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●MANGA ORIGINAL STORY● KIKINOSUKE GOMEN (危機之介御免) episode 12




KIKINOSUKE GOMEN (危機之介御免) episode 12
Monthly Magazine Z (月刊マガジンゼット) #8
2006-VI-26 | 38 pages | B&W

Original Story by Katsuhiro Otomo (大友 克洋)
Written by Yoshihiko Tomizawa (富沢義彦)
Illustrated by Hiroyuki Kaidō (海童博行)


Collected in the book:
●KIKINOSUKE GOMEN 3


Ad by AA&NN Ltd.

●MANGA ORIGINAL STORY● KIKINOSUKE GOMEN (危機之介御免) episode 11




KIKINOSUKE GOMEN (危機之介御免) episode 11
Monthly Magazine Z (月刊マガジンゼット) #7
2007-V-26 | 40 pages | B/W.

Original Story by Katsuhiro Otomo (大友 克洋)
Written by Yoshihiko Tomizawa (富沢義彦)
Illustrated by Hiroyuki Kaidō (海童博行)

Collected in the book:
Ad by AA&NN Ltd.

●BOOK● FREEDOM FOOTMARK DAYS 1 (フリーダム フットマークデイズ 1)


This is the novelization of the FREEDOM series, the OVA directed by Shuei Morita (森田 修平) in which Katsuhiro Otomo was involved as character and mechanical designer. The book contains the material covered in the first two episodes.

Author: Kō Furukawa (古川耕)
Planning and draft by Satoshi Takamatsu(高松聡) & Dai Sato (佐藤大)
Illustration by Daisuke Sajiki (曽野由大) & Yoshihiro Sono (曽野由大)

BOOK DETAILS
Publisher: Shogakukan (小学館)
Release date: 2007-V-24
Language: Japanese
Number of pages: 277
Size: 15 x 10.6 x 1.8 cm
Retail price: ¥620
ISBN-10: 4094510079
ISBN-13: 978-4094510072

AVAILABILITY
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1JEbE9c
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1FGLXGJ
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1O7m6qt
Amazon DE: http://amzn.to/1I6ZTXS
Amazon FR: http://amzn.to/1O7m2qU
Amazon IT: http://amzn.to/1zaykb7
Amazon ES: http://amzn.to/1I6ZODF
Ad by AA&NN Ltd.

●BOOK● KIKINOSUKE GOMEN 2 (危機之介御免 2)



A Katsuhiro Otomo original story, written by Yoshihiko Tomizawa (富沢義彦) and illustrated by Hiroyuki Kaidō (海童博行) . KIKINOSUKE GOMEN (危機之介御免) was serialized in Kodansha's Magazine Z (マガジンZ) from 2006-VI-26 to 2007-X-26. This is the second book  a a three book series.

BOOK DETAILS
Publisher: Kodansha (講談社)
Release date: 2007-V-23
Language: Japanese
Number of pages: 223
Size: 18 x 13 x 2.4 cm
Retail price: ￥533
ISBN-10: 4063492850
ISBN-13: 978-4063492859

AVAILABILITY

Three volumes set:
EPISODES
●KIKINOSUKE GOMEN (危機之介御免) episode 6
Published in Magazine Z (マガジンZ) in 2006-X-26
53 pages | B/W

●KIKINOSUKE GOMEN (危機之介御免) episode 7
Published in Magazine Z (マガジンZ) in 2006-XII-26
48 pages | B/W

●KIKINOSUKE GOMEN (危機之介御免) episode 8
Published in Magazine Z (マガジンZ) in 2007-I-26
42 pages | B/W

●KIKINOSUKE GOMEN (危機之介御免) episode 9
Published in Magazine Z (マガジンZ) in 2007-II-26
40 pages | B/W

●KIKINOSUKE GOMEN (危機之介御免) episode 10
Published in Magazine Z (マガジンZ) in 2007-III-26
37 pages | B/W

●DVD● FREEDOM 3



The third FREEDOM DVD includes the third episode of the series as well as the second part of the documentary FLY ME TO THE MOON -Journey to the APOLLO-. FREEDOM is a Original Video Animation (OVA) Directed by Shuhei Morita (森田 修平) that was developed together with NISSIN to promote their CUP NOODLES. The serie consist in seven 25 minute episodes that were released on DVD and UMD from 2006 to 2008. Katsuhiro Otomo was involved as the character and mechanical designer of the series. 

