BlazBlue 10th Anniversary

The BlazBlue series celebrates its 10th anniversary on November 20, 2018, exactly ten years after the release of BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger in Japanese arcades in 2008. To celebrate, BlazBlue staff launched a special website for the anniversary one year prior on November 20, 2017 as part of the "BlazBlue 10th Anniversary Project" (「BLAZBLUE」10周年アニバーサリープロジェクト).

Website

The website features a history of BlazBlue, a directory all the characters of the BlazBlue series and its spinoffs, creator's comments, and community contests. Information was released slowly over the course of the year.

The character popularity poll and the illustration contest both ran from the website's opening on November 20, 2017 until January 31, 2018. During this time, anyone could vote once a day on a character or illustration of their liking. Intermediate results for the popularity poll were released once during the monthly Arcnama on December 15, 2017 and once on the poll's page on January 22, 2018.

On January 22, 2018, the website received its first huge update, which switched out the splash image, opened up the 4-panel comic contest, added a section outlining the history of the BlazBlue series, and released the 2nd intermediary results for the character popularity poll.

On March 3, 2018, the website was updated to include results for the character popularity poll and illustration contest, as well as a new splash image to celebrate Ragna's birthday.

On the anniversary, November 20, 2018, the website included a new splash image drawn by HIGUCHI Konomi, and released the results of the BlazBlue series survey and cosplay contest.

Splash Images

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  November 20, 2018 ~ January 21, 2018

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  January 22, 2018 ~ November 19, 2018

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  March 3, 2018 for Ragna's birthday

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  November 20, 2018

Popularity Poll

See the final results at Polls/BlazBlue 10th Anniversary Character Popularity Poll

Creator's Comments

This article contains an unofficial translation of a passage.
The translation uses terms from the established localization and may use its own terms for phrases without official English equivalents.

Mori Toshimichi · Yuuki Kato · Daisuke Ishiwatari · Takeshi Yamanaka · Takumi Iguchi · Ryouhei Endo · Tatsunori Ishikawa · Yuki Sugiyama · Katsura Muramatsu · Mori Toshimichi · (Guest) Hyung-tae Kim · Notes

Mori Toshimichi 01 Producer Mori Toshimichi Producer of the BlazBlue series. Illustrator of the first and third installments of the series. Weaving tales across 10 years, a new challenge. 森 利道

Thanks to everyone, BlazBlue is able to welcome its 10th anniversary. I think this is due to everyone's support, as well as the diligence of the staff who tackled this project. Let me first express my gratitude: really, thank you very much. When we first started planning [for BlazBlue], I had just transferred to Arc System Works; the CEO Kidooka's first words for me were, "Make content that will continue for 10 years." To be honest, at that time I thought, "That's absurd..." but I very strongly wanted to be able to make a work of my own, so I decided to push onward. And now, we actually have created content that's continued on for ten years. In these ten years, all sorts of things have happened. Of course there have been the games, but there have also also been novels, the web radio, manga, anime, stageplay; many, varied genres all depicting BlazBlue. The challenge of these has been to open up the connection with the audience, not just by widening our reach but also--to me, and to Arc System Works--by providing an exciting experience. Now once again, a new challenge stands before us. Although the curtain has fallen on the story of "Ragna the Bloodedge" in the world of BlazBlue, the "Story of the Azure" still continues. I myself also want to keep continuing onward; I would be happy if everyone would accompany me.

Yuuki Kato 02 Designer Yuuki Kato Illustrator of the second and fourth installments of the BlazBlue series. Battle image boards, released for the first time! 加藤 勇樹

Congratulations on BlazBlue's 10th anniversary! I've said a lot about the character designs in other places, so I'll write about something that I haven't really talked about before. Here's some image boards of battle scenes that haven't been released elsewhere; let's continue while looking at them! This was around when Ragna's hakama portion was still being decided. Taokaka hasn't changed much since her design here. Jin's design was also still all over the place. Noel and Carl's designs were solidified pretty quickly. Maybe because they were stuffed full of wild ideas from Mori-P? Litchi's first draft had the feeling of a [stereotypical] Chinese girl (lol) It's nostagic. Looking back like this, my old work is really bad isn't it! lol Even though these drawings are so embarrassing, I think everyone can have a laugh at them being able to lead to today's BlazBlue! So, until next time~ Arc System Works Co., Ltd. Designer Yuki Kato

Daisuke Ishiwatari 03 Composer Daisuke Ishiwatari Sound director for all of the BlazBlue series. Giving variety to the BlazBlue soundtrack. 石渡 大輔

To MoriMori, the release and marketing staff, and all of BlazBlue's fans, congratulations on reaching BlazBlue's ten-year anniversary. I'm overjoyed that, with everybody's help, this celebration-worthy event could be welcomed. I play the role of the composer, but BlazBlue's production has taught me much about being a creator. Until that point, I had been writing mostly rock music, but this work included an unusual variety of concepts. I had to desperately look for things I hadn't expressed before, and connect them with everything I learned from going beyond the framework of composition. If you reach out your hand, someone will take it. Perhaps it will open up new perspectives. If I had given up, I wonder where I would be now. Such an experience has also had a great effect on my own game production. If I were to speak honestly, producing Guilty Gear while also composing for BlazBlue filled my schedule, and I was often extremely busy. It wasn't rare for me to think "Someone, please switch with me." But now, having had a chance to meet once again with all the fans of BlazBlue, I would gladly welcome that cliff's edge. I give congratulations for these ten years, but I also look forward to BlazBlue's next ten years with everyone. Arc System Works Co., Ltd. Composer Daisuke Ishiwatari

