Interview — Anime
Filters
All
[UK & Ireland]
Text-only Compact View
Text-only List View
Text-only Grid View
List View with Images
Grid View with Images
Interview: Voice Actors Rika Hayashi and Hiroki Tōchi Talk About Their New Golf Anime, Tonbo!
Hayashi and Tōchi play mentee/mentor in heart-warming golf anime series.
― Golf anime Tonbo! is one of the new anime premiering in the Spring 2024 season. At Anime Japan 2024, we sat down with lead voice actors Rika Hayashi and Hiroki Tōchi to talk about their characters, their experiences with golf, and the positives of country life in Japan. In her first voice acting role as a main character, Hayas...
Chained Soldier Producer, Voice Actor Discuss Bringing Sexy Anime Series to Screen
We sat down with producer Yuki Watanabe and leading actor Yūya Hirose (Yuuki), to discuss bringing this unique combination of epic action and sexy comedy to the screen.
― Ever since author Takahiro and artist Yōhei Takamura first began publishing Chained Soldier on Shonen Jump+ in 2019, their manga has been a smash hit. The story tells of how humanity has been enlisting soldiers who use the magical ...
Interview: JYOCHO's Daijiro Nakagawa Talks About Composing Songs for Junji Ito and Banished From the Hero's Party
Daijirō Nakagawa talks about his band, their evolution, and what it's like to compose anime theme songs.
― If you've seen either of the Junji Ito anthology anime or either season of Banished from the Hero's Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside, you've heard the music of JYOCHO's Daijiro Nakagawa. Recently, Anime News Network sat down with him to talk about his band, their evolutio...
Chatting About Food and Adventures with Delicious in Dungeon's Director and Voice Actors
We were able to chat with Delicious in Dungeon's director, Yoshihiro Miyajima, as well as two of its main leads, Kentarō Kumagai (Laios) and Sayaka Senbongi (Marcille).
― Recently, Anime News Network was able to chat with Delicious in Dungeon's director, Yoshihiro Miyajima, as well as two of its main leads, Kentaro Kumagai (Voice of Laios) and Sayaka Senbongi (Marcille). They talked about how they b...
The Eminence in Shadow Anime Producer Had His Own Cid Phase
ANN spoke with The Eminence in Shadow director Kazuya Nakanishi and producer Kazufumi Kikushima about the series' unique protagonist.
― Whether it's the dark comedy or its distinct main character, Cid, something about The Eminence in Shadow resonates with many anime fans. The series is one of the highest-rated shows on HIDIVE. Anime News Network was able to sit down and talk with the series' directo...
Gundam: The Witch From Mercury's Lynn and Kana Ichinose Discuss Difficult Parents and Friendships
"It got me thinking that as long as there are humans, conflict will never disappear and there is no correct answer."
― At Anime NYC 2023, the official Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury panel hosted voice actors Kana Ichinose (Suletta Mercury) and Lynn (Miorine Rembran) to discuss their work on the hit mecha series. Members of the press had further questions answered via a joint email interv...
How the Shield Hero Director and Producer Pushed to Do the Series Justice
"One of the things that's important to me is to capture the world as it is with the wave of calamity; the trouble, the hunger, the sadness of the world that exists so that the heroes can shine. It's because the people are suffering that a hero is needed."
― In season three of The Rising of The Shield Hero, Naofumi and the gang must learn to put aside some of their differences with the other Cardinal...
Bringing His Ego to the Role: BLUE LOCK Voice Actor Kazuki Ura
Ura explains, “As a voice actor, I have the ego that I don't want to lose to anybody. I want to be the best at everything, especially when it comes to the character of Isagi.”
― At Anime NYC 2023, Anime News Network had the opportunity to sit down with the voice actor Kazuki Ura, the voice of BLUELOCK's main protagonist Isagi, and Ryoya Arisawa, the producer of the hit sports anime BLUELOCK. One of ...
Bringing Imagination to the Sengoku Youko Supernatural Action Anime
The director and producer discussed the challenges working on the Sengoku Youko anime, from finding just the right voice for a 200-year-old yōkai to tapping into their imaginations to bring Jinka's attacks to life.
― Manga creator Satoshi Mizukami is already preparing his next manga series, but it's his supernatural action story Sengoku Youko that brought director Kagetsu Aizawa and producer Allian ...
Anime Director Masaaki Yuasa Reflects on His 20 Year Career
With time to reflect on his past work and an upcoming five-film box set from GKIDS, we talked with Yuasa about staying true to his artistic outlook and how the industry has changed.
― 2023 was an eventful year for Science Saru studio founder and film director Masaaki Yuasa. Since stepping down as president of his animation studio, Yuasa's part rock opera, part supportive treatise to artistic outcast...
Making Things That Others Wouldn't: An Interview with Studio TRIGGER President Masahiko Otsuka
Coop Bicknell talks shop with TRIGGER president Masahiko Otsuka about returning to the world of Panty & Stocking over a decade later.
― At this year's Anime Expo, Studio TRIGGER gave the world a taste of their projects coming down the pipeline. Whether it was the premiere of Delicious in Dungeon ahead of the series' January release on Netflix or details on the 15th-anniversary screenings of GURREN L...
Bringing Jazz to the Big Screen with Blue Giant Director Yuzuru Tachikawa
We spoke with director Yuzuru Tachikawa (Mob Psycho 100, Deca-Dence) about crafting the film's music, working with virtuoso Hiromi Uehara on the film's soundtrack, and the importance of talent and hard work.