Official Website: http://freedom-project.jp/

DVD DETAILS
Publisher: Bandai VisualRelease date: 2007-IV-25
Format: NTSC | Region 2 | DVD5 | 16:9
Audio: Japanese Dolby Digital Stereo
Duration: 25+16min
Retail price: ￥3,800
Catalogue number: BCBA-2743

AVAILABILITY
Amazon JP: http://amzn.to/1l2478o
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1OsBfF4
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1yoJHBz
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1Nz3nZW
Amazon DE: http://amzn.to/1zayVcN
Amazon FR: http://amzn.to/1zayS0D
Amazon IT:-
Amazon ES: http://amzn.to/1O7mHIS

There is a rental version of this DVD with the catalogue number [BCDR-1692]
Amazon JP:http://amzn.to/1l25Bzp

●MANGA ORIGINAL STORY● KIKINOSUKE GOMEN (危機之介御免) episode 10




KIKINOSUKE GOMEN (危機之介御免) episode 10
Monthly Magazine Z (月刊マガジンゼット) #5
2007-III-26 | 37 pages | B&W

Original Story by Katsuhiro Otomo (大友 克洋)
Written by Yoshihiko Tomizawa (富沢義彦)
Illustrated by Hiroyuki Kaidō (海童博行)

Collected in the book:
●KIKINOSUKE GOMEN 2


●PAMPHLET● MUSHISHI movie pamphlet (蟲師 映画パンフレット)


Theater program of Mushishi the last live action film directed by Katsuhiro Otomo.

PAMPHLET DETAILS
Publisher:-
Release date: 2007-III-24
Language: Japanese
Size: 21 x 29.7
Retail price: ¥800

AVAILABILITY
Aamzon JP: http://amzn.to/1nZcXsp

●BOOK● Katsuhiro Otomo THE VISUAL WORKS OF MUSHISHI (大友克洋「蟲師」映画術 )




This book covers the work done by Katsuhiro Otomo and his staff in the last film directed by him: MUSHISHI (蟲師), a live action movie based on a manga by Yuki Urushibara (漆原 友紀) that was published in Kodansha's Afternoon magazine from 1999 to August 2008. The book includes dozens of storyboards and sketches by Otomo as well as lots of production details and photographs.

 BOOK DETAILS
Publisher: Kodansha (講談社) 
Release date: 2007-III-24
Language: Japanese
Number of pages: 128
Size: 11 x 8.2 x 0.6 inches
Retail price: ¥ 3,800
ISBN-10: 4063646890
ISBN-13: 978-4063646894

AVAILABILITY
Amazon JP: http://amzn.to/15CNyJK
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1DFd5EK
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1waVdPR
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2HbV9tU
Amazon DE: https://amzn.to/2Habrne
Amazon FR: https://amzn.to/2vqBiSv
Amazon IT: https://amzn.to/2JY4iE7
Amazon ES: https://amzn.to/2J42Sac

●FILM● MUSHISHI (蟲師)







Today has been released in the Japanese theaters, MUSHISHI (蟲師) the las live action movie directed by Katsuhiro Otomo. This is the first live action movie directed by Katsuhiro Otomo since WORLD APARTMENT HORROR (ワールド・アパートメント・ホラー) in 1991. Mushishi is based on a manga with the same name by Yuki Urushibara (漆原 友紀) that was published in Kodansha's Afternoon magazine from 1999 to August 2008. 