Takeshi Yamanaka 04 Director Takeshi Yamanaka Director from the first installment's console version until the second installment's arcade version. Wishing to cut open a new age for fighting games. 山中 丈嗣

Congratulations on reaching the 10th anniversary of the BlazBlue series. Thanking the development staff is a given, but I also believe that more than anything, this is due to the support and passion shown by all the fans. I extend my heartfelt thanks. I had the role of production director from the time of the console version of BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger (afterwards, CT) until the NESiCA x Live version of BlazBlue: Continuum Shift II (afterwards, CS2). Looking back to around the time when development for Guilty Gear 2's update was cooling down, Mori-P said "I'm completely lost when it comes to [computer] networking. I'll give up responsibility and leave you the position of director for the console version, Yamanaka-kun, so please do as you like." Starting with that EXCITING offer, I became involved with the BB series. ● Foremost thoughts about the CT era At a time before we'd prepared for the spectation function [in the software design], Mori-P threw out "You can spectate [matches]!" at an event. We somehow managed to [finish the feature] in time so we can laugh about it now, but at the time our main programmer Iguchi said, "Man, making rash decisions like that...." and I remember feeling a murderous intent and breaking out in cold sweat. ● Thoughts about the CS era I participated not only in the management of the release, but also in the overall project's planning and promotion. The knowledge and experience I gained during this time became the foundation of my current style of doing things. I feel like I learned an unusually large amount through it. ● Thoughts about the CS2 era The arcade industry of the time was shifting from a "single-payment system" to a "revenue share system." In response to and accompanying this revenue share (card system), I planned out the means and methods of the Player's Guild. The hectic rush of the time left a lasting impression on me. It was something like that. In any case, from the depths of my heart I wanted to cut open a new age for fighting games, so I became Mori-P's hands and feet and thought every day only about how to continue recklessly onwards, even while fumbling around. We have now welcomed the end of the story surrounding Ragna the Bloodedge. However, soon BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle will release, and furthermore (although it's not a fighting game) BlazBlue Alternative: Dark War and more will bring about new developments. So while being grateful for and celebrating these ten years, I also hope that with everyone's support, the series can continue on to 15...20 years. We'll be relying on everyone’s passion this time as well. Arc System Works Ltd., Co. Fighting Game Line Producer Takeshi Yamanaka

Takumi Iguchi 05 Director & Programmer Takumi Iguchi Main programmer for the first installment and director of the second installment of the BlazBlue series. Creating from scratch a completely new fighting game engine. 井口屋 タクミ

BlazBlue's already reached its tenth year.... Thinking that it's been a long time is proof that I've aged. Starting from the top, thank you very much to all the fans for cheering on and supporting BlazBlue. And also, for this tenth year, congratulations to everyone related to [the production of] BlazBlue, including myself. Going back to a little more than 10 years ago when we reviewed the game engine that was used to make Guilty Gear, I was named main programmer for the huge project of building a completely new engine from scratch. I was still young and overflowing with ambition back then, so I approached it with a "Let's do this!" attitude; months later during release, after literally drowning in desperation at crunch time, [my] hatred for the schedule and the world's absurdities was.... Moving to a better train of thought, I would like to tell the me at my wits' end, that that very BlazBlue series would become such a huge series. Afterwards, I participated in [producing] BlazBlue: Continuum Shift as a director, and although I've left the BlazBlue series now, with Arc System Works' fighting games in my background, I'm still proud of having helped such a definitive series get off the ground even today. Then once more in closing, to the fans of BlazBlue who continued cheering it on for ten years, Arc System Works, and we staff, wish to answer your desire for the series to continue, and look together to the future. Arc System Works Ltd., Co. Director & Programmer Takumi Iguchi

Ryouhei Endo 06 Director Ryouhei Endo Taking on the position of director from the second until the third installment of the BlazBlue series. Anyway, try what you'd like to try. 遠藤 良平

