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.