MAIN FILM CREDITS
Directed by 
Katsuhiro Otomo (大友克洋)

Originl story by 
Yuki Urushibara (漆原友紀)

Written by
Sadayuki Murai (村井さだゆき) & Katsuhiro Otomo (大友克洋)

Produced by 
Kiyoshi Inoue (小椋悟)

Executive producer 
Sunmin Park (パーク・サンミン)

Music by 
Kuniaki Haishima (配島邦明)

Cinematography by 
Takahide Shibanushi (柴主高秀)

Film Editing by 
Soichi Ueno (上野聡一)

Casting By
Sawako Ohzu

Art Direction by 
Noriyoshi Ikeya (池谷仙克)

Costume Design by
Keisuke Chiyoda (千代田圭介)

Production Company

CAST 
Jô Odagiri (オダギリジョー)as Ginko (ギンコ)
Nao Ômori (大森南朋) as Nijirou (虹郎)
Yû Aoi (蒼井優) as Tanyu (淡幽)
Lily (りりィ) as Inn owner (庄屋夫人) 
Makiko Kuno (クノ真季子)as Maho's mother (真火の母)
Reia Moriyama (守山玲愛) as Maho (真火)
Hideyuki Inada (稲田英幸) as Yoki (ヨキ)

●BOOK● STEAMBOY SHITA (スチームボーイ 下)



This book collects the chapters 8 to 14 of Katsuhiro Otomo's Steamboy manga by Yu Kinutani (衣谷 遊) a spin off from the animation movie directed by Otomo that was published originally in Kodansha's Magazine Z (マガジンZ) from August 2005 to september 2006.

BOOK DETAILS
Publisher: Kodansha (講談社)
Release date: 2007-III-23
Language: Japanese
Number of pages : 237
Size: 17.8 x 13 x 2.8 cm (B6)Retail price: ￥743
ISBN-10: 4063492818
ISBN-13: 978-4063492811

AVAILABILITY
Amazon JP: http://amzn.to/1hfn0mQ
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1hmQUEL
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1BSKSqU
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/18L2Dy5
Amazon DE: http://amzn.to/1F8WcTq
Amazon FR: http://amzn.to/1FER0pA
Amazon IT: http://amzn.to/1F8W9ah
Amazon ES: http://amzn.to/1FEQWpL

 EPISODES
Magazine Z (マガジンZ) 2006-I-26
42 pages | B/W

 ●STEAMBOY chapter IX - LONDON HEN 4（ロンドン編4)
Magazine Z (マガジンZ) 2006-II-25
32 pages | B/W

 ●STEAMBOY chapter X - LONDON HEN 5（ロンドン編5)
Magazine Z (マガジンZ) 2006-III-25
30 pages | B/W

 ●STEAMBOY chapter XI - LONDON HEN 6（ロンドン編6)
Magazine Z (マガジンZ) 2006-IV-26
32 pages | B/W

 ●STEAMBOY chapter XII - LONDON HEN 7（ロンドン編7)
Magazine Z (マガジンZ) 2006-V-26
34 pages | B/W

 ●STEAMBOY chapter XIII - LONDON HEN 8（ロンドン編8)
Magazine Z (マガジンZ) 2006-VI-26
36 pages | B/W

 ●STEAMBOY chapter XIV - LONDON HEN 9（ロンドン編9)
Magazine Z (マガジンZ) 2006-VII-26
34 pages | B/W


2010 ITALIAN EDITION
BOOK DETAILS:
Publisher: Star Comics
Release date: 2010-II-24
Language: Italian
Number of pages : 256
Size: B6
Retail price: €6
ISBN-10: 8864200525
ISBN-13: 978-8864200521

 AVAILABILITY
Amazon JP: http://amzn.to/1hfnDwU
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1dlm5xd
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1enNWwj
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1mpoqx3
Amazon DE: http://amzn.to/1dllHyC
Amazon FR: http://amzn.to/1pftoPg
Amazon IT: http://amzn.to/1fmjpoI
Amazon ES: http://amzn.to/1mporkH

●BOOK● STEAMBOY UE (スチームボーイ 上)


This book collects the first seven chapters of Katsuhiro Otomo's Steamboy manga  by Yu Kinutani (衣谷 遊) a spin off from the animation movie directed by Otomo. It was published originally in Kodansha's Magazin Z (マガジンZ) from August 2005 to september 2006.