Congratulations on BlazBlue entering its 10th year! To the fans, and to the players, thank you very much. I pray the increase in fans and players for this tenth anniversary will continue onward to the twentieth anniversary♪ Speaking of which, I also thought I should reminisce a bit. I'd be happy if you'd read it and consider that these sorts of things have happened too. First, let me start with my relationship to BlazBlue. During production for BlazBlue: Continuum Shift's console release, I participated as a planner. Then in the middle of BlazBlue: Continuum Shift II I took over as a director, and was in charge all the way through BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend, BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma, and BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma Extend. Now, while I was in charge, you could say BlazBlue just happened to perfectly match with the times, and those not just within the company but also those outside seemed to have an "anyway, try what you'd like to try" sort of attitude. For example, for the arcade version's location test, we went all over the place to Osaka, Kyushu, Hokkaido, and so on even though in the past we'd been holding them exclusively within the Tokyo region. I went to observe the Osaka location test myself, and before the store even opened there were already more than fifty people lined up. I remember feeling like crying [in happiness] that morning. And, when we first started up the Players Guild website targeted towards arcade-goers, since it was pretty much a first for the company as a whole, [technical] support released it directly along the reasoning that [they] were already familiar with the [inner workings of the] game. However, like hell itself, from the very first day several hundred incidents came in at once, and [we] had to keep working all the way through the New Year. Since we were going to work through the New Year anyway, we thought to send out emails to registered players in the Guild saying "Happy New Year!", but it ended with us stressing the mail servers beyond their limits; the bitterness still remains.... We also started up a new broadcast to succeed BlazBlue Radio, "Burugeki" (lit. [Blaz]Blue Play).... When we actually went through with it, instead of [being just] PR, it began to have its own story, and in the end Rachel's home was burned down. It really makes one want to see a continuation.... In 2012 there was also "BlueRevo" (BlazBlue Revolution). The qualifiers were held in various game centers, and ASW staff held interviews in the Kanto region as well. The deciding tournament took place at Differ Ariake. I was able to clearly feel the passion of the competitors! And in November, having somehow managed to focus on its release, BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma went live! As a director, this was a title I'd been involved with from the very beginning, and before I'd realized it, the decreasing budget (from being used up), detailed schedules, and whatnot one by one became sources of joy. Together with the console release [of BBCP], [BlazBlue] also expanded into all sort of other genres, like the novelizations, comics, and anime. The ArcNama livestream also began broadcasting around then. We also continued with [live events] and collaborations with various games, which I believe helped lead up to the BlazBlue that we have today. Speaking of which, the Xbox One release of BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma Extend allows up to 64 people to stay in a single room of the online lobby! through unspeakable means powered by the programmers' tears, I recall. BlazBlue was then passed from me to Director Ishikawa, who polished it into BlazBlue: Central Fiction and BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle. To all the fans and all the players, please look forward to BlazBlue's continuing evolution! Let's celebrate the 20th anniversary together!! Arc System Works Ltd., Co. Director Ryōhei Endo

Tatsunori Ishikawa 07 Director & Programmer Tatsunori Ishikawa Lead programmer for the third installment and director of the fourth installment of the BlazBlue series. Works that let one realize the depth and enticement of fighting games. 石川 辰則

Congrats, the BlazBlue series' 10th anniversary! I believe this series of fighting games was able continue for a decade due to the many fans who supported it. Of course, this includes those fans who played the game themselves, but it also includes the many fans who preferred to create content, as well as their collaborators, all of whom I wish to express my gratitude to. I entered the company [ASW] in 2006, and at that time BlazBlue was at a period where it was just beginning to gain momentum. The greater half of my achievements as a game creator were due to this project, for which I harbor strong emotions about. In the beginning, I participated as a programmer, and I'm currently involved as director of the series. However, when I first started out in game development, I was in a situation where I didn't know left from right, and I went through some hard times. I suppose the job that stuck with me most clearly out of all that was the time spent on making BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma. Up until then I'd been a regular programmer, but for this one, I was the lead programmer. This title also tackled more innovation than usual. I was deeply involved in the Online Lobby in particular, working on everything from the technical specification to the implementation itself. It began with talk like, "For the console version, we want create the feeling of being at an arcade." I worked closely with the planner on the specifications. However, the real troubles began after we had completed the specifications, with its implementation. "Huh? Isn't this impossible?" We could do it if it was just speaking with and playing against other players in the same location, but we'd fallen into the situation where it seemed impossible to allow one to play against another in the same way that players on opposing machines at an arcade would. There was talk of reconsidering the technical specifications, but being so involved in the implementation myself, I struggled with the desire to make it work somehow. Eventually, with knowledge, diligence, and experience, we were able to follow through with the specifications. As a result, the online lobby was popular with the users and became standard to implement in ASW's fighting games; I realized then that failing to give up did have an effect. Many players who were new to the BlazBlue series also tried out [BlazBlue at that time]. I myself cannot claim to have been particularly good at fighting games in the beginning, and I think it was a work that let [players] realize the allure and depth of fighting games. We have reached a turning point when it comes to the BlazBlue series, but I think from now on, the series will continue to expand in various forms. For example, BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle is a work created for a similar reason to when we were making BlazBlue ten years ago, when we wanted to bring the allure of fighting games to an even wider audience. The competitiveness of a fighting game is an important facet to take into account, but the original purpose of games "to entertain" should not be forgotten. Without forgetting to thank the many fans who've supported us these ten years, I believe works that align with everyone's expectations will continue to be made from now on and hope that everyone will support us along the way. Arc System Works Ltd., Co. Director & Programmer Tatsunori Ishikawa

Yuki Sugiyama 08 Designer Yuki Sugiyama Developing the BlazBlue series' character graphics, drawing avatar art, and supervising the art for CGs. Here are some production materials for CGs! 杉山 友希

Congratulations on reaching BlazBlue's 10th anniversary! To all the users who cheered on BlazBlue and allowed the series to continue this far, and more than anything, that everyone is able to enjoy this 10th anniversary, I can't even begin to express my gratitude. For this series, I worked on the graphics for the characters and the arcade mode ending [art], as well as the character avatar art for the console versions' story modes, and I also supervised the CGs. Now then, since this is a special commemoration site, let me present some production materials. This is Tsubaki's ending for BlazBlue Chrono Phantasma's arcade mode. Based on materials like images 1 and 2, the staff conversed back-and-forth, back-and-forth, until we produced this. To see how it ends from here, please take a look at the console version, which should be easily within reach! Here we have a CG from the story mode of BlazBlue: Central Fiction's console release. (The rough layout was provided by Kato-san.) When we first began production and heard about Producer Mori's grand plans for the story, I remember being surprised like, "Even though it's a fighting game???" I wonder if everyone was surprised when they played through it as well. It was also shocking that a large part of the graphics were all-out fights, but I thought that the action scenes were probably another part of BlazBlue's charm. Please continue to support the BlazBlue series and Arc System Works in the future! Here's a bonus production secret. The characters spelling out Bang's name in his arcade mode in BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger, were actually written by Ishiwatari-san! All-out war! Arc System Works Ltd., Co. Designer Yuki Sugiyama

