Some time ago, EX interviewed Takachiho Haruka. Best known in the United States as the creator of CRUSHER JOE and the DIRTY PAIR, Mr. Takachiho is a prolific author who continues to publish novels in Japan. He is also one of the first authors to post his work on the internet.
During the course of our conversation, Mr. Takachiho shared his ideas on inspiration, science fiction, and animation, among other things.

EX: First of all, what is the state of science fiction novels in Japan?

Takachiho: What kind of science fiction do you mean?

EX: Science fiction novels by Japanese authors.

Takachiho: Oh, the state of Japanese science fiction novels today? It's not very good.

EX: Is that really so?

Takachiho: Well, people somewhat avoid using the name science fiction. Because of this, there are a lot of stories that are really science fiction but imitate the form of horror, mystery, and other such genres.

EX: How does this compare to the state of science fiction novels in the United States?

Takachiho: In Japan, the stories are mainly space opera, heroic fantasy types within science fiction created for entertainment. Therefore, easy-to-understand sub-genres such as the space opera and heroic fantasy have grown while literary science fiction has decreased dramatically.

EX: Which particular authors do you admire?

Takachiho: Japanese or foreign?

EX: Japanese, American, or others—any authors are fine.

Takachiho: For Japanese fiction, I would say I admire Mishima Yukio a great deal. Hmm, as for science fiction, the author who influenced me is Komatsu Sakyou. I have interacted with Mr. Komatsu one-on-one on several topics, such as writing science fiction.
As for America authors, there is Robert A. Heinlein of course. Naturally, his works had a considerable effect [on me]. There is also the English author Arthur C. Clarke. Both of these writers influenced me a great deal.

EX: So what translations of recent American science fiction works have you read lately?

Takachiho: Hmm, actually, I don't read them now. [laughs] Right now, I devote myself to writing my own works, so I can't really take the time to read those books or magazines at all. I don't read translations of foreign novels.

EX: If you had time, which ones would you be likely to read?

Takachiho: Well, if I had the time, I would want to read the works which won Hugo, Nebula, and other awards.

EX: Which of your own works do you find most satisfying?

Takachiho: I am satisfied with all of them, but SORCERIAN'S MYTH is the science fiction work with which I am most pleased.

EX: How do you come up with ideas for your writing?

Takachiho: Well, by chance. As in when I enter the bath, dream, or anywhere. I take down memos when I'm in the bathroom, I take down memos when I'm on the telephone—although not when I'm in the bath. (laughs) In any case, the opportunities for these inspirations are plenty.

EX: What were the origins of DIRTY PAIR?

Takachiho: In Japan, the Pink Lady idol group was becoming popular. And at the same time there was this female pro wrestler team named "Beauty Pair." It gave me an idea.

EX: How did DIRTY PAIR make the transition from novel to anime?

Takachiho: For the most part I left it to the animation company people. Therefore when deciding which projects to do, Sunrise said let's animate DIRTY PAIR, and that's how it was.