BOOK DETAILS
Publisher: Kodansha (講談社)
Release date: 2007-III-23
Language: Japanese
Number of pages : 249
Size: 18.2 x 13 x 2.6 cm (B6)
Retail price: ￥743
ISBN-10: 406349280X
ISBN-13: 978-4063492804

AVAILABILITY
Amazon JP: http://amzn.to/1e7XEHL
Aamzon US: http://amzn.to/1e81f8I
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1EvdzbU
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1I1Bzaf
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1U3Xwyg
Amazon DE: http://amzn.to/1xiXLvM
Amazon FR: http://amzn.to/18L3mPW
Amazon IT: http://amzn.to/18L3lvp
Amazon ES: http://amzn.to/18L3dMn


EPISODES
●STEAMBOY chapter I - MANCHESTER HEN 1（マンチェスター編1)
Magazine Z (マガジンZ) 2005-VI-26
42 pages | B/W

 ●STEAMBOY chapter II - MANCHESTER HEN 2（マンチェスター編2)
Magazine Z (マガジンZ) 2005-VII-26
32 pages | B/W

 ●STEAMBOY chapter III - MANCHESTER HEN 3（マンチェスター編3)
Magazine Z (マガジンZ) 2005-VIII-26
34 pages | B/W

 ●STEAMBOY chapter IV - MANCHESTER HEN 4（マンチェスター編4)
Magazine Z (マガジンZ) 2005-IX-26
36 pages | B/W

 ●STEAMBOY chapter V - MANCHESTER HEN 5（マンチェスター編5)
Magazine Z (マガジンZ) 2005-X-26
36 pages | B/W

 ●STEAMBOY chapter VI - LONDON HEN 1（ロンドン編1)
Magazine Z (マガジンZ) 2005-XI-26
34 pages | B/W

 ●STEAMBOY chapter VII - LONDON HEN 2（ロンドン編2)
Magazine Z (マガジンZ) 2005-XII-26
27 pages | B/W

2010 ITALIAN EDITION
BOOK DETAILS
Publisher: Star Comics
Release date: 2010-II-24
Language: Italian
Number of pages : 256
Size: B6
Retail price: €6
ISBN-10: 8864200525
ISBN-13: 978-8864200521

 AVAILABILITY
Amazon JP: http://amzn.to/1guCt0t
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1e81Xma
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1h2NjNR
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1dl5RUN
Amazon DE: http://amzn.to/1fmgXyw
Amazon FR: http://amzn.to/1lcRTfI
Amazon IT: http://amzn.to/1fmgLiO
Amazon ES: http://amzn.to/1lcSoq9

●CD● MUSHISHI SOUNDTRACK



MUSHISHI live action movie Soundtrack (実写映画「蟲師」オリジナル・サウンドトラック) contains the music from the last film directed by Katsuhiro Otomo composed by Kuniaki Haishima (配島邦明)


DISC DETAILS
Label: Avex Trax (エイベックス・トラックス)
Release date: 2007-III-14
Run Time: 64 min.
Retail price: ¥3,150
Catalogue number: AVCA-26145

AVAILABILITY
Amazon JP: http://amzn.to/HyAuNp
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1O4Rw0C
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1aVEgPP
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1DVQFzZ
Amazon DE: http://amzn.to/1yiqGjK
Amazon FR: http://amzn.to/1yiqG3f
Amazon IT: http://amzn.to/1GYGWIf
Amazon ES: http://amzn.to/1GYGWbi


●INTERVIEW● R25 magazine (BREAKTHROUGH POINT～つきぬけた瞬間)



This months Japanese free magazine R25 features three pages featuring Katsuhiro Otomo with an extensive interview focusing on his early school days and the upcoming live action film directed by him: Mushishi.