― Readers may be surprised to learn that jazz music has a long, storied history in Japan. The music broke into the mainstream in the 1920s, in part due to visits from American and Filipino perfo...
Getting Into Character with Ragna Crimson's Chiaki Kobayashi
Kobayashi discussed the evolution of Ragna and the vocal challenges of bringing those subtle shifts to life.
― At Anime Expo 2023, Anime News Network was able to sit down and talk with voice actor Chiaki Kobayashi about his role as the titular Ragna in upcoming anime Ragna Crimson. They're keeping you busy at Anime Expo this year! Have you been able to have fun in Los Angeles in your
spare time? Chi...
Two Sides of the Same Coin: Voicing Cid in The Eminence in Shadow
Cid's voice actor Seiichirō Yamashita discusses voicing a character with two different sides and what makes The Eminence in Shadow anime so unique.
― The Eminence in Shadow follows a young man named Cid who would much rather train to be the ultimate background character and use his strong powers to change the scene from the shadows instead of being in the spotlight himself. After dying and being rei...
Talking Fate/Samurai Remnant with the Game's Director, Ryota Matsushita
We spoke to Matsushita about the game's Keian period setting, new servants, and more.
― Last month, I was able to spend eight hours with upcoming Fate series game Fate/Samurai Remnant. After doing so, I was granted a chance to talk with the game's director, Ryota Matsushita of Koei Tecmo Games, about the title. Here is what he had to say about making the game, the involvement of the various franchise...
What Happens Next? Four Knights of the Apocalypse Anime Interview at Otakon 2023
Can The Seven Deadly Sins newbies watch Four Knights of the Apocalypse? We asked manga editor Yuya Matsuda, anime producer Takuma Kishida, and lead voice actors Shou Komura and Kanna Nakamura.
― Nakaba Suzuki's Four Knights of the Apocalypse is a sequel to his popular manga, The Seven Deadly Sins. The series focuses on the young boy Percival, who discovers he is destined to be part of a group of four...
Bringing One Piece to the Screen with Yasunori Koyama, Kenji Yokoyama, and Tetsushi Akahori
We spoke to One Piece's series director, production manager, and animation director about building on Eiichiro Oda's hit manga for TV.
― One Piece has become one of the largest multimedia franchises in the world, with a top-selling manga, long-running anime, various video games, and a live-action Netflix series on the horizon. The anime, in particular, has gained worldwide acclaim, currently in the ...
Behind the Scenes of Action-Comedy Anime Undead Unluck
We spoke to voice actress Moe Kahara (Fuuko Izumo), Shonen Jump editor Takumi Hashimoto, and series producer Ryōta Hasegawa about balancing the series' unique brand of chaos.
― Fans who attended the Undead Unluck panel at Anime Expo last month were decidedly very lucky when animation studio TMS Entertainment brought out a slate of special guests—voice actress Moe Kahara, who plays Fuuko Izumo; actor...
Crafting the Story of Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout with Yashichiro Takahashi
We sat down with Yashichiro Takahashi, who wrote the first and third Ryza games and produced and wrote the Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout anime, on his experience contributing to Ryza and her world.
― The Atelier series has always had a cadre of loyal fans, but the Secret trilogy starring Reisalin Stout truly thrust the entire series into the spotlight. The trilogy might have ended with the rele...
Three Generations of Love Live Idols on Overcoming Challenges and Finding Yourself
Aika Kobayashi (Yoshiko/Yohane), Mayu Sagara (Kasumi Nakasu), and Sayuri Date (Kanon Shibuya) shared how they overcame challenges in their career and found inspiration from their own characters.
― Fans of the Love Live! Series received a rare treat at this year's Anime Expo with special guests representing three different generations from the long-running franchise. In attendance was Aika Kobayashi,...
Resident Evil: Death Island Cast Jokes About Getting Weird in the Recording Booth
"I want to feel that character. It matters to me what happens with that. If something's happening, I need to get my body into that state so that, emotion-wise, it's going to come out in a certain way."
― After the 2017 release of Resident Evil: Vendetta, Resident Evil: Death Island presents the latest animated film of the franchise. Assembling the five main characters for the first time in any univer...
Resident Evil: Death Island Creatives Share Thoughts on Assembling the Team
Director Eiichirō Hasumi pairs up with returning writer Makoto Fukami, and longtime Resident Evil producer Masachika Kawata to build an exciting mission for the five characters on San Francisco's Alcatraz Island.
The three filmmakers spoke to ANN on July 12th prior to the screening. ― Nearly six years after the release of Resident Evil: Vendetta, Resident Evil: Death Island continues the animated arm...
The three filmmakers spoke to ANN on July 12th prior to the screening. ― Nearly six years after the release of Resident Evil: Vendetta, Resident Evil: Death Island continues the animated arm...
Anime Expo 2023 - Bringing The Suicide Squad Into the Anime World
One of the biggest surprises out of Anime Expo is Warner Bros. Japan and Wit Studio's Suicide Squad ISEKAI, an anime looking to bring together DC comic book and anime fans for one wild ride.
― One of the biggest surprises out of Anime Expo is Warner Bros. Japan and Wit Studio's Suicide Squad ISEKAI, an anime looking to bring together DC comic book and anime fans for one wild ride. We spoke with seri...
