, as no one speaks in parenthetical asides.
While working for several weeks with Fan Consultants from the Abh Nation to ensure a fair treatment of the Abh language, TOKYOPOP opted for a phonetic spelling of Abh words, rather than true, authentic Baronh (which has many silent letters and unusual spellings, confusing for a first-time reader not equipped with the Japanese-Baronh grammar guides available exclusively in Japan).
As you read, please check out the Glossary in the back of the book. I hope you enjoy getting familiar with all the different elements of language and culture that Morioka-sensei has created. If you are interested in learning more about Baronh in its complex form, please use the resources listed in the Notes and Glossary section.
I must thank Troy Christopher Haskin, Daniel Bonnell (aka ACIDSTEALTH), and Larry S. Moreland II, for all their passion and hard work.
Feedback is always welcome at the TOKYOPOP message boards! Please stay tuned for the second volume, Seikai: Crest of the Stars: A Modest War. And without further ado, enjoy Princess of the Empire!