Writing to Vampire Hunter D's creator
(only through snailmail; sorry)

Kevin Leahy, the kind person who reports on Hideyuki Kikuchi's

"Talk Live" get-togethers (listed here)

has the opportunity to speak with Mr. Kikuchi -- and to

forward your cards or notes to him.

IMPORTANT: Kevin adds the following instructions/suggestions for

those of you wishing to send greetings Mr. Kikuchi.

1. Address the envelope to Kevin Leahy, NOT to "Hideyuki Kikuchi"

or "Hideyuki Kikuchi c/o Kevin Leahy." The post office might not

be able to deliver mail addressed to someone other than Kevin

at his address. If you have something you want to remain sealed,

send it inside a second, larger envelope.

2. NO PRESENTS, PLEASE. Kevin has to carry things to the

Talk Live by train, and Mr. Kikuchi has to carry things home.

At 5 a.m. (when the Talk Live usually ends), most people don't want

to be overly burdened with baggage, no matter how well-intended.

3. Try to be succinct and write clearly. Mr. Kikuchi can apparently

understand English to some degree, but Kevin hasn't ascertained

just how well he knows the language. Cursive writing may be a problem

also: plain printing and a message that's not too esoteric are

probably the way to go. After all, it is the thought that counts.

4. Fan art would be greatly appreciated. A picture is worth at

least a thousand words, and can easily clear even the highest

language barrier.

You can snail-mail Kevin at this address:

Kevin Leahy

Namiyanagi 1-15-2

Matsumoto-shi, Nagano-ken 390-0825

JAPAN

***

Airmail postage rates from the USA as of 8 January 2001: Postcard

(up to 4-1/4" x 6"), 55 cents; envelope up to 1 ounce, 80 cents.

The U.S. Postal Service estimates that 6 sheets of paper weigh about

an ounce; I've found that this is true only for relatively lightweight

paper. A greeting card plus one or two sheets of paper will probably

weigh less than an ounce, unless it's a very heavy greeting card.

According to the U.S. Postal Service, regular airmail to Japan takes

4 to 7 days to arrive. Allowing more like 10 days a good idea, however.

You can also send mail by Global Priority -- minimum cost is $5,

but it will probably get there in less than a week.

If you live outside the U.S., consult your country's postal

service for rates and speed of delivery to Japan.

***

Mr. Kikuchi has authorized English-language translations of several

of his novels; even though there is no word yet on when and how

they may be published, it can't hurt to let their author know that

he has supportive fans outside Japan.

Hideyuki Kikuchi has created a universe that fans throughout the

world have glimpsed with delight through the original Vampire

Hunter D movie; he deserves positive feedback from those

of us who have enjoyed, even indirectly, the fruits of his labors.

This is our chance to let him know that we applaud his efforts

and look forward to more.