EX: The CRUSHER JOE novels are serious, while the DIRTY PAIR books are light science fiction. Which of the two styles do you like?

Takachiho: Actually, I don't have a preferences either way. Of course, there are numerous approaches to writing a book, and there isn't one I particularly like or hate. If you notice when reading in Japanese, DIRTY PAIR is written in the first person, as if talking to a television, while CRUSHER JOE is written in the third person, which is more of the standard literary way. Kei thinks much of herself and it shows in her talking compared to Yuri.

EX: When converting novels into anime, what is the most difficult problem?

Takachiho: When what's in the novels is forgotten. [laughs] The original novel's setting and characters has to be ignored when the adaptation is made. For example, there so many differences between the JURASSIC PARK the novel and the movie. The animation staff has to create works by forgetting what's in the original novels. That's the most difficult problem.

EX: Do you wish to see more animation made from your works?

Takachiho: Not really, there are all sorts of difficulties involved. Writing novels is naturally a solitary event, but many people are involved in the production of animation. As a result, there are budgets and such things and in the end the project must be sellable. Therefore, it's not easy to get an OK. I do wish to animate several stories, but it's difficult to keep the ball rolling on those projects from the beginning all the way to concrete results.

EX: What is your current opinion regarding anime?

Takachiho: Which anime?

EX: Well, anime in general.

Takachiho: In Japanese animation, there are plenty of extremely talented people; hence the level of creative potential is extremely high. However, because of budget limitations, the quality of works oftentimes can't approach the very top class. If Japanese animation can be more popular in America, Americans too can participate in sponsoring [Japanese animation]. If projects can be made with sufficient budgets, the end product would be much better.

EX: Please describe what your everyday life is like.

Takachiho: Watching television. [laughs] Really, I watch television. I get hints and ideas from events on the news. For example, when I watch a news story about a coup-d'etat, accidents, and other incidents, I get inspirations for my stories.

EX: Besides the web novel of DIRTY PAIR and DIRTY PAIR FLASH video series, are you currently working on other projects?

Takachiho: Hmm, in terms of books published, first there is DRAGON LEE, a kung-fu (space opera action) series, and I'm also working on something called NORIE, a heroic war fantasy on an alternate world.

EX: What do you think of your works becoming popular in America??

Takachiho: Because animation is art, it can overcome the barrier of words. For the longest time, there were reasons why Japanese works could not be exposed to the world outside Japan. However, animation, by being mainly composed of pictures, has become more popular overseas, no? The problem is, my main occupation is writing novels. Still, if I release my novels on the Internet, I don't have to publish them. Also, if they can be translated into English, you can read them. In these ways, I may have played a part in exposing Americans to the existence of novels and videos from all around the world.

EX: There is an English version of a DIRTY PAIR novel, but are there other novels you wish to have translated?

Takachiho: There are many problems involved. It's difficult getting them into publication. Afterwards, there aren't many bookstores [that will carry them.]

EX: What do you think is the reason for DIRTY PAIR's popularity?

Takachiho: I think it's the animation series and movies, which are easier to watch than reading novels. Another reason, is that Americans are interested in seeing powerful females characters.

EX: There have been many animated version of DIRTY PAIR released. Which one do you prefer the most?

Takachiho: The OVA version created as a sequel to the television series.

EX: American DIRTY PAIR fans argue over which character is their favorite. Who do you like the most, Kei or Yuri?

Takachiho: I can't answer that. [laughs]

EX: Are there plans to continue the CRUSHER JOE novels?

Takachiho: The novels at least are pretty much finished now.

EX: During your current trip and experiences in America, have you received inspiration for future novels?

Takachiho: I will probably receive hints or ideas later on, but I haven't received them yet. I've only been in the hotel so far. (laughs) For now, I haven't received any ideas for novels yet.

EX: Finally, do you have any words for your American fans?

Takachiho: What to say .... Japanese animation is entering severe times, and everyone is having trouble creating works. If the market can be widened more and more, it would be a good thing. Since America's population is so much bigger than Japan's .... (laughs) Please hang in there and keep watching.

Special thanks to: Takayuki Karahashi for introductions, Taku Otsuka and Mark Chadwick for the computer equipment, and A.D. Vision for arranging the interview

Images © Takachiho Haruka & AA, Sunrise, NAS