Katsura Muramatsu 09 Designer Katsura Muramatsu Creating the backgrounds of the BlazBlue series. Born from all that hard work was what could properly be called 2.5D 村松 桂

Congratulations on 10 years of BlazBlue. And, to all the fans, thank you. Ten years ago, I drew the backgrounds for 2D fighting games in 2D. That being so, being told the game we were about to make would be in HD, and furthermore to make the backgrounds 3D shocked me so much I remember falling out of my chair. Would turning 2D with a hand-drawn feeling into 3D polygons capture the [same sense] for the users? How can a 2D fighting game's background display a special sense of space through 3D, something that the whole backgrounds team wracked their brains over. Furthermore, there were cases where someone unused to such high resolution would became dizzy from it and be unable to look at the screen at all. After about a year of trail and error, the result of that hard work was the transformation of BlazBlue's backgrounds into a combination of 2D drawings and 3D depth, something that could properly be called 2.5D. I drew all sorts of creatures to decorate the backgrounds with. The white dog in the stage of Bascule is a Samoyed. It barks following a very simple script, and perhaps because of its clamorous voice became a conversation topic overseas. I remember being happy [when I first heard] that they call it hypedog. On the Hanging Gardens stage, creatures resembling monkeys are gathered in the treetops. This was because I saw a picture of one of the staff members' cat's backside decorating the top of a desk, and the cat's precious jewels looked like a mouth at a glance, so I drew eyes and it became a face. My memory goes along those lines.... Aside from the backgrounds, I also designed Arakune's bugs. One time, Mori-P said, "We have a character whose setting is that they house bugs within their body; would it be possible to create a story out of those bugs?" and I thought I'd give it a try. After being told, "If it's "bug" we're speaking of, that's three "insects" (虫) stacked together to make "bug" (蟲)," I felt like I could make it work. Between making backgrounds I would draw all sorts of bugs, and it was a bit like doodling in a notebook during class. I overdid it, and when I submitted the bugs, some with settings and details and some without, it was exhilarating. "Bug 1: Mushroom Horn Bug Released from the body. Takes small steps, but immediately falls over. After falling, it breaks. 1. Splits from body 2. Tap tap 3. Immediately falls (Falls at the opponent's feet) 4. Whoosh, collapse Bug 2: Dog-mouth Mutation Appears after falling to the ground after being released from the body. Appears with all four mouths wide open, and snaps shut when stepped on. After swallowing, it disappears into the ground. 1. Intake of breath 2. Snap 3. Receding Bug 3: Egyptian Long-bodied Bug The head appears from the top part of Arakune's body, while the tail extends from around the stomach. It extends upwards." At top of bug: "Head"; Next to Arakune: "Tail" Katsura Muramatsu "Bug 9: Swampy Front Poison-Dripping Looks like a bladder cherry but opened up, with a mouth inside that spits out a large amount of liquid poison. The liquid flies into the air and begins to fall while breaking up, the surroundings become filled with poison gas, the opponent dies, freezes afterwards. Bleh Bug 10: Spread Open Comes form Arakune's mouth(?) as something similar to a drop of water, opens up in the air like an umbrella, drifts lazily, and falls gently. The inside of the umbrella has sharp teeth, and if touched it will suck out all the body's blood. After sucking blood it becomes red, and upon its retrieval, Arakune regains health. 1. Shoots out 2. Opens umbrella 3. Falls Bug 11: Red Jita A huge, deep red creature similar to a centipede extends out, whereas Arakune's body gradually grows shorter, or in other words, shrinks." Katsura Muramatsu Of those, the bug named Tartar appeared in Story Mode and even in the anime, and I'm extremely grateful that it was able to act in many ways. Even in BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle, it has a role as a character that'll give gifts when talked to. With that, please look forward to the continuing BlazBlue series. Thank you for reading. Arc System Works Ltd., Co. Designer Katsura Muramatsu

Mori Toshimichi 10 Producer Mori Toshimichi Producer of the BlazBlue series. Illustrator of the first and third installments of the series. And thus, we return to a new beginning (creation) 森 利道

It began with complaints that fan the flames that I feel like are burning my face [in embarrassment]. But it's not detestable, and such is the me that greets you today. Appearing again for the 10th comment, this is Arc System Works' Mori Toshimichi. There's been a lot [of creators' comments] since the first comment but, to these coworkers who are also my comrades-in-arms, my rivals, and my irreplaceable friends, I truly give thanks for their comments. Once again, to the staff and cast that sustained BlazBlue for ten years, and to all the fans gave their warm support, I have nothing but grateful words. And for everyone who is looking forward to BlazBlue from now on, I shall once again reclaim those feelings from ten years ago and recall memories of the fight to aim for a new BlazBlue. ...Basically stuff like BlazBlue Alternative: Dark War and xxxxxx xxxxBlue (working title) 「○○ッ○○○○・○○○○ブルー（仮）」 . Please look forward to it. Arc System Works Ltd. Inc BlazBlue Series Producer Mori Toshimichi

