The following survey was published in the 1998 Silver Star Fan Book Japanese doujinshi anthology, produced by Mihana Oz's GARDEN GARDEN doujin circle. The survey covers Japanese fan opinions on Lunar: Silver Star Story; a translation of the survey Garden Garden conducted on the sequel is available here.
Notes in brackets are from me, the translator. Since this document deals with the Japanese release of Silver Star Story, the Japanese names for characters & places are used; a Japanese/English name guide is at the bottom of this document for those who need it. if you cannot abide this - if it sears your soul - then please refer instead to this version of the document, which uses the English names.

SURVEY RESULTS!

1. How old are you?

2. State your gender.

	male	female	other	total
15 or under	6	5		11
16-19	14	22		36
20-24	31	14	1	46
25-29	10	4	1	15
30 or up	1			1
total	62	45	2	109

For men, 20-24 is the largest group; for women, it's 16-19.
Typical, I guess. (It'd be nice if the spread were a little wider! ::heart::)
There were more women than I expected; I was a little surprised by that. I thought it'd be like a 7:3 ratio... It makes me kinda glad! ::heart::
-------BUT. I put in "other" just as a joke. And I can't believe...I can't believe. That there were really, really people who chose... And two of 'em! ::sweatdrop:: Who does that?! You people make me WORRY. ::sweatdrop:: (<-That's rude. ::sweatdrop:: Sorry! ::sweatdrop::)
::beams:: ...But anyhow! I never thought we'd get 109 responses. I guessed we'd get 50 at the most... ::sweatdrop::

3. Which versions have you played?

1. Mega-CD
2. Sega Saturn
3. MPEG
4. Playstation

A. Have played:

	male	female	other	total
Mega-CD	41	9	2	52
Sega Saturn	55	38	2	95
MPEG	25	2	2	29
Playstation	19	14		33

B. Favorite version:

	male	female	other	total
Mega-CD	22	6	2	30
Sega Saturn	24	29		53
MPEG	11	2		13
Playstation	5	8		13

A lot of the men in particular have them all. Almost everyone has the Saturn version (naturally, I guess ::sweatdrop::). ::beams:: Of course, there were about 10 people who had only the PlayStation version! ::heart:: The move was quite frankly a shock, but I'm glad it made a number of new fans. ::heart::
Regarding the "favorite version" issue, there seems to be a strong emotional attachment to the very first version you played; a lot of the people who have the Mega-CD version are all "Mega-CD or bust!!". But a lot of the female fans don't have the Mega-CD version, so Saturn's the overwhelming choice for them! Also, not many people own a lot of consoles. (Particularly the women?)

4. Who is your favorite character? Choose one.

[captions on illustration]
ARHES (flustered): .........
(Ummm...)
GHALEON (surrounded by fairies): ...Aren't you going to say something? (After your vaunted first-place win...)
NALL: I SAID, GET IT TOGETHER, ARHES!!
CAPTIONS NEAR NALL: tied with Killy
(...What?? No love for the women!?!?)

males 1. Nall 10 2. Luhna 9 3. Ghaleon 9 .

females 1. Arhes 11 Killy 9 3. Ghaleon 6 .

overall 1. Arhes 18 2. Ghaleon 15 3. Nall 13 3. Killy 13

	males	females	other	overall
Arhes	7	11		18
Ghaleon	9	6		15
Nall	10	2	1	13
Killy	4	9		13
Luhna	9	1		10
Dain (Laike)	6	2		8
Mia	6	2		8
Jessica	1	5	1	7
Nasch	1	4		5
Admiral Mel	2			2
Blue Dragon	2			2
Faithia	1			1
Arhes's mother		1		1
Gon-chan, the Gorgon Ghidorah	1			1
Damon	1			1
White Dragon Fidy	1			1
Machine Mountain	1			1
Chiro		1		1
invalid vote*		1		1

* - "Invalid vote" means no response, an unclear response, or a character who wasn't in Lunar 1.

Dain & Laike's votes were divided between their Mega-CD versions and their remake versions; I ended up combining their votes here. I understand it's a small thing to mention, but please bear with me. ^_^ ::sweatdrop:: It would've been awful to make such fine distinctions...
Anyhow, the hero had a really strong showing!! I guess everyone really identified with him??
What surprised me was how popular Ghaleon was with the males. And how there weren't as many votes for Ghaleon among the females as I thought. Just the opposite of what I expected. Figures...
By the way..."Machine Mountain" is a character...? ::sweatdrop:: And "Arhes's mother"...