Anime Expo 2023 - Ryuta Koike and Making The First Slam Dunk
After nearly two decades, Slam Dunk is back and scoring big at the box office. Now screening in U.S. and Canadian theaters, we talked to producer Ryuta Koike about bringing this fan-favorite series to life.
― After dominating the box office in Japan, THE FIRST SLAM DUNK, the new anime film of Takehiko Inoue's Slam Dunk basketball manga, made its North American debut at Anime Expo this year. As the f...
Anime Expo 2023 - Gearing-Up With the Mecha-Ude Anime Creator Okamoto
We spoke with Okamoto about her upcoming anime, the crowdfunding campaign, and the female animation team at TriF Studios.
― Mecha-Ude, which first came to life in 2019 as a crowdfunded pilot episode that smashed its fundraising goals, is set to dazzle fans once more as a full anime series by TriF Studio. The project is spearheaded by original creator Okamoto and is set to debut in 2024. Fans eager f...
'Everything is a Lie' — Yoko Taro, Hiroyuki Seshita, JIN, & Atsushi Ōkubo Discuss KamiErabi GOD.app Anime
Little is known about the KamiErabi GOD.app anime, but its staff line-up is full of heavy hitters. Find out more about the series, the formation of Seshita's 3DCG studio, and Yoko Taro's drunken agreement to join the project.
― Little is known about the KamiErabi GOD.app anime, but its staff line-up is full of heavy hitters. The production boasts character designer Atsushi Ōkubo, the manga creator b...
Anime Expo 2023 - Friendship is Key to Making The Ancient Magus' Bride
"What I want to portray is a message; it's not blood or what you look like that is the important connection; it's the mental connection that's critical. That's the important aspect you can see in the partnership between Elias and Chise."
― The ethereal fantasy series The Ancient Magus' Bride returned to TV with slow-burn intrigue set in the College. Chise had lived a somewhat reclusive life with Eli...
Anime Expo 2023 - Studio Bones Looks Back on 25 Years of Anime
BONES president Masahiko Minami and co-founder and animator Toshihiro Kawamoto reflect on the studio's biggest hits and their upcoming anniversary project, Metallic Rouge.
― In the 25 years since its inception, Studio Bones has become synonymous with quality. The studio has an incomparable amount of hits under its belt that appeal to a broad audience. Cowboy Bebop has earned its status as a certifie...
Anime Expo 2023 - Final Fantasy Artist Yoshitaka Amano Discusses Next Big Projects
The acclaimed artist is working on his next anime work, ZAN, described as "Ocean's Eleven meets Dante's Inferno."
― Yoshitaka Amano is a man with a seemingly endless drive. He is in high demand, so there's no shortage of ambitious projects to take on. Such a packed slate takes hard work and focus, so you'd be forgiven for thinking such hardened resolve would be paired with a serious, no-nonsense att...
Lonely Castle in the Mirror Director Keiichi Hara on Bullying and Other Social Issues Facing Children in Japan
“Statistically, it's gotten to the point where you have one or two kids out of school per class per day. […] So I ended up asking myself, 'What can I do to help?'”
― Earlier this month, Anime News Network was able to sit down with Director Keiichi Hara and talk a bit about his newest anime film, Lonely Castle in the Mirror, prior to its US premiere. In the process we talked about the social issues fa...
How the SPY×FAMILY Creative Team Brought the Manga to Life
Animation producer Kazuki Yamanaka and chief animation director Kyoji Asano share their insight from working on smash-hit anime series.
― Few series manage to capture the imagination and thrill quite like SPY×FAMILY. The exhilarating espionage tale interwoven with family dynamics has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique blend of action, comedy, and heartwarming moments. Behind this remarkab...
The Brilliant Minds Behind VINLAND SAGA Season 2
The creative team talks about taking up the mantle for season two and how a "battle of emotions" takes center stage.
― VINLAND SAGA, the critically acclaimed historical anime, has taken audiences on a breathtaking journey through the Viking Age, combining thrilling battles, complex characters, and a gripping narrative. As fans eagerly watch VINLAND SAGA Season 2 each week, we had the privilege of si...
Cardfight!! Vanguard will+Dress Staff Discuss Bringing the Hobby Anime Alive
Character designer and chief animation director Tomokatsu Nagasaku and line producer Eiichi Koshiishi discuss their artistic endeavors, exploring the craft that goes into the latest iteration of the franchise.
― Anime Central welcomed Illinois anime fans last weekend. Among the creatives present were character designer and chief animation director Tomokatsu Nagasaku and line producer Eiichi Koshiish...
How the Record of Ragnarok Director and Series Composition Writer Created a Faithful Adaptation
Following the announcement that Record of Ragnarok II's second part will premiere in July, we have an interview with director Masao Ōkubo and series writer Yuka Yamada about sticking to the manga's roots.
― The Record of Ragnarok anime is an incredibly faithful adaptation of artist Azychika, original creator Shinya Umemura, and narrative composer Takumi Fukui's manga. The series has intense fight seq...
Makoto Shinkai Talks Suzume and the Earthquake that Inspired It
The acclaimed anime director discusses the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake on his latest work and what sort of stories he's considering for the future.
―
Director Makoto Shinkai made a public appearance at the BFI Southbank on March 1, appearing in a Q&A after a screening of his newest film, Suzume. His films have grown funnier over the years, and so has he. Speaking to the BFI's lead prog...