Hyung-tae Kim 00 Guest Hyung-tae Kim Korean game creator and illustrator Founded "SHIFT UP" in 2014. It's already been 10 years! Congratulations on a decade! 김형태

It feels like almost yesterday when I first heard that a new high-resolution 2D fighting game was going to be released, but it's already been 10 years! To celebrate this 10th birthday, I've drawn my favorite orange-colored Makoto. Published on Hyung-tae Kim's Pixiv and Twitter account I've drawn it a little more risqué than the original, but this is Mori-P's request, so please direct any complaints to Arc System Works. Once again, congratulations on the 10th anniversary! SHIFTUP Hyung-tae Kim

Notes

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Gallery

Staff Extras

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Birthday Illustrations and Tweets

November 2017
2017. Today is the "Red Devil," Tager's birthday! Are you aware his blood type is "natural oil?" He's strong and kind, but a blood type of "natural oil" makes reading his compatibility rather difficult(+_+) 2017. To celebrate Tager's birthday, we present this from one of the designers! Chibi Tager... is he cute?

December 2017

2017. Today is Naoto Kurogane's birthday! Did you know it's also the "Day of Iron" and the "Day of Movies?" Since it's finally Friday, how about going to go see a movie you're interested in? 2017. Today, too, we present an illustration from the development team! Naoto, from the victorious Ozawa! So, how is it? Seem like Ozawa... would do anything to win (｀・ω・´) 2017. We present illustrations from the staff to celebrate their birthday (๑>◡<๑) 2017. Today is Platinum the Trinity's birthday! Today's holidays are "Vitamin Day" and "Twins' Day!" In these weeks where it's easy to catch a cold, take lots of vitamins and survive the cold winter! 2017 2017. Today is Noel Vermillion's birthday! ...And a happy merry Christmas 🎄✨Have a wonderful day with treasured friends and family♪ 2017. We present to you an illustration from the staff for Noel's birthday🎄A lovely Noel wearing the Novus Orbis Librarium's uniform! 2017. We present to you an illustration from the staff for Noel's birthday! How about a birthday cake that's also a Christmas cake? 2017. Today is Nu-13's birthday! Thank you very much for supporting BlazBlue this year! We are also preparing contents for everyone to enjoy next year! To the next year! 2017. To celebrate Nu-13's birthday, the staff has drawn birthday illustrations one after the another! (๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵) 2017. There's still more! How's this illustration for celebrating Nu-13's birthday? This outfit certainly is nostalgic, isn't it? 2017. Here's a birthday illustration from the victorious Ozawa 🎂🎂

January 2018

2018. Today is Bang Shishigami's birthday! And also, happy New Year! Please continue to support BlazBlue this year as well! Inumimi: "Dog Ears" 2018. We present a birthday illustration for Bang from the victorious Ozawa Second Year Paradigm! Pay attention to his dignified expression as he stands with his back to the sunrise!! It's Ozawa, in the middle of holiday traffic. This work is actually drawn by Second Year Paradigm (二年目パラダイム)!! Sorry! 2018. Today is Trinity Glassfille's birthday! We received a wonderful celebratory birthday illustration from the victorious Ozawa! As part of a pun, Jan 6 can actually be read as "Day of Color." Speaking of which, what color is your favorite? Please do think it over! 2017. Today is the birthday of the protagonist of "Phase Shift 1," Kazuma Kval! Did you know, in Japan today is the day to perform Kagami biraki (breaking of the mirror [mochi])? To those who are offering a kagami mochi at home, celebrate with oshiruko or o-zōni for peace and harmony as a family! May 2018 be a wonderful year for everyone! 2018 MORI Toshimichi. Here's an illustration for Kazuma Kval's birthday from Mori-P! The smartphone game BlazBlue Alternative: Dark War is currently in development, so please stay tuned for more news! 2018. Today is Kagura Mutsuki's birthday! Speaking of which, even though it's "Half-Collar Day," Hibiki may or may not have said, "I wish Mr. Kagura would take his work more seriously." [TN: Half-Collar Day: a day to relax a little from work, the opposite of "straightening your collar"] 2018. We have received a birthday illustration from the staff for Kagura Mutsuki's birthday! It would be wonderful to celebrate it with everyone as well!

February 2018

2018. Today is Jin Kisaragi’s birthday! And it’s also Valentine’s Day! What kind of chocolate did everyone give, or perhaps receive? 2018. Presenting an illustration for Jin Kisaragi’s birthday from Konomi Higuchi, in charge of character designs! “BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle,” which Jin is participating in, releases May 31, 2018! Look forward to this newest installment in the series! 2018. We present a birthday illustration for Jin Kisaragi from a designer in our company! This time, it’s an animated GIF! We hope to celebrate with everyone! 2018. Today is the birthday of Mei Amanohokosaka, who makes an appearance in the XBlaze series! We present a cute illustration of her from the staff to celebrate her birthday! 2018. Furthermore, here is a birthday illustration for Mei Amanohokosaka from the victorious Ozawa! Celebrate together with everyone! 2018. Today is Taokaka’s birthday! Appears as meow it’s Cat Day today. Everyone, paw over your food to Tao! 2018. Presenting an illustration from a designer of the company for Taokaka’s birthday! Everyone, please don’t hold back from celebrating Tao’s birthday too! 2018. Today is Yuuki Terumi's birthday! (Normally it's 2/29 (Leap day)) To those who own the Terumi parka, try wearing it in celebration! 2018. We've received a pile of drawings from our company's designers to celebrate with! Everyone, please celebrate Terumi's birthday with us! 2018 2018

