I’ve often been asked, how did I get my start interview Japanese music artists, Japanese animators, seiyuu (voice actors), etc. and everything began back in the year, 1994.
I was young and it happens I knew these two brothers who were Caucasian but were fluent in Japanese and they were one of the translators for a convention in the Bay Area which was known as Anime America.
I literally came to meet one of my favorite artists from Japan at the time (and even today), Takada Akemi (Note: In Japan, last name first, first name last), who is known for beautiful character designs for series such as “Patlabor”, “Creamy Mami”, “Urusei Yatsura”, “Maison Ikkoku”, “Misty Orb” and of course, “Kimagure Orange Road”.
And while I worked in high school journalism, I really wanted the opportunity to interview her and my friends gave me that opportunity.
It was long ago, but it was the interview which would set me on the path to interviewing many talented people from Japan and also eventually talented people worldwide.
But since a few people have asked, here is my original 1994 interview with Takada Akemi.
It’s more than likely that if you have been to an anime convention and have seen the many posters, wall scrolls, video games, illustration books, music CD’s, t-shirts and collector cards throughout the convention, that you have seen the artwork of Akemi Takada.
Akemi Takada graduated from the “Tama University of Art” in which she then worked for Tatsunoko Production popular for the anime, “Gatchaman”.
She later became a freelance illustrator after she was asked to join the “Urusei Yatsura” project. She is married to “Creamy Mami” scriptwriter, Kazunori Ito.
You can fully appreciate what Akemi Takada does for the character designs. Her art is truly beautiful and her goal to never make them look vulgar is what separates her character designs from other illustrators. Designs that capture the attention of male and female fans throughout the world.
I had an opportunity to meet Akemi at Anime America 1994 . Despite her busy schedule, I was able to ask her a few questions.
DENNIS: Hello Akemi. You have illustrated many anime characters and I was wondering if you happen to have a favorite anime that you enjoy watching?
AKEMI: Ahh…”Gatchaman!” (laughing)
DENNIS: What about manga? Do you have any favorites?
AKEMI: “Rose of Versailles”
DENNIS: Gatachaman? (laughing) Of all the characters that you had illustrated, do you happen to have a favorite.
AKEMI: “Creamy Mami”
DENNIS: Whenever you go to conventions and sign autographs, what is the most requested sketch that people ask you to draw for them.
AKEMI: Ayukuwa Madoka. (note: A character from Kimagure Orange Road)
DENNIS: Speaking of “Kimagure Orange Road”, Is there a reason why the ending of the movie “I want to return to that day” was changed from the way the manga ended?
AKEMI: Because the director didn’t like a man to have two women. He felt it was best for one on one not one and two, don’t you think?
DENNIS: That would make sense. Akemi, I was wondering… While growing up, what was your dream? Was it to become an artist?
AKEMI: I wanted to become a princess.
DENNIS: What about for a career?
AKEMI: I wanted to become a dentist but I didn’t have the patience to stay in school for a long time. So, I pursued a career as an artist and my sister became a dentist. When I was growing up, my sister and I would always wonder who would become successful. She ended up being a dentist and I ended up being a successful artist. (laughing)
DENNIS: I am a big fan of your art and I really love the illustrations that you have done for Ayukawa Madoka on “Kimagure Orange Road”. I imagine it takes a long time to do those illustrations but how often do you make mistakes?
AKEMI: Well, I made a mistake around her waist you will see a white pearls or so, around her waist. What happened was one of the bristles removed from the paintbrush and got stuck on the picture. So, I got out my white paint and made something, so people won’t notice the mistake.
DENNIS: What is one thing you notice in differences between American and Japanese anime fans?
AKEMI: Americans are very nice and also many big Americans I see. (laugh)
DENNIS: Of the work that you have done so far, is there any one that you are really fond with?
AKEMI: “Mobile Police Patlabor”, “Kimagure Orange Road”, “Creamy Mami”, and that’s just to name a few…
DENNIS: Where can we see more of your work?
AKEMI: I have a sketch book with compilations of my work. There are also many of my art books with art from “Patlabor” to “Kimagure Orange Road”.
DENNIS: What final words would you like to say to your American fans?
AKEMI: Never give up and do things you really want to do!