5. Who's your favorite male character? Choose one.

[captions on illustration]
SFX OF ARHES: ::...BLUSH!::
ARHES: .....
KILLY: (Just so long as I'm popular with the ladies...)
GHALEON: .........
(It makes no difference to me...)
CAPTION ON NASCH: 5th place!
NASCH: (NO WAY...)

males 1. Arhes 22 2. Ghaleon 13 3. Killy 9

females 1. Killy 14 2. Arhes 13 3. Ghaleon 6

overall 1. Arhes 35 2. Killy 23 3. Ghaleon 20

	males	females	other	overall
Arhes	22	13		35
Killy	9	14		23
Ghaleon	13	6	1	19
Dain (Laike)	7	2	1	10
Nasch	3	5		8
Nall	2	2		4
Admiral Mel	2			2
Ramus	2			2
Temzin	1	1		2
Blue Dragon*		1		1
invalid vote	1	1		2

* - [Note: Isn't the Blue Dragon female in SSS?]

An overwhelming win for the hero!! Right? I guess a lot of people really took to his positive, proactive attitude!! ::heart:: I really love him too - Arhes!! I really identified with you!! ::heart::
[Note: WHAT "positive, proactive attitude"?! He DOESN'T TALK!!]
Killy did pretty well for himself too, huh?! ::beams:: #1 with the ladies!! I agree-- ::heart:: (<- Cut it out ::sweatdrop::)
Even so...Ghaleon is really popular with the men, huhhh. I thought he'd be an overwhelming #1 with the girls, but that didn't happen. I'm shocked. ...But. Almost everyone called him "Ghaleon-sama." ...I know how you feel. I know it all too well! He's just so cool! (lol)
Dain was also pretty popular. "Dain (moustache)"... Guess you guys like moustaches. "Moustache"...
Nasch isn't very popular with the men, I see. Perhaps that goes without saying. Of course, him being a "traitor" probably was a stumbling block... I see that some of the women took a liking to him, thinking that "there's a humanity to him, and he's devoted", but... Anyhow, it must be REALLY frustrating for Ghaleon to lose out in votes to Arhes and Killy! ::beams:: ::sweatdrop:: Hang in there, Nasch!!

[Note: The U.S. Lunar fandom has its issues - extraordinarily creative interpretation of certain TSS plot points, for instance - but the judgment of history is firmly on our side on this one.
While we're in a parenthetical note, a couple observations about these results: 1) This isn't the only property I can recall which shows this odd dichotomy: where in U.S., it's the brooding character with the tragic past who has the significant female following, whereas in Japan, it's the brash playboy. (For example, the otome game franchise Angelique, which was a license for Koei to print money for many years, has a similar regional split with the Clavis & Oscar characters.) Your essay as to how this might be considered in part a reaction to male behavior norms in these nations' respective cultures is due on Monday. 2) It's consistent across both the SSS & EB polls that Ghaleon has a significant male following in Japan specifically due to the nature of his demise(s): because he died for his beliefs and had what was considered to be a "cool" death. This seems strongly cultural. (See the comments about Ghaleon's death was "a man's death" and how he is admired "as a man" (not that way) in the "A Few Words to Ghaleon" section below.)]

6. Who's your favorite female character? Choose one.

[captions on illustration]
LUHNA: Thank you! (heart)
CAPTION ON JESSICA: #1 with the ladies
MIA: ?
?
CAPTION ON MIA: ::smile smile::

males 1. Luhna 28 2. Mia 15 3. Jessica 11

females 1. Jessica 20 2. Luhna 15 3. Mia 6

overall 1. Luhna 43 2. Jessica 24 3. Mia 21

	males	females	other	overall
Luhna	28	15		43
Jessica	11	20	1	32
Mia	15	6		21
Faithia	4			4
Xenobia	1	1		2
Arhes's mother		1		1
Althena			1	1
The girl who sings at the bar		1		1
Pilya	1			1
invalid vote	2	1		3