March 2018

2018. BlazBlue 10th Anniversary website splash image on March 3, 2018. 2018. Today is the birthday of the BlazBlue series' protagonist, Ragna the Bloodedge! Releasing on May 31 is the newest work "BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle;" just what kind of battles will Ragna have? 2018. [Celebratory Illustrations 1] Using the BlazBlue 10th Anniversary Site's top page's art, the staff members have drawn many illustrations to celebrate! There are many, so please await the later portions! 2018 (on sash) "Today's leading actor (protagonist)" 2018. 2018. [Celebratory Illustrations 2] There's still many illustrations left! Everyone, please celebrate Ragna's birthday with us! 2018 2018 2018. [Celebratory Illustrations 3] These are the last ones! Now and in the future, please continue to support and cheer on both Ragna and the BB series!! 2018 2018 2018 2018. Today is Tsubaki Yayoi's birthday! And today is also White Day! Send White Day gifts to those important to you and celebrate Tsubaki's birthday! 2018. And today is also Izayoi's birthday! Izayoi was first introduced in 2012 with BBCP. The number of people surprised at her appearance should have been large! 2018. "Tsubaki & Izayoi" Riku Ozawa. From the victorious Ozawa comes an illustration of Tsubaki & Izayoi! Everyone, please celebrate with us!

April 2018

2018. Today is Arakune's birthday! And today is also April Fool's! It's important to seek knowledge like Arakune, but just for today, be careful of false information! 2018. And so, from one of our company's designers, we present an illustration to celebrate Arakune's birthday! Everyone, please celebrate with us! 2018. Today is Makoto Nanaya’s birthday! Makoto will be playable in May 31, 2018’s release ‘BBTAG’! If she forms a tag team with her best friend Noel, what kind of miracles will occur!? Please look forward to it! 2018. And from our company’s designers, we present celebratory illustrations for Makoto! Everyone, please celebrate with us! And in #BBMyTAG, we wait for tag team illustrations featuring Makoto! 2018 2018. Today is Mai Natsume’s birthday! Noel baked a cake for Mai... probably!? Mai is the protagonist of her own story of the Azure, Remix Heart (4 volumes) and Variable Heart (4 volumes), both of which are on sale now! 2018. And from our company’s designer, we present a celebratory illustration for Mai! Everyone, please celebrate with us! 2018. Sumeragi. Happy birthday Mai！🎂🎉 2018. Today is one of the Six Heroes', Hakumen's, birthday! Truthfully, Hakumen was thought up by the #BLAZBLUE series' producer, Mori-P, when he was still taking classes in school! 2018. From a designer from the company, we present an illustration for #Hakumen! The currently in pre-registration #BBDW featuring the Dark War may write about [him]!? Hakumen and the Six Heroes are explained in 'BLAZBLUE Walker'! Please take a look! 2018. Today is Kokonoe's birthday! Carrying the blood of the best and brightest, she created countless weapons - can you remember how many!? The answer lies within BlazBlue: Central Fiction's Story Mode, now available to play for free with (JP) PS Plus! 2018. From our company's designers, we present celebratory illustrations for Kokonoe! With a victorious expression and an unusually tranquil expression, these are illustrations of the various faces of Professor Kokonoe! Please celebrate Kokonoe's birthday with us! 2018 2018. Today is Hades: Izanami’s birthday! Central Fiction served as her advent as a playable character. Bringing death equally upon all, her astral heat is a spectacle to behold! 2018. And from our company’s designer, we present a celebratory illustration for Izanami! Everyone, please celebrate with us! 2018. Riku Ozawa. I’m sorry, I couldn’t make the deadline but please accept this anyway... 2018. Today is Hazama’s birthday! Even though he’s an antagonist, he’s loved by many! His popularity is such that during January’s popularity poll, combining his votes with Terumi’s would have placed them first! 2018. And from the designers we present celebratory illustrations for Hazama! Everyone, please celebrate with us! 2018. Today is the birthday of the Six Heroes' Nine the Phantom! Unashamed of her other name as the 'Fire Empress,' she tormented Ragna and co. with overwhelming magical power. The scene in Story Mode where she fights her sister Celica and husband Jubei cannot be seen without crying! 2018. And from the designers we present celebratory illustrations for Nine! Everyone, please celebrate with us!

May 2018

2018. Today is Carl Clover's birthday! With Nirvana at his side, he throws himself into battle as a vigilante. Chasing his father Relius Clover in order to save his sister, what awaits Carl is.... BBCF's free play will be ending soon! Don't miss this opportunity! 2018. We've received a GIF animation from a staff member to commemorate Carl's birthday! His surprised expression upon opening his present(?) sure is cute~! 2018. Today is Hinata Himezuru’s birthday! Hinata’s fate is at the heart of XBlaze, and she eventually grasps the key to the story. Both installments of XBlaze are on sale in the PS Store until tomorrow, Wed, May 9! Don’t miss this opportunity!