Tonari Animation's CEO on Which Innovations Will Help the Anime Industry
As the labor shortage in the anime industry deepens, global animation studios like Tonari Animation might be the answer.
― If there's one thing Tonari Animation CEO Jarrett Martin wants anime fans to know about the Japanese animation industry, it's how long it takes to make anime. “For one episode of anime, it takes about six months with a team of people, and they're all working from sun up to sun do...
How Ballmastrz: Rubicon Became an Anime with Creator Christy Karacas
Ballmastrz: 9009 and Superjail! creator Christy Karacas is no stranger to Japanese animation. Find out how his show is getting the anime treatment through a series of fortunate events.
― Ballmastrz: 9009 and Superjail! creator Christy Karacas is no stranger to Japanese animation, and it's through a series of fortunate events that his show is getting the anime treatment. The Ballmastrz: Rubicon specia...
How High Card's Staff Came Up With The Crazy Action
Filled with high-stakes thrills and supernatural battles, we spoke to the staff, including the Kakegurui manga duo, about developing the original project.
―
“Are you ready? Itʼs Showdown!!” The High Card anime begins with a literal bang. Filled with high-stakes thrills and supernatural battles, what makes High Card unique is how the powers are centered around the 52 X-Playing Cards. This allows for ...
Inside Polygon Pictures with Kaina of the Great Snow Sea Executive Producer Hideki Moriya
Andrew Osmond tours the remote-work-friendly studio and gets the lowdown on Polygon Picture's latest work, Kaina of the Great Snow Sea.
― In December 2022, I had the fortune to visit Polygon Pictures, the digital studio whose latest series, Kaina of the Great Snow Sea, recently began on Crunchyroll. Polygon's previous titles include Knights of Sidonia, based on a manga by Tsutomu Nihei, who also orig...
Interview: The Staff of the 2022 BASTARD!! Anime
Hot on the heels of its season two announcement, we have an interview with the BASTARD!! anime staff. Find out why the director says, "I think [Dark Schneider] possesses a strength that doesn't really exist in today's isekai fantasy."
― The new BASTARD!! -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy- anime debuted on Netflix earlier this year with a second season in the works. The remake breathes new life into Kazushi ...
Interview: Mob Psycho 100 Lead Voice Actor Setsuo Ito
"My work takes place before the broadcast, so I can't see the live reaction as I'm performing, but there are many times when I think, 'This will blow everyone's mind!'"
― Voice actor Setsuo Ito has done a stunning job bringing the character of Mob to life in the Mob Psycho 100 anime. We asked him about his journey as a voice actor, what he's looking forward to in season 3, and his thoughts on a certa...
INTERVIEW: Studio Trigger's Hiromi Wakabayashi and Shigeto Koyama
"Other studios [are] trying to make the finest foods in a restaurant, whereas at Trigger, we're okay with just continuing to make a decent burger."
― The breakout success of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners has doubtlessly brought about unprecedented interest in both Studio Trigger's past works and where they will bring their creativity next. At Kumoricon, ANN was fortunate enough to have a talk with Trigger's...
Anime NYC 2022 - Mob Psycho 100 III Panel and Interview with Voice Actor Setsuo Ito
Setsuo Ito shared his feelings about Mob's growth as a character, his fanart, and bittersweet feelings about finishing the series.
― Setsuo Ito, the voice of Shigeo Kageyama (aka “Mob”) from Mob Psycho 100 III, first came to Anime NYC to promote the anime's second season. With the third and final season of Mob Psycho 100 currently airing, Crunchyroll and Warner Bros. Japan brought Ito back to the con...
What Makes Overlord A Great Adaptation? The Director and Screenwriter Discuss Season 4
Director Naoyuki Itou and screenwriter Yukie Sugawara discuss the challenges of adapting Overlord, and why it's a great anime to both newcomers and novel readers alike.
― The Overlord anime reached new heights in season 4, adapting a highly anticipated story from Kugane Maruyama's light novels. Anime News Network spoke to director Naoyuki Itou and screenwriter Yukie Sugawara about the challenges of a...
INTERVIEW: Garden of Remembrance Director Naoko Yamada
"The reason why I create anime is because I have a huge respect for human beings in general; what everyone thinks, what people are feeling, what they're going through emotionally."
― Naoko Yamada's visit to Britain in October wasn't the feted director's first trip to the island. Yamada came to Britain as a guest of honor for the Scotland Loves Anime festival back in 2012 where she participated in a s...
Interview: Summer Ghost Director loundraw
Artist, animator, and director loundraw discusses their short film and new freedom after founding Flat Studio.
― Artist, animator, and director loundraw founded the animation studio, Flat Studio, with writer Tetsuya Sano in January 2019. Known for his character designs on I want to eat your pancreas and Tsukigakirei, loundraw made his directorial debut with the studio's first short film, Summer Ghost...
Interview: One Piece Film Red English Dub Cast
Following the world premiere of One Piece Film Red's English dub at the Animation Is Film Festival, we spoke to the cast. Their excitement is contagious!
― Crunchyroll and Toei Animation hosted the world premiere of One Piece Film Red's English dub at the Animation Is Film Festival. Earlier this month, the Straw Hat Pirates took over New York City's Times Square, giving fans a chance to bask in the s...