A strong showing from the heroine! ::heart:: I guess that's why you all identified with Arhes, huh?
I myself was really taken by Luhna singing on the boat! :D ::blush::
The one who didn't get as many votes as I thought she would was Mia! She has some crazy (?) enthusiastic fans...
Jessica really got a lot of votes from women. The most of any character! Maybe because she comes across as being like themselves? That sort of character. Maybe that's why. I'm realllly jealous of her, being told by Killy, "I'll protect you." ::heart:: (<- Knock it off already!!)
However... This really went overwhelmingly to the three main female characters, didn't it... ::sweatdrop:: Isn't there anyone out there who likes Rouyce or Remilia?? ...Maybe not above everyone else, though... That's gotta be it. ::sweatdrop::
...Even so..."the girl who sings at the bar"... And "Arhes's mother"... That's a deep cut. Wha?

7. Which character do you hate the most? Choose one.

[captions on illustration]
NALL (representing "no one"): Uh-huh, uh-huh! I knew it!
NASCH: HUH!? ME?!
ROUYCE: HMPH! (But then I *am* a villain!)

males 1. no one 32 2. Nasch 9 3. Rouyce 6

females 1. no one 29 2. Magic Emperor Ghaleon 5 3. Rouyce 4

overall 1. no one 62 2. Nasch 13 3. Rouyce 10

	males	females	other	overall
no one	32	29	1	62
Nasch	9	3	1	13
Rouyce	6	4		10
Magic Emperor Ghaleon	4	5		9
Luhna	1			1
Ramus	1			1
Killy		1		1
fake medicine seller	1			1
Fluffy Bug		1		1
Faithia	1			1
Temzin	1			1
Jessica	1			1
Batanen	1			1
Xenobia	1			1
Althena		1		1
Homunculus	1			1
the Three Witches	1			1
that gross enemy that looks like a flower		1		1
invalid vote	1			1

Just like I planned when I posed this question, the answer was overwhelmingly "no one"!!! ::hearts:: (I had faith in you, everyone!!)
And I felt that the others were like, "well, if I had to choose..." Like, "this person was too tough in battle." It seems like there weren't many people who really hated someone from the bottom of their hearts. That's our LUNAR!!
A lot of people felt compelled to put "Magic Emperor" on their choice of Ghaleon, so I added it, too.
...But the real worst of the bunch is Nasch. I never expected to feel sorry for him... ::sweatdrop::

8. Who's your favorite couple? Choose one.

[captions on illustration]
ARHES: ...but...
LUHNA (leaning in): You're embarrassed, aren't you?
KILLY: Why'm I stuck with Jessica?! I know there're tons of hot chicks out there just WAITING for me!!
SFX OF JESSICA KNOCKING OUT KYLE: ::POW!::
NASCH: We're not first!?
MIA: ?
CAPTION ON MIA & NASCH: They're in third place, but it's a pretty big gap...

males 1. Arhes & Luhna 28 2. Killy & Jessica 16 3. Mia & Nasch 7

females 1. Killy & Jessica 20 2. Arhes & Luhna 15 3. Mia & Nasch 4

overall 1. Arhes & Luhna 44 2. Killy & Jessica 37 3. Mia & Nasch 11

	males	females	other	overall
Arhes & Luhna	28	15	1	44
Killy & Jessica	16	20	1	37
Mia & Nasch	7	4		11
Ghaleon & Dain	2	2		4
Dain & Althena	1	1		2
Arhes & Nall	2			2
Xenobia & Ghaleon	2			2
Mia & Ghaleon		1		1
Arhes's father & mother		1		1
Temzin & Pilya		1		1
Ruby & Nall	1			1
invalid vote	3			3

** Extra responses (some people scribbled extra answers in small print beside their "official" ones, so I tried to collect the more interesting ones here):
- Killy & me
- Gon-chan & Mia

The order's got nothing to do with seme & uke!! [Note: Again, thanks for that necessary bit of info.] The "extra responses" were just additional votes, so I didn't count them in the total.
I also voted for "Killy & me"... (explodes)
Anyhow, it was overwhelmingly "Arhes & Luhna" or "Killy & Jessica"! ::heart:: Hang in there, Nasch!!
But, really: "Arhes & Nall"... ::sweatdrop:: Did they make some sort of mistake...? ::sweatdrop:: Like, thinking we meant "partners" or "pals"...? ::sweatdrop::
"Ruby & Nall" is kind of against the rules... ::sweatdrop:: I went back and forth over whether or not to include it...
The responses to this question had some interesting pairings; it was fun! ::heart:: Only because the in-game couples are so set in stone...