June 2018

2018. Today is Relius Clover’s birthday! An alchemist known as the ‘Mad Puppeteer,’ he first appeared in BBCS2. His Astral Heat, wherein he observes the characters that he traps, is something to behold! 2018. And from a designer we have a celebratory illustration for Relius! It’s an illustration of Relius with a cute Ignis! Everyone, please celebrate with us! 2018. Today is Sechs' birthday! In XBlaze, Sechs stood in Touya's way in order to reach his own goals. Without embarrassing the name of the Ten Sages, he is a gifted magician in possession of great magic, able to control gravitational magic that no one else can control!

July 2018

2018. Today is Litchi Faye-Ling's birthday! Litchi, formerly a researcher for Sector Seven, is a kind-hearted woman busy trying to save her colleague who was transformed into something else, "Arakune." And today is Tanabata! May Litchi's wish someday be granted.... 2018. From a designer we have a celebratory illustration for Litchi! For Litchi's birthday, even Taokaka has come running! May everyone's wishes come true! 2018. Today is Touya Kagari’s birthday! Touya is the protagonist of XBlaze: Code Embryo, and is a kind young man who can’t leave behind those in pain. In the main work, powerful opponents like the Ten Sages and Ripper stood in his way, but he widened his fate with his own power.

August 2018

2018. Today is Bullet's birthday! Bullet first appeared in BBCP. She's a female mercenary who fights to uncover the truth behind the annihilation of the mercenary squad she once belonged to, While fighting, she realized that Sector Seven's Tager used to be the captain of that squad. 2018. And from our company's designer we have an illustration of Bullet! A heatwave seems to be a tough battle even for Bullet.... Everyone, please watch out for heatstroke! 2018. Today is Susano'o's birthday! Susano'o is Terumi's form when he is possessing the Susano'o Unit! After being freed from the Master Unit: Amaterasu, the tyrant aims to destroy the world in his pursuit of true freedom. 2018. And from a company designer, we have an illustration of Susano'o! It's a drawing of Susano'o messily eating cake! The mouth on his shoulder is also eating!? Everyone, please celebrate with us!

September 2018

2018. Today is Lambda-11's birthday! Lambda made her first appearance in BBCS, and is a biological weapon created by Kokonoe using the 11th PFD as a base. Having lost all of her memories, only the lingering feeling of "wanting to be with Ragna" drives her to continue fighting. 2018. We present a birthday illustration for Lambda! To celebrate Lambda's birthday, even Tartar-san has come running! Please celebrate Lambda's birthday with us! 2018. Today is Jubei's birthday! Jubei is one of the Six Heores, as well as Ragna's mentor! Nine was announced for the newest work [of BlazBlue], BBTAG, just last month, and now you can team up the husband and wife! Have you already checked out their unique interactions? 2018. And from a designer we have this celebratory illustration for Jubei! For the occasion of a mentor's birthday, is celebratory liquor! It's Jubei with a mature aura! Please celebrate with us! 2018. Today is Celica A. Mercury's birthday! Celica was a kind-hearted mage who lived during the age of the Dark War, and was summoned into the present era as a 'Chrono Phantasma.' Until the very end, she continued to support Ragna, Jin, and Noel as they fought to save the world. 2018. And from our company designers we have a celebratory illustration for Celica's birthday! Minerva's come to celebrate as well! Everyone, please celebrate with us! 2018 2018. And from a designer, an illustration of Me and Little Sister from XBlaze! The sisters sure are cute! 2018. Today is Kuon Glamred Stroheim and Akira Kamewari’s birthday! Akira is a friend and classmate to XBlaze’s protagonist, Touya, whereas Kuon went through the Magister’s City of Ishana’s magic academy and met Touya while chasing Sechs and the others.

October 2018

2018. Today is Azrael's birthday! Azrael normally hungers for battles against strong opponents; this, combined with his absurd strength, earned him the names "Mad Dog" and "Deathbringer"! At the end of this month, there will be a Halloween Event that can satisfy even Azrael! It's currently accepting registrations! 2018. And from a designer, we have an illustration of Azrael! This is the pressure and extreme intimidation of an overwhelmingly strong opponent that Ragna and the others had to face! I wonder just what kind of worthy opponent is reflected in those eyes.... Please celebrate with us! 2018. Today is Es' birthday! Es debuted in XBlaze, and is an anti-ability-user soldier of the Mitsurugi Agency. She doesn't show emotions, but after passing time with Touya Kagari and the others, she began to develop her own will and prioritize her own wishes. 2018. And from company designers we have some illustrations for Es! Today, let's celebrate with Es' beloved pudding! The collab cafe that begins today also has a dish on its menu that's based on Es. Everyone, please celebrate with us! 2018 2018. Today is Rachel Alucard's birthday! Rachel is the head of the Alucard vampire clan, as well as the Onlooker of Ragna's world. After the world exited its loop, she began taking actions to defeat her bitter foe, Terumi. 2018. And from a designer we have an illustration of Rachel! It's Rachel, surrounded by flowers that bring to mind the Alucard castle! 2018. There's still another illustration of Rachel! Together with a Halloweeny Gii and Nago, Rachel is enjoying tea! Celebrate Rachel's birthday with us!