Interview: Transformers: War for Cybertron Showrunner FJ DeSanto and Producer Mike Avila
It's a super-sized interview with Transformers: War for Cybertron's FJ DeSanto and Mark Avila to discuss the production of the anime and all the little things that keep these robots strong in our hearts.
― With a long history of producing works like the a Westernized adaptation of Cyborg 009 (and having a statue of Iggy the Fool behind him at all times), F.J. DeSanto is no stranger to the world of an...
Made In Abyss Director and Screenwriter Discuss the Horrors and Wonders of Season 2
We spoke to director Masayuki Kojima and scriptwriter Hideyuki Kurata about balancing the series' many elements and which Abyssian creature tastes the best.
― Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun is the latest installment in the animated masterpiece
Made in Abyss. We spoke to director Masayuki Kojima and scriptwriter Hideyuki Kurata about the horrors
and wonders of season 2, and their ...
Interview: Goodbye, Don Glees! Film Director Atsuko Ishizuka
We interviewed Ishizuka about the film's unique setting, cultural differences to look out for, and the likelihood of getting attacked by a bear in the Japanese countryside.
― Best known for the touching anime original TV series A Place Further than the Universe, Atsuko Ishizuka's newest film Goodbye, Don Glees! has recently hit U.S. theaters. We interviewed Ishizuka about the film's unique setting, c...
Drifting Home Director Hiroyasu Ishida and Producer Hibiki Saito
An apartment complex adrift at sea becomes the backdrop in this emotional story about two childhood friends. Director Hiroyasu Ishida and producer Hibiki Saito share what drew them to the concept.
― Studio Colorido is a studio to watch. The anime production studio has consistently put out impressive, emotional narratives whether its shorts like Paulette's Chair and Puzzle & Dragons commercials or co...
Kaguya-sama: Love is War Producer Tatsuya Ishikawa
Kaguya-sama: Love is War recently concluded its excellent third season. We checked in with Aniplex producer Tatsuya Ishikawa to discuss the standout episode 5 and his feelings on the show.
― Kaguya-sama: Love Is War recently concluded its excellent third season. We checked in with Aniplex producer Tatsuya Ishikawa to discuss the standout episode 5 and his feelings on the show generally. ANN: The epis...
Kaguya-sama: Love is War Voice Actress Aoi Koga
From her child-like excitement while waiting for a text to her devastating demeanor when she encounters a romantic challenger, voicing Kaguya requires vocal elasticity. ANN spoke with Aoi Koga about her character's multi-faceted personality.
― As the voice of the titular Kaguya Shinomiya, Aoi Koga uses her voice to embody every side of the character. From her child-like excitement while waiting for a...
The Journey Animation Manager Sara Oulddaddah
We talked with Oulddaddah about Manga Productions, working between Japan and Saudi Arabia on The Journey, and the team's hopes to share Saudi Arabian culture and stories internationally.
― Manga Productions and Toei Animation's anime film The Journey is now streaming on Crunchyroll, and ANN was able to meet with animation manager and character designer Sara Oulddaddah. Oulddaddah has worked in animat...
Interview with My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU's Wataru Watari, Masazumi Kato, Chado Horii
The light novel series' author shares insights on the series' international popularity, "We actually get fan letters from across the sea, too. What can I say? They're like a source of power for us!"
― Fans of My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU eagerly packed into a Otakon panel room to spend an hour with a few special guests—original light novel creator and script writer Wataru Watari, producer Masazumi K...
Interview: The Tribe Nine Staff On Creating the Wacky World of Extreme Baseball
We spoke to Kazutaka Kodaka, anime director Yū Aoki, and composer Masafumi Takada about the baseball-crazed anime world of Tribe Nine.
― Tribe Nine is a story about baseball… with an extreme twist. The story concept comes from Too Kyo Games' Kazutaka Kodaka, best known for the beloved Danganronpa series. The anime series is part of a broader media mix, which includes an upcoming smartphone action gam...
Interview: The Staff Behind RWBY: Ice Queendom
"The entire project started from that promise with Monty to make something someday, and when we started production, we felt that the time for this chapter in the story had come. "
― As a Japanese anime re-imagining of a Western anime-inspired web series, RWBY: Ice Queendom represents both a unique crystallization of the anime's cross-cultural influence, and a testament to the strength of the passion ...
Interview: The Staff of The Executioner and Her Way of Life
ANN spoke to light novel author Mato Satō, anime director Yoshiki Kawasaki, and series composition writer Shogo Yasukawa about what makes this isekai anime so unique.
― Anime about Japanese people being summoned to a fantasy world might be very commonplace right now, but The Executioner and Her Way of Life offers an interesting new perspective on a familiar story premise, as well as an epic plot with...
Interview: Avu-chan, Voice of Inu-Oh
Masaaki Yuasa's newest masterpiece Inu-Oh hit U.S. cinemas on Friday. To celebrate the occasion, we sat down for an interview with the eponymous Inu-Oh's voice actor Avu-chan of Queen Bee!
― Masaaki Yuasa's newest masterpiece Inu-Oh hit U.S. cinemas on Friday. To celebrate the occasion, we sat down for an interview with the eponymous Inu-Oh's voice actor Avu-chan, who is also the lead vocalist and so...
Crunchyroll Expo 2022 - Baku Kinoshita Interview
Odd Taxi won the hearts and minds of anime fans around the world in 2021. During his busy schedule, director Baku Kinoshita talked to ANN in more detail about Odd Taxi and what he'd like to do next.