9. Leave a brief message for the following characters:

[Arhes, quizzically pointing at self: "...HUH?"]

- ...::blush!::
- Say something (LOL).
- You're a real man, you are.
- Honor student.
- You're a little too quiet...but I think you're a nice guy!!
- You really are a pure-hearted boy.
- You'd follow Luhna to the ends of the earth.
- You should grow daikons as you grow older! The fields are waiting for you! [Note: This is a reference to a Japanese SSS TV commercial.]
- You taught me how "the love we have for each other is so strong!"
- What the heck happened to Arhes's Harp~~!?
- The very model of a fine, upstanding hero: respectful, ready to help, & cool!
- You were a quiet boy, but in the end, you were cool!
- I like how you're so completely straightforward.
- You're so cool! You've got such a strong sense of justice!
- I was touched by your heartfelt emotions.
- Take care of your folks!

Arhes got a lot of comments like "you're quiet" or "get a hold of yourself!".
...You're all so hard on Arhes... He was solidly in love, and when it came down to it, I thought he was a competent boy...
I thought he really had all the elements of a great guy! I hope to have a guy like that in the future!! (<- lost)
[Note: WHAT ARE YOU PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT!??! Arhes has no personality. He DOESN'T. TALK.]

A Few Words for Luhna

[Luhna, smiling: "What is it?"]

- You hold too much back from Arhes. You should depend more on him.
- The boat scene was just great.
- I kinda hate you, since you got abducted while you still had my Heal Ring equipped.
- You were the type of person who was easily manipulated by those around you.
- I think you're the luckiest person, in so many ways.
- Make Arhes a henpecked husband for me! (explodes)
- You're really cute when you're acting like an older sister.
- I bought this game for you, Luhna! ::heart::
- Please, stay with Arhes forever.
- Don't lose your heart to Ghaleon!...
- You're the cutest when you're together with Arhes.
- Be happy with Arhes! ::heart::
- Lead a happy life not as a goddess, but as a human.
- Why do you only have one bromide?
- I just know that in the future you'll be the prettiest girl on Lunar (I mean, you were originally a goddess). Arhes is a lucky guy.
- What was with that Dark Songstress outfit (lol)? Does it reflect Ghaleon's tastes...?

Luhna does look like she'd make Arhes a henpecked husband (LOL).
Arhes & Luhna make a very nice couple, don't they? They have so much faith in each other and all...

A Few Words for Nasch

[Nasch, preening cowlick: "Hmph!")

- To think that the boy caught in the box trap would end up being one of the heroes...
- I'll never forget the sad sight of Hyper Nasch (LOL).
- Suneo. [Note: This is a reference to Doraemon character Suneo Honekawa, whose hairstyle bears a slight resemblance to Nasch's.]
- "Ghaleon, by my own hands..." Your expression was so cool when it was filled with determination.
- You're a snob, but you're laughable.
- A high-handed and shy guy.
- Extremely run-of-the-mill
- DO something with that cowlick, peasant! <- In Nasch-style voice
- The Magic Mobile Weapon.
- I'm not handing over Mia (LOL).
- Your head looks just lovely!
- I like how you were so devoted to Mia!
- What does your hair look like when it gets wet, Nasch?
- An idiot, and just the best
- How did you decide on that hairdo?...
- I like you; your feelings for Mia were really heartfelt.

Nasch... You ended up as the #1 most-hated character...
C'mon, everyone...he's really pure at heart. Please try to have some understanding. (<- What'm I doing)

A Few Words for Mia

[Mia, beaming expectantly: "Yes?"]

- I like how you're a little thick.
- Who's your father?
- You slapping Nasch was the best (Saturn ver.).
- You're a nice, strong-hearted girl.
- You're kind of a stubborn person.
- My Sweet Honey (LOL)
- I want to protect you!
- I'm not handing you over to Nasch. You're mine (explodes).
- You're a great airhead comedian!
- DO YOUR BEST rebuilding Vheen!
- It's just lovely how you pretend to be stupid.
- Turn your back on Nasch~~! (cries)
- Try to realize just a tiny bit how Nasch feels about you, OK~? (But it'd be interesting if you never did (lol).)
- Be a great Guildmistress! ::heart:: But I get the feeling you'll be OK.
- She really matures in the second half. It's really, really cool.
- Hurry up and wake up to how Nasch feels about you!