November 2018

2018. Today is Hibiki Kohaku's birthday! Hibiki is Kagura's secretary as well as an exemplary aide. His cooking is something to behold, and currently Ikebukuro STORIA's collab cafe menu also only boasts gourmet dishes! Please come visit! 2018. And from designers of the company we have illustrations for Hibiki! There's no escape for targets of his sharp gaze. Please celebrate Hibiki's birthday with us! 2018 2018. Today is Kiri's birthday! He appears in XBlaze and is a young man with a quiet, warm personality and a strong sense of justice. Guided by the voice of Brain Cat by his side, he moves to enact his own justice. Everyone, please celebrate with us! 2018. Today is Amane Nishiki's birthday! Amane is the stunning leader of a traveling troupe of dancers! He takes dance as a military art as his ideal, and travels in search of a "dance" within battle. 2018. And from a company's designer we have an illustration for Amane! His smile charms the masses and boasts a beauty enviable by all! Everyone, please celebrate with us!

January 2019
See also January 2018 2019. Today is Trinity Glassfille's birthday! Everyone, please celebrate with us! 2019. Today is Kazuma Kval's birthday! Everyone, please celebrate with us! 2019 MORI Toshimichi. It's [your] birthday isn't it! Once again I've received warm words from everyone. ...[It's] Making progress.

Collaborations

Theater Cafe & Dining STORIA GGxBB Cafe

The Guilty Gear x BlazBlue collaboration cafe was opened at Theater Cafe & Dining STORIA in Ikebukuro, running originally between May 4 and May 31, 2018, but it was extended two weeks until June 15, 2018.

Attendees were given one trading card and one luncheon mat at random for each collaboration cafe food or drink item that was ordered. The exclusive merchandise that was sold were based on the results of the 10th anniversary popularity poll.

Schedule

Product Lineup

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  Food/Drink Menu

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  Trading Cards

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  Luncheon Mat

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  Trading Can Badges (￥500/ea.)

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  Trading Acrylic Charms (￥600/ea.)

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  T-shirts (￥3000/ea.)

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  10th Anniversary Poster (￥750)

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  Makoto Nanaya B2 Tapestry (￥14,500)

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  1/7th Scale Makoto Nanaya (￥3,500)

Theater Cafe & Dining STORIA BlazBlue Cafe

BlazBlue 10th Anniversary Collaboration Cafe ~Banquet of Azure~

BlazBlue Cafe was a cafe hosted in collaboration with Theater Cafe & Dining STORIA in Ikebukuro between Oct 15 and Nov 20, 2018.

Attendees were given one trading card at random for each collaboration cafe food or drink item that was ordered, and for every ￥1000 spent they would receive one stamp on a stamp card. After obtaining three stamps, customers could choose one luncheon mat to take home.

"Storia Ikebukuro Collab Cafe
I ate a lot and had a lot of fun!! Es seems very happy that there's pudding on the menu.
Arc System Works Designer Konomi Higuchi

2018.10.18
One month left until 10 years for the BlazBlue series. It'd be nice to visit as a sort of pre-celebration! Come by and have fun!
Arc System Works Victorious Ozawa
Riku Ozawa"
Konomi Higuchi and Riku Ozawa. Currently Storia cafe is running a collaboration cafe for BlazBlue's 10th anniversary, which we have received a note from! It includes a message and illustrations from the company staff. Those visiting the store, feel free to leave a note in commemoration!

Schedule

Product Lineup

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  Collaboration Menu

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  Trading Cards

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  Original Luncheon Mat

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  BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle Trading Can Badges (￥600/ea.)

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  BlazBlue Series 10th Anniversary Trading Can Badges Part 2 (￥600/ea.)

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  BlazBlue Series 10th Anniversary Trading Acrylic Charms Part 2 (¥750/ea.)

GraffArt Shop with A3MARKET in P'Parco

On July 7, 2018 in collaboration with the GraffArt Shop with A3MARKET in P'Parco, a series of merchandise was released for BlazBlue.

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  Cellphone Case (￥2,980)

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  Cellphone Stand (￥1,500)

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  Chara Charger N (￥4,980)

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  Pass Case (￥1,380)

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  Clear File (￥400)

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  Can Badges (￥480/ea.)

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  Acylic Key Holders (Blind Box) (￥780/ea.)

SuperGroupies

On September 12, 2018, SuperGroupies announced a series of watches in collaboration with BlazBlue: Central Fiction. One month later on October 15, they announced a follow-up lineup of bags and smartphones cases.

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  Ragna the Bloodedge Model Wristwatch (¥19,800)

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  Ragna the Bloodedge Model Bag (¥14,800)

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  Ragna the Bloodedge Model Smartphone Case (¥5,800)

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  Jin Kisaragi Model Wristwatch (¥19,800)

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  Jin Kisaragi Model Bag (¥12,800)

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  Jin Kisaragi Model Smartphone Case (¥5,800)

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  Hazama Model Wristwatch (¥19,800)

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  Hazama Model Bag (¥14,800)

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  Hazama Model Smartphone Case (¥5,800)

GamSyrup

An accessory line in collaboration with GamSyrup was announced during the October 2018 episode of the ArcNama Regular Broadcast, on October 19. The lineup includes themed rings and necklaces with character crests based on the top ten characters in the 10th anniversary popularity poll.

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  BlazBlue x Birthday Necklaces

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  BlazBlue x Birthday Rings and BlazBlue 10th Anniversary Earring

External Links

• Official website (JP)
• GGxBB Cafe Official Site
• BlazBlue Cafe Official Site