AMERICA
“Kagurabachi” NY Event Report Part 2! Takeru Hokazono Q&A Released!!
- UPDATE :
A special stage event for “Kagurabachi” was held at Anime NYC, featuring a Q&A session. Behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive anecdotes from the production process were revealed during the Q&A, which is now available to all!
Here are the 22 Q&A questions from the special stage at Anime NYC!!
- When designing Chihiro, were there other versions before the final design?
- I decided on Chihiro’s design right away. There were no major changes from the initial design to the final design.
- Your style is very impressive, full of energy, shading, and momentum. How did you hone your visual expression skills?
- I read a variety of manga, and was particularly influenced by “NARUTO.” I studied not only Japanese manga but also watched many foreign works such as Western films, and I worked hard to hone my expressive skills simply by drawing manga relentlessly.
- What was the inspiration for the abilities of the enchanted blades, such as Tobimune’s bird-themed ability and Cloud Gouger’s cloud-themed ability? I think the contrast between Enten’s goldfish and Chihiro is absolutely adorable.
- I have always thought that the goldfish is a motif that can look cool if drawn well and wanted to one day include it in one of my works, so I included it in “Kagurabachi.” For Tobimune and Cloud Gouger, I wanted something that would look cool, and I built ideas by imagining the visuals when they fight Chihiro.
- Are there any characters that you were surprised to see become really popular?
- Soya.
- Are there any characters you’re looking forward to depicting more in the story of “Kagurabachi,” or who you’d like to have play a more prominent role?
- That would be Shiba. I feel bad that I haven’t been able to make much use of him yet. And Hiyuki!
- In the early stages of creating “Kagurabachi,” what did you do to create a story that would differentiate it from other serialized works in Weekly Shonen Jump?
- The use of color. For example, in “NARUTO,” I think Naruto’s yellow hair color and orange clothing are quite striking. So, for “Kagurabachi,” I considered a central color scheme for the work and decided on black as the main color and combined it with red and white.
- How do you come up with the character names in “Kagurabachi?”
- I value the sound of the words when I read them aloud. I’m conscious of matching the character’s personality with the sound of their name.
- Which battle scene did you enjoy drawing the most so far?
- The battle between Chihiro and Sojo.
- Among all the chapters and scenes you’ve drawn so far, which ones are your particular favorites?
- There’s the battle between Chihiro and Sojo that I mentioned earlier, but I also like the episode where Chihiro and Hakuri fight Kyora.
- In creating “Kagurabachi,” which part in particular (of existing parts) were you most interested in readers’ reactions?
- That would also be the battle between Chihiro and Sojo. However, while I thought it looked cool when I drew it, I was worried about how the readers would react to it.
- How do you feel about all the love from your fans around the world?
- I am absolutely overjoyed!
- When writing your manuscript, how do you go about drawing your work?
- I draw using an LCD tablet.
- How long does it usually take you to draw one episode?
- It takes me quite a bit of time.
The first six days of the seven-day weekly series timeframe is for the storyboards. Then I draw it within about 24 hours. - Are there any foreign films or American TV shows or other works produced in the U.S. that you particularly like?
- I like “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” Sojo’s design may have been influenced by the Winter Soldier a little.
- Are you a fan of Tarantino films?
- Yes! I love them!
- What character is depicted in your portrait?
- It’s supposed to be a bird, but even I sometimes wonder what it is (laughs).
- How do you feel about having your manga serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump?
- I am honored to have my own series now in a magazine that has serialized so many masterpieces.
- I feel that the depiction of landscapes in “Kagurabachi’” is also wonderful. From them, one can sense a bit of the atmosphere of Katsuhiro Otomo’s works. Were you also influenced by Otomo?
- Yes. When I ask my assistants to handle backgrounds, I sometimes show them “AKIRA” comics and say, “I’d like them drawn like this.”
- How do you work with your assistants?
- We work fully remote.
- Could you tell us about the live drawing you’re currently working on?
- It turned out simpler than I’d thought it would. Samura is a character with a complex inner life, so I gave him a slightly troubled, melancholy look.
- What is your favorite food you have eaten in New York?
- I had a bagel with salmon that was really good!
- Will New York bagels ever appear in “Kagurabachi?”
- Maybe they will. You never know (laughs).
A video of the event is also available!
The event also had live drawing sessions and special exhibitions!
Check out the details in the first installment of our report!!
[Report Part 1]
“Kagurabachi” slashes its way into the U.S.! The New York event report is here!
https://kagurabachi.jp/en/world/01/