[Note: It's noteworthy - and by "noteworthy," I mean "disturbing" - that half the comments here are either a) "you're stupid" or b) "you're my girlfriend."]

Some passionate feelings from the gents! Well, seems like she's got a lot of fans... ::laughs::
She's cute, isn't she. Mia!! ::hearts:: And Gon-chan the Gorgon Ghidora was nice, too. ::bitter laugh::

A Few Words for Killy

[Killy, looking over his shoulder annoyed: "Huh?"]

- Liked how you dressed up in women's clothing!
- Quit posing at the hot spring.
- You can stop dressing in women's clothing any time now...
- I thought you were a man's man in the battle with stone Mel.
- "Chug, chug, and chug some more," right? I did wonder what was going on at that spring...
- Is your skin dark, or are you just suntanned?
- I wanna go to Nanzas~~!
- Gimme a few of your muscles.
- A mountain bandit AND a pirate - you're a pretty busy guy (LOL).
- My darlin' ::heart::. (<- whoa whoa) There's a sexiness in your manliness ::heart::.
- Eeek~~! Killy! He's so cool--! ::heart:: [Note: This is, of course, part of the backup chorus to the "Killy is No. 1" image song.]
- Beware of the bathing scene.
- Drunk bandit boss
- You're an exhausting character, but when it comes down to it, you do what you have to - you're a real man's man.
- I wanna see you as a henpecked husband... (sad)
- You're blunt, but you're the type of person who'd make a good friend. (But I can't drink alcohol. So don't pour too much, Killy!)

Killy! ::hearts:: I just fell flat to the floor at his "I'll protect you" line. ::heart::
Ohhhhh---I just love him---!! ::hearts::
Everyone seems to give thumbs down to him dressing in women's clothing. ...Wellllll... ::sweatdrops::

A Few Words for Jessica

[Jessica, looking somewhat quizzically but in a rather disinterested manner: "Hm?"]

- It's kinda cool how you scratch at the enemy when you attack without a weapon.
- It's all well & good to go off on an adventure to save your old man Master Mel, but bringing him back a son-in-law is kind of...
- Maybe you should work on your cooking, for Killy's sake...
- "Father!" You're a good kid! I want a daughter like you.
- It's a real good thing you take after your mother with your looks!...
- Catgirl.
- I love how you bicker with Killy. It's so cute.
- Ease up on how pigheaded you are, OK? Get along with Mel & Killy and make them happy! ::heart:: [Note: I hate this person.]
- Are all beastmen as sexy as you? I'm looking forward to seeing you in several years! (LOL)
- Be good! ::heart:: (<-- is murdered)
- I think it's cute how you're not all nice as pie with Killy.
- You're a girl with real spirit. You look like you'd run roughshod over any man with all that force of character, but you're a proper young lady.
- As I played the game, she was the character who gave me the energy to keep going.
- Her strength of spirit and will is just perfect. That she's cute at the same time makes it even better!!
- I'd like to taste your home cooking, and yet I wouldn't...
- You're a real amazon, but you have a feminine kindness.

[Note: So many of these are creepy. I can see why they ditched this feature in the Eternal Blue survey.]

She seems like a down-to-earth character, doesn't she? She's a tomboy, but she also has a feminine side. In front of Mel, she makes herself very proper and mature, and she's a very nice girl, and I love that! ::hearts::

A Few Words for Ghaleon

(Ghaleon, looking away, barely tolerating this: "......")

- Was Dark Althena's costume your idea?
- Was Dain really not supposed to save Ghaleon?!
- I love you. (for real)
- Tragedy seems to follow you... (LOL)
- Ghaleon, Lunar's only bishounen... For real...
- What an awkward person you are.
- Everyone is fighting for their own justice. [Note: Did you hit your head and fall under the impression that you're in a samurai movie or something? ]
- To die for your beliefs... That's a man's death.
- I wonder why your skin's so pale?... It's a mystery.
- A man who holds himself apart. Hard on himself, and hard on others.
- I fiercely admire you - as a man, and as a person.
- I get the feeling like you're the one who couldn't be saved.
- He's fascinating because he has a story that can't be told in the game.
- I so wanted you to understand the feelings Dain entrusted to you...
- I just can't talk about him without adding the "-sama."
- You look cool in your armor, too.