The interview is available in Japanese in the official site:
https://r25.jp/entertainment/90004814/

MAGAZINE DETAILS
Publisher: Recruit (リクルート)
Release date: 2007-III-2
Language: Japanese
Number of pages: 48
Size: A4
Retail price: Free

●BOOK● Shōsetsu MUSHISHI (小説 蟲師)



This is the novelization written by Naoki Tsujii (辻井 南青紀)  of the script written by Katsuhiro Otomo for the last film directed by him: MUSHISHI based on the Manga by Yuki Urushibara (漆原 友紀)


BOOK DETAILS
Publisher: Kodansha (講談社)
Release date: 2007-II-23
Language: Japanese
Number of pages: 214 Size: 18 x 13 x 2.2 cm
ISBN-10: 4063733009
ISBN-13: 978-4063733006

AVAILABILITY
Amazon JP: http://amzn.to/1aW37yQ
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1NzdOwK
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1FOsVeD
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1zaEWX4
Amazon DE: http://amzn.to/1zaEXdi
Amazon FR: http://amzn.to/1zaEXds
Amazon IT: http://amzn.to/1Dc7uDn
Amazon ES: http://amzn.to/1GE7OyH

●MANGA ORIGINAL STORY● KIKINOSUKE GOMEN (危機之介御免) episode 9




KIKINOSUKE GOMEN (危機之介御免) episode 9
Monthly Magazine Z (月刊マガジンゼット) #4
2007-II-26 | 40 pages | B&W

Original Story by Katsuhiro Otomo (大友 克洋)
Written by Yoshihiko Tomizawa (富沢義彦)
Illustrated by Hiroyuki Kaidō (海童博行)


Collected in the book:
●KIKINOSUKE GOMEN 2


●DVD● FREEDOM 2



The second FREEDOM DVD includes the second episode of the series as well as the the 12 min documentary FLY ME TO THE MOON -Journey to the APOLLO-. FREEDOM is a Original Video Animation (OVA) Directed by Shuhei Morita (森田 修平) that was developed together with NISSIN to promote their CUP NOODLES. The serie consist in seven 25 minutes episodes that were released on DVD and UMD from 2006 to 2008. Katsuhiro Otomo was involved as the character and mechanical designer of the series.

Official Website: http://freedom-project.jp/

DVD DETAILS
Publisher: Bandai Visual
Release date: 2007-II-23
Format: NTSC | Region 2 | DVD5 | 16:9
Audio: Japanese Dolby Digital Stereo
Duration: 25+12min
Retail price: ￥3,800
Catalogue number: BCBA-2742

AVAILABILITY
Amazon JP: http://amzn.to/1fYi05q
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1JEcFyh
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1OsBIqM
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1zazqng
Amazon DE: http://amzn.to/1I715dR
Amazon FR: http://amzn.to/1zaznaW
Amazon IT: http://amzn.to/1zazoMa
Amazon ES: http://amzn.to/1zazovt

There is a rental version of this DVD with the catalogue number [BCDR-1691]
Amazon JP: -

●MANGA ORIGINAL STORY● KIKINOSUKE GOMEN (危機之介御免) episode 8




KIKINOSUKE GOMEN (危機之介御免) episode 8
Monthly Magazine Z (月刊マガジンゼット) #3
2007-I-26 | 42 pages | B&W

Original Story by Katsuhiro Otomo (大友 克洋)
Written by Yoshihiko Tomizawa (富沢義彦)
Illustrated by Hiroyuki Kaidō (海童博行)


Collected in the book:
●KIKINOSUKE GOMEN 2


●INTERVIEW● Kurio Sato & Katsuhiro Otomo




Katsuhiro Otomo interview by Kuriko Sato.
Published on 29 December 2006 in Midnight Eye




Rare are the occasions that manga and anime master Katsuhiro Otomo accepts one-on-one interviews. Even when he traveled to the Venice Film Festival this year to represent Bugmaster (Mushishi) - his live action adaptation of Yuki Urushibara's manga, starring Joe Odagiri and Yu Aoi - the creator of the epoch-making Akira stayed out of the spotlight of publicity. Nevertheless, Midnight Eye was one of the very lucky few to have a chance to sit down with one of the great creators in the pantheon of contemporary Japanese culture.



Q: How did Bugmaster get off the ground?

 A: The producer Satoru Ogura wanted to make a large-scale jidai geki in co-production with the people behind Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. He asked me if I would be interested in directing it. I hadn't made a live action film in a long time, though, and I was quite out of touch with the technology needed for a project of that size, so I thought it would be really difficult for me to direct something like that.