― Anthropomorphic animal anime Odd Taxi won the hearts and minds of anime fans around the world in 2021. This year, Crunchyroll Expo brought Baku Kinoshita—director, character designer, amongst many other...
Crunchyroll Expo 2022 - Interview With BONES President Masahiko Minami
At Crunchyroll Expo, we checked in with BONES president Masahiko Minami. Does he know that Reigen has become an internet sex symbol?
― At Crunchyroll Expo, we checked in with BONES president Masahiko Minami to see how things are going with the studio lately. We also asked him opinions on everyone's favorite conman Reigen. Does Minami know that Reigen has become an internet sex symbol? ANN: The last t...
Anime Expo 2022 - Interview with SPY x FAMILY Animation Producers Kazue Hayashi & Kazuki Yamanaka
SPY x FAMILY just finished a successful first season, quickly becoming one of the most beloved properties globally. Producers Kazue Hayashi and Kazuki Yamanaka share what drew them to the project.
― Spy x Family just finished a successful first season, quickly becoming one of the most beloved properties globally, with legions of cosplaying fans, commercial tie-ins like a Tamagotchi, and a t-shirt col...
Anime Expo 2022 - Interview with One Piece Film Red Producer Shinji Shimizu
Learn more about One Piece Film Red, its central music themes, and bringing popular character Shanks to the big screen.
― Producer Shinji Shimizu's tenure at Toei Animation goes back decades. He has had a hand in bringing fans popular series like Gegege no Kitarō, Yes! Precure 5, Toriko, and of course, One Piece. Shimizu sat down with Anime News Network at Anime Expo to discuss the franchise's latest...
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: The Dangers in My Heart Manga Artist Norio Sakurai
The award-winning manga is getting an anime next year! ANN spoke exclusively with creator Norio Sakurai about their romcom series.
― The Dangers In My Heart is a charming romantic comedy manga starring an introverted teenage boy and his burgeoning relationship with his beautiful classmate. The manga took the top spot in the web category of Next Manga Awards 2020, and it will be getting a TV anime in ...
Anime Expo 2022 - Behind the Scenes of Jujutsu Kaisen with MAPPA CEO, Lead Scriptwriter
ANN sat down with MAPPA CEO Manabu Otsuka, scriptwriter Hiroshi Seko, and producer Hiroaki Matsutani to discuss the details on how they adapted the original series into both a TV anime and film.
― Following Jujutsu Kaisen's popular two-cour television anime, its prequel film became 2021's highest
grossing movie in Japan. In early 2022, Jujutsu Kaisen was confirmed for a second season that is set to
r...
Anime Expo 2022 - Interview with the Staff of Trigun Stampede
"When creating a new Trigun, there's also the aspect of presenting it to new fans. I figured what is important to show new fans is how easy it is to come into the series."
― Animation studio Orange surprised fans worldwide with their announcement of a new Trigun anime
series two weeks before their panel at Anime Expo 2022. Longtime fans of Trigun reacted with
excitement to the teaser trailer, and eag...
Ya Boy Kongming! Director Shu Homma
ANN talked to director Shu Honma about how he brought Yuto Yotsuba and Ryō Ogawa's manga to life, the challenges of creating a music-themed anime, and the opening theme video which became a viral sensation.
― Ya Boy Kongming! is a surprise hit anime that combines two seemingly disparate elements: the wisdom of Kongming, a military
strategist from the Three Kingdoms period, and the struggles of Eiko, ...
The Anime Staff and Creator of Requiem of the Rose King
We spoke with manga creator Aya Kanno, director Kentarō Suzuki, and series writer Hiroki Uchida to learn more about the series' unique setting, Shakespearean influences, and how it was adapted to screen.
― Inspired by Shakespeare plays, Requiem of the Rose King tells an intriguing story about the tortured life of Richard III. In Aya Kanno's inventive telling, Richard struggles with his love and gende...
Creating the World of Bubble with Director Tetsuro Araki
Following his success as the chief director of Attack on Titan at Studio Wit, we spoke with director Tetsuro Araki about his new film now streaming on Netflix, Bubble.
― Following his success as the chief director of Attack on Titan at Studio Wit, we spoke with director Tetsuro Araki about his new film now streaming on Netflix, Bubble. The film follows Hibiki, a parkour prodigy leaving in a dystopian...
Interview: How the Staff of She Professed Herself Pupil of the Wise Man Made An Old Man Cute
ANN spoke to the novel author Hirotsugu Ryusen, as well as director Keitaro Motonaga and screenwriter Takamitsu Kouno about how they made Danblf's transformation a reality.
― Among the genre of VRMMORPG novels, She Professed Herself Pupil of the Wise Man presents an interesting world shaped by the players in its past. The main character, Danblf, transforms into a young girl and journeys through a cha...
How Composer MAYUKO Created Ranking of Kings' Fantasy-Infused Score
We sat down with MAYUKO to discuss how she brought magic to the score of Wit Studio's Ranking of Kings, from crashing cathedral bells to lilting sopranino recorders.
― Writer, composer, arranger and singer, MAYUKO has been performing as a singer-songwriter since she was a student. As a composer, she created music for the drama The Full-Time Wife Escapist, the anime Cells at Work! and her latest sound...
Sasaki and Miyano Manga Creator and Director On Crafting the Ideal “Boy's Life” Series
ANN spoke to manga creator Shō Harusono and anime director Shinji Ishihara on how they crafted this sweet and mellow series.
