Story ideas?

Monkey · Post by **Monkey** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 1:07 -0700

johnnyjagwani wrote:More backstory on how lord mifune came to power, and usagi's early days as his retainer, anyone?

I would second that story idea. I alos loved the Usagi in training stories as well.

Post by **Mayhem** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 7:06 -0700

We've had one story about Usagi in Mifune's service (re Princess Kinuko), but I agree, I certainly would like to see a couple more about his time then.

Speaking of which, I'm a big fan of "What Ifs"... what if Usagi and her had run away together? A dream Usagi has while sleeping in the same forest they found themselves in all those years ago. A dream about what might have been with their lives if it had happened...

johnnyjagwani · Post by **johnnyjagwani** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 8:17 -0700

then again, if we knew alot about lord mifune, wouldn't that retract from the ouvre of it all? hmm... i think I'd only like to see usagi very earliest encounters around mifune, thereby still mystifying his being.

johnnyjagwani · Post by **johnnyjagwani** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 4:23 -0700

What about Usagi coming in contact with european traders, despite them beeing denied entrance into japan...

Post by **Mayhem** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 7:28 -0700

Well European traders were still dealing with Japan at that point... Japan fully closed its borders in 1635, more than 20 years after where we are (roughly) in the Usagi timeline, and only started to restrict trade a few years down the current line...

Ben · Post by **Ben** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 8:36 -0700

johnnyjagwani wrote:What about Usagi coming in contact with european traders, despite them beeing denied entrance into japan...

That would make for a very interesting premise, since Usagi doesn't exactly have a positive impression of foreigners so far.

theGreatMutoh · Post by **theGreatMutoh** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 10:16 -0700

Has Usagi ever encountered any sumo wrestlers?

johnnyjagwani · Post by **johnnyjagwani** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 11:54 -0700

... either getting in contact with them on purpose, to get a hold of western medecin or preventing the smuggling of gunpowder into the country etc. I don't know?

I'd just like to se an issue kind of like what we see in Akira Kurosawa's Donzoko as I stated earlier. My original idea for this thread.

johnnyjagwani · Post by **johnnyjagwani** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 12:19 -0700

Rabbits, Dogs, Rhinos, moles, bats, foxes (mice?)... have we ever seen characters looking like guniea pigs?

What about a chameleon, that'd make one hell of a spy! I'd lo-ve the ball-eyes...

johnnyjagwani · Post by **johnnyjagwani** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 2:37 -0700

by the way, is Mr. Sakai known to take ideas from fans if he likes what he reads or am I just hoping?

Post by **Maka** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 7:36 -0700

johnnyjagwani wrote:by the way, is Mr. Sakai known to take ideas from fans if he likes what he reads or am I just hoping?

Hello Johnnyjagwani,

from the Dojo Decade note from Mr. Sakai:

Ten Years of the Dojo
By Stan Sakai

I’ve known Todd Shogun for about 20 years now, and throughout that time he has always been a steadfast supporter of my work. When he asked to start an Usagi Yojimbo website, I heartily agreed. Besides, the internet was still relatively new and mysterious, and I had neither the inclination or the expertise to undertake such a project. In fact, I did not even have access to the world wide web at that time.

The Dojo, as it was later named, has become a great way for me to keep in touch with readers, and readers to get to know each other. It has also benefited me many times, and helped me with my research. When I was working on “Journey to Atsuta Shrine”, I needed visual references on the shrine. The call went out to the Dojo, and soon I was flooded with e-mails with links to the shrine, maps, and one Dojo member who had visited the place even sent photos.

The Dojo has become a forum for Usagi, where members communicate and share thoughts, comment on stories, and speculate on upcoming storylines. It can also be a support for readers. I know of one case where one member may have even saved another’s life, literally.

The Dojo has helped me to keep in touch with readers, and is a valuable reference tool. And it is always a treat to meet face-to-face someone I have communicated with on the boards, whether it is at the San Diego Con or France or Spain or even Poland. I have gotten to know many Dojo members, not just as readers, but as friends.

Thank you all.

http://www.usagiyojimbo.com/dojodecade.html

That said, I think with any profession one has to be careful about using other's ideas. One can be sued for stealing someone else ideas if due diligence is not followed. Here at the Dojo, we tend to be just excited fansboys/girls but any professional still has to be careful.

During the DH 100 issue creation a bunch of us suggested story lines for that special issue. I suggested a story involving hana-fuda cards. Mr. Sakai liked the concept and asked me for permission to use it. I gave it. I assume if that story ever is produced that my posted "permission" on this board would clear Mr. Sakai from being sued by me. Not that I would do that!

It is fun to think of story threads. Thanks for contributing your thoughts (and thanks everyone else of course) to the Dojo!

Peace, maka

sama · Post by **sama** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 12:44 -0700

I would love to see Usagi interact with travellers from India, Polynesia or eastern Russia/Siberia.

Stan Sakai · Post by **Stan Sakai** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 12:59 -0700

sama wrote:... eastern Russia/Siberia.

Did you know that Russia and Japan are still fighting WW 2? They never signed a treaty, and even to this day are negotiating terms. In dispute are 4 small islands that were captured by Russia in the closing days of the war, but claimed by Japan. Japanese fishermen who wandered too close to the islands have been fired upon and killed.

The islands have no strategic value, and, aside from the fishing, no economic value.

Post by **Maka** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 17:51 -0700

Hello UYDers,

Last night, I was wanting a story where Usagi has a daughter with Tomoe. It was implied (maybe) that they did get together after being slaves in the mines. With Tomoe soon to be in married off, it would be an interesting story development if she was pregnant. Complicated at least.

And what would their daughter look like?

I think having two children with two different mothers and the gender differences / society expectations would make for interesting potential story threads in Usagi's and Tomoe's lives.

Peace, maka

Tinlantern · Post by **Tinlantern** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 14:26 -0700

I would love a sea-faring story. One where Usagi is on a ship and perhaps a castaway for a time. It would be a more somber story that focuses on Usagi's aloneness, but brightens when he returns to the mainland and his freinds find him alive (but things have changed).

Tomoe is married
Hijiki has overthrown the Shogun
Jotaro and Ino's child are active in a rebellion

Maybe that's a little too epic. Heh.

On the sea for starters.

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