You of course have to add the "-sama" with Ghaleon-sama!!
Ghaleon... You were so strong... So strong, it was terrifying...
Akari Funato's Ghaleon is just super-cool!

A Few Words for Other Characters

Nall
- You're cute, but it'd sure be nice if you acted a little more quickly to recover me from swoon!
- You looked so cool as a White Dragon!
- I want you as my pet.

Ramus
- Wonder if you're gonna be like Torneko in the future... (LOL)
- Aren't you really Mr. Shigema? (LOL)
- Go back home!...
- How do you have those bromides!?

Xenobia
- I felt kinda sorry for you!...
- You really had feelings for Ghaleon - it was sad. I wanted you to be happy...

Faithia
- You're just the best!!

Gon-chan the Gorgon Ghidorah
- You're the luckiest enemy character in RPG historyyyy!!

Rouyce
- Adjust your attitude a little, OK?

Temzin
- You've got a wife at your age?!
- I want a wife like that (explodes).
- Was I the only one who thought he looked like Arhes? Huhhh...?

Dain
- Can you live with what's happened!? Don't you at least feel sorry for Ghaleon?!
- Nice guy.

Blue Dragon
- I liked your cheerful personality. It wasn't typical for a dragon.

Remilia
- Who is Mia's father?

A Few Enthusiastic Words for Lunar

- Lunar is the first game where I honestly cried while roleplaying. To put it bluntly, I don't think there's ever been a game this moving. It truly is a game that draws you in more the more you play it.
- "I'm truly glad I was lucky enough to find Lunar." That is the only thing that I can truly say to anyone with confidence. To me, it is the only truth.
- I think it's the love that just flows from this game that draws me in.
- I'll never forget the emotion and sense of fulfillment I felt when I finished this game. It's a masterpiece that makes me think, "I'm glad I played this."
- This game has a real heartfelt quality, a straightforward earnestness and a love, that's not found in any other game. Its atmosphere just naturally moved me as I played.
- The characters are all so vivid; I just love them!
- Thanks for the feelings!
- I LOVE YOU, LUNAR!!!!
- To me, this story is a real treasure.
- Lunar is everything to me (I've said too much).
- Lunar is the first game that made me cry.
- I recorded not only the movies, but all my favorite scenes!!
- I really liked the game's heartfelt craftsmanship and simple story.
- This is the first game where I've thought, time after time, "I want to play it again; I want to go back to Lunar and adventure with my friends." Its tender emotion will always remain in my heart. It's a true RPG masterpiece.
- It's a masterpiece that I can recommend without hesitation to a great many people. I like the warmth in its story.
- It's a humanitarian game that makes you aware of how all our thoughts and actions add up to create our present.
- It's the type of game that when I start it up, it makes me think, "Ahhh - I'm home."

Lots of people opted to leave messages that were more "heartfelt" than "enthusiastic."
I mean, like - "This is a masterpiece and the only game that will forever remain in my heart!!". (<- my own loose interpretation) [Note: Making fun of your survey respondents is jerky, no matter what disclaimers you put on it. I mean, I can do it, 'cause I'm just the jerk translating, but you solicited these responses.]
You all seem to get a real sense of love from this game called Lunar, don't you? ::heart::
It's kind of rare to get that from playing an RPG.

I wanted to print all the comments, but of course I couldn't, so I picked a representative sample.
Sorry to those whose comments I didn't print...

Names:

Mega-CD = Sega CD Arhes = Alex Luhna = Luna Killy = Kyle

Dain = Dyne Nasch = Nash Faithia = Phacia Fidy = Quark

Machine Mountain = the Grindery Temzin = Tempest Pilya = Fresca Remilia = Lemia

Rouyce = Royce Batanen = Taben Nanzas = Nanza Vheen = Vane

I know Laike is in the artbook as "Laiek," but...well, come on. (Though, to be honest, I suppose "Rouyce" belongs in that category as well.)
Translation by R. Capowski, RACapowski@sceneryrecalled.com, 6/5/16. Lunar is trademark oh who reads these anyhow.