― Sasaki and Miyano is a “boy's life” series about two high school boys falling in love within their everyday lives. The series has earned high praise since its web manga serialization days, and now it has become an anime. ANN spoke to manga creator Shō Harusono and anime direc...
Mini-Interview: Jujutsu Kaisen 0 Director Sunghoo Park On Why The Film is a Must-Watch For Fans
"I believe that Jujutsu Kaisen has a worldview that can be enjoyed by all fans regardless of nationality, so I hope you will enjoy the film and continue to support us."
― Hot on the heels of the release of Jujutsu Kaisen 0 in the United States, director Sung Hoo Park took some time to respond to a few questions about the film. How did the anime staff succeed in scaling up the story for the big screen...
How The Staff of Love of Kill Brought the Action Romcom Manga to Life
ANN spoke to original creator Fe, director Hideaki Oba, series composition writer Ayumu Hisao, and character designer Yoko Sato about how they turned the manga into a thrilling anime.
― Love of Kill first began as a Pixiv manga with the premise of “two assassins find love together.” ANN spoke to original creator Fe about how the story evolved in its transition to a print serialization. We also spoke ...
The Staff of Sabikui Bisco
ANN spoke to the author Shinji Cobkubo about how he created this unique light novel, as well as to series composition writer Sadayuki Murai and director Atsushi Ikariya about how they brought the novel to life.
― Sabikui Bisco has been surprising and delighting viewers every week with its bombastic post-apocalyptic world and fast-paced action. ANN spoke to the author Shinji Cobkubo about how he creat...
The Staff of Orient
Orient is a bold new anime that tells the story of the warriors fighting against demon invaders. ANN spoke to manga creator Shinobu Ohtaka, director Tetsuya Yanagisawa, and series composition writer Mariko Kunisawa about the making of the series.
― Orient is a bold new anime based on Magi creator Shinobu Ohtaka's manga. It tells the story of the warriors, who are the only people to fight the demon in...
Interview: BELLE English Dub Cast
BELLE's English dub impressed us with its casting of the 19-year-old Kylie McNeill in her first voice acting role. Lauren Orsini spoke to the voice team about the casting and performances in NYAV's dub.
― BELLE, the latest film from Mamoru Hosoda, is also one of the director's most ambitious. Aside from its smooth animation and fairytale art, it also features a score of bold, evocative musical number...
Video Interview: Sing a Bit of Harmony's English Dub Cast
Jacki Jing spoke with the English voice cast of Sing a Bit of Harmony about why you must see this emotional anime movie.
― Jacki Jing spoke with the English voice cast of Sing a Bit of Harmony about why you must see this emotional anime movie, including Megan Shipman (Shion), Risa Mei (Satomi), Jordan Dash Cruz (Toma), Ian Sinclair (Gotchan) and Brina Palencia (ADR Song Director).
BELLE Lead Composer Taisei Iwasaki
ANN's Richard Eisenbeis had the opportunity to talk with Lead Composer Taisei Iwasaki about the process of creating the music that is so central to BELLE's narrative and themes.
― It is perhaps an understatement to say that music is an important component to Mamoru Hosoda's latest film BELLE; after all, BELLE revolves around a grief-stricken girl named Suzu who finds shelter and salvation by creating...
Poupelle of Chimney Town Sets Its Sights on The Sky and Beyond
Anime News Network sat down with director Yusuke Hirota and original creator Akihiro Nishino to discuss the story of a boy who still believes there are stars beyond the grey skies.
― Akihiro Nishino's best-selling book turned movie, Poupelle of Chimney Town, follows a starry-eyed young boy, Lubicchi, who spends his days cleaning chimneys hoping to one day see “stars” through the smoke. This interest ...
Interview: The Staff of The World's Finest Assassin
"The biggest advantage of writing dark and harsh worlds is that it makes the protagonist's exploits stand out. Overturning a sad and unfair situation has a lot of catharsis."
― The World's Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in a Different World as an Aristocrat is an isekai reincarnation story about a professional assassin's attempts to assemble the ideal team for killing the Hero. ANN spoke to the or...
How Self-Proclaimed “Scaredy-Cats” Created MIERUKO-CHAN
Manga artist Tomoki Izumi and anime director Yuki Ogawa both describe themselves as “scaredy-cats.” ANN asked the two about their work crafting this unique series.
― The MIERUKO-CHAN anime and manga series offers a unique blend of horror and comedy. Ironically, however, manga artist Tomoki Izumi and anime director Yuki Ogawa both describe themselves as “scaredy-cats.” ANN asked the two about their wo...
Interview: Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko Director Ayumu Watanabe
Straight on the heels of the arthouse anime masterpiece Children of the Sea, director Ayumu Watanabe returns for a charming coming-of-age anime film about a young girl and her surrogate mother in a seaside town.
― Straight on the heels of the arthouse anime masterpiece Children of the Sea, director Ayumu Watanabe and Studio 4°C return for Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko, a charming coming-of-age anime fil...
Banished From The Hero's Party Author and Director
ANN spoke to the novel's original creator Zappon and the anime's director Makoto Hoshino about the subtle themes and world of this RPG-like fantasy.
― In the story of Banished from the Hero's Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside,
the protagonist tries to find a new destiny after leaving the hero's party. ANN spoke to the
novel's original creator Zappon and the anime's director Mak...
