Nikkei BP Part 2! - Sunrise Board Member Miyakawa
interview
Again from Gundam for Adults 3. Interview with Sunrise Board Member
Yasuo Miyakawa, who joined Bandai in 1981. He worked in sales for
the Gunpla division, then as a game producer, and, lastly, joined
Sunrise in 1999. He became a board member there and is the producer
behind the SEED series.
Q: Things have gotten more exciting for First Gundam fans in late
2006
A: After starting SEED 4 years ago, we had created 2 big
categories: First's Universal Century and SEED's Cosmic Era. For a
long time, we didn't have a new story for UC. This is where
Harutoshi Fukui's novel, Gundam Unicorn, comes in. Gundam normally
begins with a visual production. This time, it will start with a
novel. We are providing something very worthy without having to
rely on visuals. People in their 30's have the desire to read a
Gundam novel. This is not a novelization of an anime, but a brand
new story. We think this is our new way of proposing to the First
fans.
Q: I heard it was a project in the works for a long time. What kind
of drama are we in for?
A: The project was started long ago. We are finally able to
announce it. It is a story within the UC timeline, but it is not
First or Zeta. Amuro or Char won't appear. It is a drama built from
scratch. We are not filling in a story between series. This is a
new Gundam created by Mr. Fukui. Yoshikazu Yasuhiko is the
character designer and Hajime Katoki is in charge of the
mecha.
Q: So it will be centered around Fukui's novel for now.
A: Yes. Other kinds of exposure will come after the novel has
started. It will probably be a long novel. Before we decide to
animate it as a movie or TV series, we need to thoroughly
investigate it. We would like the fans to enjoy the novel
first.
Q: Why are you taking a different approach towards the First
fans?
A: We have created many types of Gundam. Fukui's Gundam is aiming
for the atmosphere First Gundam created 27 years ago. We would like
the fans now in their 30's to read it. It is like wanting to read a
novel sequel of a movie you saw as a child.
Q: A different type of medium for each generation. Meanwhile, a
comic like Yasuhiko's Gundam: The Origin is must-read material for
First fans.
A: Yes. Mr. Yasuhiko retelling First and Fukui's new UC Gundam
novel. Those 2 are our gifts to fans in their 30's.
Q: What about for the SEED fans? The production of the theatrical
version was announced.
A: SEED is supported by many people. We are emphasizing quality for
the new production. We don't want to bring the TV series to the
movie theater without changes. I want SEED to become something like
First 20 years from now. Therefore, I want to create something like
today's UC. It would be great if SEED fans still supported us 20
years later like today's First fans. In order to achieve this, we
need to provide something solid to the fans now.
Q: SEED was a work that captured many female fans. Do you think
those fans will still continue to support SEED? Do you have any
uncertainty about this?
A: Of course we do. We did create something like Stargazer, but
there are not many CE stories yet. First, we need to work on that.
Along with the final Special Edition airing next year, we need to
introduce more stories from here on.
Q: Bandai President Ueno told us a new Gundam is being planned.
Anything on this?
A: A few days ago, we had company entry exams and many people came
in for interviews saying they liked SEED. SEED fans are now
entering the work force. Fans like them are important. However,
maintaining the current status quo won't allow Gundam to survive
another 10 years. We have to create new fans. The new Gundam is for
that. We think we will gain new fans with a new Gundam that is
neither UC nor CE. Constantly introducing new elements is what
makes it Gundam.
Q: Creating a new identity within Gundam.
A: To begin with, there is First Gundam and the many sequels which
followed it. And now there's the creation of the new Gundam
Unicorn. Using the subject matter of Gundam, new people are
creating a new story. Gundam is a unique character that lends
itself to this. It's like Linux in the IT business. Gundam has
existed for 30 years and different types of people have enjoyed
Gundam in its various forms. Which is why we don't dwell on the
past and introduce new ideas. This is reason why I think Gundam has
able to continue on for 30 years.
Q: When you look at it that way, there's a chance for Gundam in
foreign markets.
A: The North American market is difficult. Gundam depicts war
through the eyes of characters like Amuro and Kira, who are against
fighting. These types of characters and the cruelty of war lend
themselves to anti-war themes. But a protagonist like Amuro isn't
acceptable in the North American market. It has to be a type of
character who fights for his country. If we end up creating a
Gundam for the North American market, it will be entirely different
from the anti-war Gundam of Japan. I doubt if we could call that
Gundam. Instead of introducing the anime to the North American
market, we want them to know the story. For example, knowing about
Gundam through video games, then going to watch the animated
series.
Q: What about Internet distribution?
A: Domestically, the Bandai Channel is doing well. We have over 2
million episodes available. The next step is to figure out how to
bring this format to Europe and North America. We must try an
approach with a different style than traditional TV. For example:
First Gundam has not been shown in the Korean market. However,
sales for First merchandise are increasing. This is because of
illegal peer-to-peer sharing. Instead of allowing the illegal
material to continue, we would like to officially provide material
meeting that country's unique culture and pricing.
ΒΆ 2:15 AM