Chiho Saito and Tomoko Taniguchi on Shoujo
Panel Three

This panel was a short, sweet introduction to two names in the shoujo world - one famous, and one on her way. They discussed what makes shoujo manga.. well, 'shoujo manga'.

Saito said that the main points of shoujo manga are the light, airy layouts ("They feel like sunlight and wind" - the quote of the con, in my opinion) and the emphasis on closeups. Taniguchi, creator of 'Spellbound' (printed exclusively in the US this August!), added that happy, romantic endings are what she strives for - making people feel good at the end is the point. ^_^

They commented on the large male audience regarding shoujo manga in the US (the male audience for shoujo in Japan is almost non-existent). Taniguchi had a very good point to make - in Japan, romantic feelings are much more open, and the male population of America is expected to repress that more. As such, those who feel these things find shoujo manga to be a good outlet for their emotions. 

Conflict is an integral part of nearly all manga, including shoujo. Saito's way of bringing conflict into stories is by having new situations pop up right before the resolution of the main character's relationship. Taniguchi writes the backgrounds of each character, and determines what situation would bring them closest together. 

Both agree that non-passive heroines - ones that save themselves, not ones saved by a guy - are they way to go these days, and you can look for such works from them in the wonths to come!

That's all from this con, folks. One final shout out to Crispin Freeman, Zelgadis' American voice  actor, for his stunning contest on what makes Slayers 'Slayers'. From Zell and Amelia feeding off of each others' personalities (Zell's selfishness vs. Amelia's righteousness) to become whole together, to Slayers not being a hero story, but being a 'people are naturally funny' story - You the man!