Interview: Ranking of Kings Manga Creator Sōsuke Tōka
ANN spoke to the Ranking of Kings manga's original creator Sōsuke Tōka about the story's inspirations and the artist's own unconventional path to success.
― The uplifting story of Ranking of Kings, which recently received an anime adaptation, has been a delight to fans across the world. ANN spoke to the manga's original creator Sōsuke Tōka about the story's inspirations and the artist's own unconvent...
Gundam 00 Director Seiji Mizushima Talks About His New Hula Dancing Anime
I thought that maybe the characters should be trying hard—making an effort—to achieve something. Like not something larger than life but something that could be done by the girl next door—a character that you can relate to.
― As a veteran director of shows like Full Metal Alchemist and Gundam 00, Seiji Mizushima's newest work, Hula dancing anime Hula Fulla Dance, is quite different from most of the a...
Director Mamoru Oshii Reflects on His Anime Classic Beautiful Dreamer
"In a way, it's a movie that's made up of 'wishes.' It's made up of different people's desires."
― Note: ANN is excited to publish a recently discovered interview between Mamoru Oshii and our reporter, Richard Eisenbeis, from 2017. Before Patlabor and Ghost in the Shell, renowned director Mamoru Oshii wrote and directed Beautiful Dreamer—a film that takes the long-running gag anime Urusei Yatsura and...
Interview: Bright: Samurai Soul Director Kyohei Ishiguro
ANN had the chance to speak with director Kyohei Ishiguro about how he approached the Netflix anime film project and the intermingling themes of its setting.
― Bright: Samurai Soul is an anime spin-off movie in the universe of Netflix's film Bright, depicting its world in the setting of Meiji-era Japan. ANN had the chance to speak with the director of the movie, Kyohei Ishiguro, about how he approach...
Interview: SAKUGAN Creative Staff and Cast
NN spoke to director Junichi Wada, producer Takayuki Funahashi, mecha designer Stanislas Brunet, kaiju designer Shoji Kawamori, and Memempu's voice actress Kanon Amane to get into the nuts and bolts of this highly ambitious production.
― Following a father and daughter's journey through an uncharted and hostile underground labyrinth, the anime SAKUGAN combines a gritty science-fiction setting, utilit...
Ryukishi07 Explains How Higurashi GOU and SOTSU Reinvent the Franchise
As the Higurashi: When They Cry – SOTSU sequel anime approaches its conclusion, Ryukishi07 spoke to ANN about how the new anime reinvents the franchise, witches, his experience as a civil servant, and more.
― The Higurashi: When They Cry – GOU anime caused a stir when it was revealed that it was not a remake but a completely new story set in the world of Higurashi. As the Higurashi: When They Cry – S...
Interview: Remake Our Life!'s True-to-Life Depiction of Creative Work With Frontwing Producer Yasuhiro Atobe
ANN spoke to producer Yasuhiro Atobe to learn about Frontwing's connection to the anime, and how its depiction of creative work rings true to life.
― Remake Our Life! tells the story of Kyōya Hashiba, a game industry worker. After encountering a dead end in his adult life, he travels back in time to his university days, where he strives to create things with his newfound friends. The visual novel dev...
Kageki Shojo!! Manga Creator Kumiko Saiki and Anime Director Kazuhiro Yoneda
Manga creator Kumiko Saiki and anime director Kazuhiro Yoneda share the inspirations behind Kageki Shojo!! from the Takarazuka Revue to the classic series The Rose of Versailles.
― The story of Kageki Shojo!! tells the story of aspiring opera actresses attending a school dedicated to refining their talents. It is strongly inspired by the Takarazuka Revue, the famous all-female theater group. ANN spok...
Star Wars: Visions Producers James Waugh and Kanako Shirasaki
Anime has exploded culturally, there's no doubt about it, but we're all fans and have been since before that happened. I do think there's a whole host of people who haven't given anime a shot or haven't really tried it, but are Star Wars fans.
― Seven renowned Japanese animation studios. Nine diverse and wildly creative stories. Star Wars. Combine it all together, and you have one incredible, interna...
INTERVIEW: Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train's Natsuki Hanae & Satoshi Hino
Natsuki Hanae (Tanjiro) and Satoshi Hino (Rengoku) discuss bringing their characters to life and how Demon Slayer transcended cultural boundaries to become a worldwide hit.
― The anime film took the world by storm this summer, becoming the #1 highest-earning film worldwide in 2020, as well as the highest-earning Japanese film of all time worldwide. It's home video sales and streaming numbers are equa...
Interview: Transcending Genre with The Detective is Already Dead Author and Director
Despite "detective" in the title, novelist Nigojū didn't plan it as a mystery story. "Crossing many different genres is the core of this work, and it's the duty entrusted to the detective and her assistant."
― The Detective Is Already Dead is full of surprises: It combines mystery, action, sci-fi, and romance into a single package. We spoke to novelist Nigojū, who created the original work, and anime...
Law and Order with Sonny Boy Director Shingo Natsume
"Boys and girls who square off against the illogical – the theme of this work is the frustrations and difficulties that anyone has felt through living."
― The Sonny Boy original anime tells a unique story about students stranded in a strange world
filled with supernatural phenomena. Its director is Shingo Natsume, best known for his work on
One Punch Man and Space Dandy. We spoke to him about the ani...
For all articles, see the archives