However, I told Ogura that I did have the desire to adapt the manga Mushishi, which is also a kind of period piece. I'd read it and thought it would make an interesting film. It would give me an opportunity to mix live action and computer graphics, to create a hybrid of the natural and the virtual, and hopefully achieve a harmonious mixture of the two.

 Q: You are known for science fiction. What was the interest for you in doing a period piece?

 A: I've always been interested in jidai geki and in making one. As a Japanese, you grow up watching jidai geki. Every filmmaker probably wants to direct one - to be like Akira Kurosawa. But not everybody can be Kurosawa. Also, I'm not interested in making films that someone else has already made. If I make a film, I want it to be unlike anything and when you find an idea that might allow you to do that, like in the case of Bugmaster, it really motivates you.

 Q: To get the rights to make this film you had to meet the author Yuki Urushibara. Of course, normally people come to you with that question, because they want to adapt one of your own manga. How was it to be on the other side of the table?

 A: It was pretty straightforward: I really wanted to adapt this story, so I asked her if it was okay. It wasn't an easy job, though, because the manga runs about 13 or 14 volumes and each of those is a full story, with a beginning, middle and end. I picked up elements from several of them and combined them into my screenplay. I sent Urushibara the script and she made a few comments, but she basically let me do what I wanted.
You know, a manga artist who is very attached to his work will always have the desire to make the film version himself. But those are exceptional cases, like Akira was for me. I can't do them all, so I don't mind if somebody else adapts one of my manga. I don't like repeating myself, and I feel that adapting my own manga is essentially repeating something I've already done once before.

 Q: Have you been happy with the films that other directors have made of your work?

A: Of course I feel attached to these films and I sometimes ask to read the screenplay before allowing a project to go ahead, but generally I try to stay out of it. It's somebody else's work. Anyway, there aren't many manga of mine left that haven't been adapted yet.

Q: Joe Odagiri loves Domu: A Child's Dream, which is one of the ones that haven't been done yet.

A: In Venice I met Guillermo Del Toro, who's had the intention to adapt Domu for a while. But I don't know what's up with that right now. We tried to get it made once before, but there were problems with the producer. I gave Del Toro the rights, though, so as far as I'm concerned, if it ever gets made, he is the one who will make it. Who knows, Domu is published in the US by Dark Horse, who also bring out Hellboy. So there is still a chance it will happen.
I wrote Domu like I would write a film. It's like the storyboard for one entire film. I've already made the movie Domu, in other words, and I'm not interested in making it again myself. I generally don't like revisiting or even reading my own manga. Maybe I just don't like my own work (laughs).

Q: There is something very philosophical about the story of Bugmaster, and about the role played by micro organisms. In the film there is light and darkness, but it doesn't automatically mean that light is good and darkness is bad, or that light conquers darkness. They simply exist together and are in harmony. Is that idea of a grey zone what attracted you in the original manga?

A: Yes. It all depends on how you look at micro organisms, what you think of their existence. Microbes symbolize absurdity, in a way, the things that human beings can't control, like misfortune, disaster, and death. The point is how we accept the existence of such things. That is what this story is about. For example, today terrorism occupies our minds. A bomb explodes somewhere and a lot of people die. But if you see that event from a certain point of view, from a distance, it can become beautiful. A flash of light and flying sparks look beautiful when you see it at night, but what it really is is people being blown to bits. That's the absurdity; despair can become beauty from a different perspective. This is how I treat the presence of the mushi in this film.
Mankind has to co-exist with microbes. You can't avoid them. You have no choice but to accept their presence. That's the protagonist Ginko's attitude. Also, some people will probably feel that the film doesn't have a real climax. It sort of calmly moves toward its end. But that too is very much like our lives as human beings. If you look back at your life, maybe you can point to moments that you feel were a climax or a turning point, but when they actually happened you didn't experience them the same way. Life moves ahead quite calmly and gradually, and I wanted to bring that same feeling to Bugmaster.

Q: Ginko is an interesting character. He can communicate with nature, but he hasn't achieved a balance or zen-like harmony.

