Kawamori Shouji's recent appearance at Otakon was certainly cause for
rejoicing among anime fans. Dubbed "The King of All Mecha" by his
enthusiastic fans, Mr. Kawamori said he was "surprised" at the enthusiastic
reception he received.
During his busy schedule, he found some time to talk
to EX. Here is what he had to say about his work
on MACROSS,
ESCAFLOWNE,
and a few other topics.
EX: |
|
What was your first
job as a designer or animator? |

KS: |

I created a design for SPACE CAPTAIN
HARLOCK, but I was not actually credited. I then worked on the
later half of THE ULTRAMAN animated series, but
only as a guest mecha designer. |
EX: |
How did you get
started directing? |

KS: |

It was MACROSS. |
EX: |
With Ishiguro
[Noboru of Artland]? |

KS: |

That's right. When I explained my ideas, they would get
changed in production, so I decided it's best if I directed my works
myself. (laughs)

|
Kawamori on MACROSS
 |
EX: |
Usually, you
design the variable mecha of MACROSS, and Studio
Nue's Miyatake Kazutaka designs the ships and nontransformable mecha.
However, I noticed that Miyatake designed the VF-22
and Varuata mecha together with you. Which variable mecha did Miyatake
create? Also, which variable mecha did you and Miyatake create together? |

KS: |

I actually designed the basics of the Varauta mecha, while
Miyatake refined the designs' styling. |
EX: |
As for other mecha besides the Varauta mecha,
which mecha designs did you work together on? |

KS: |

In MACROSS 7? |
EX: |
Yes, and MACROSS PLUS. |

KS: |

In MACROSS PLUS, Miyatake worked on the conceptual
art, such as the buildings and the insides of cockpits. |
EX: |
Such as the setting of the planet Eden? |

KS: |

Yes, that's right. Actually, he collaborated with art director
Hariu [Katsufumi] on the setting of planet Eden. Miyatake did the outer
appearance of the base and background mecha, as well as the concert hall. |
EX: |
Is the "Star Mirage" the actual name or just
the nickname for the VF-5000? |

KS: |

[Right now,] it's a nickname. |
EX: |
Besides Mylene and Emilia, where are Max
and Milia's other daughters around the year 2040? |

KS: |

(laughs) That's difficult to say. I haven't scripted a story or
anything related yet. |
EX: |
Do you want to create stories about the
ancient Protoculture era [the period thousands of years before
the present when the Zentradi's creators ruled]? |

KS: |

In the Protoculture era? I have no plans now, but I'll probably
write something later. Only when actually I create something related
[to the era] will I decide.
 |