A: Maybe. But I believe he tries to achieve that balance. He acknowledges and faces the existence of micro organisms, where most people prefer to ignore them. It's like a cancer patient: some can face their disease and live with dignity despite their illness, while others fall into despair. In this film, the two main characters Ginko and Tanyu can face absurdity and try to look for ways to co-exist with it, but they are the only ones who do so.

Q: The film is set in the Meiji era, even though it's not so specific in terms of time and place. In the Meiji period, a lot of foreign influences were embraced by the Japanese and a lot of existing values were upset. Is there a sense of criticism on your part in using this setting?

A: It's not really criticism. The film is a kind of fable, so it needs a setting that is a bit otherworldly. It wouldn't really work in the Edo period, and the Taisho and Showa eras are already too modern. Also, that characteristic of constant flux, of things changing and disappearing, suited the characters well. You needed to have the feeling that they could suddenly disappear without a trace. I was looking to give the film an edge of fantasy and the Meiji period best allowed me to achieve that.

Q: I have the impression that the way you are viewed, especially outside Japan, is still as 'The man who made Akira'. Does that bother you?

A: I don't really mind how people regard me. You know, when I wrote Akira after Domu - which is even more SF-like than Akira - a lot of fans complained about it. Then, when I made Steamboy after Akira, a lot of Akira fans asked me why I made a film like Steamboy. It's always the same thing. It's useless for me to follow those kinds of opinions. I should do what I want and not repeat myself. I don't mind what others think of me or my work. I don't think there is anything to gain from that for me. What I hate most is to stay stuck in the same spot. Don't get me wrong, I believe it's an honour that people like my work enough to become devoted fans, but each time I feel like I'm no longer in the same spot as them.

Q: But it's not that you've lost interest in science fiction or future scenarios?

A: Not at all. I'm just not interested in visiting places where I've already been. Actually I have an idea for a story now, which is set in the future.

Q: Will that be for a movie or a manga?

A: It's for a movie, but it'll probably be really expensive. I wonder how I'm going to get it off the ground... oh well, we'll see (laughs).

Q: The main difference between making films and writing manga is collaboration. Writing manga is something you do all alone, but a movie requires collaboration with a lot of people. You've focused more on filmmaking in recent years, does that mean that you've found more joy in working with others?

A: Yes, that's true. Of course, to work alone is both harder and easier. There's nothing fabulous about drawing comic books. When you finish, you're relieved and happy, but it's the middle of the night and there is no one to share your joy with. With filmmaking you have a party with your crew and then the premiere. All that stuff you miss when you just draw manga. But there are drawbacks to filmmaking too: sometimes it's really difficult to get your ideas across to your crew, for example. But it's true that I've discovered the joy in working with other people. Actually, I have an idea now for a new manga and I can probably do it before my next big film project. The timing would be good, but my motivation is the problem. I'm not sure if I can get myself to sit down at a desk all alone. Unless an editor forces me to. I haven't done any manga in about a decade. I guess you could say I'm a kind of disappearing mangaka (laughs).

Q: Are there any films or directors that you've had an interest in recently?

A: Talk to Her by Pedro Almodovar was really interesting. I felt really unusual emotions when I watched it. The story, the visuals, the acting, the director - they are all wonderful.

Q: Your films are regulars at film festivals now. Do you enjoy these festival experiences?

A: They're fun, but you really feel a strong responsibility for what you've made. It makes me realize that I should be serious about making good films. I only feel that responsibility toward my own films, though. I don't feel that I represent Japan or Japanese cinema in any way.

●MANGA ORIGINAL STORY● KIKINOSUKE GOMEN (危機之介御免) episode 7



KIKINOSUKE GOMEN (危機之介御免) episode 7

Monthly Magazine Z (月刊マガジンゼット) #2
2006-XII-26 | 48 pages | B&W

Original Story by Katsuhiro Otomo (大友 克洋)
Written by Yoshihiko Tomizawa (富沢義彦)
Illustrated by Hiroyuki Kaidō (海童博行)


Collected in the book:
●KIKINOSUKE GOMEN 2


●BOOK● KIKINOSUKE GOMEN 1 (危機之介御免 1)



A Katsuhiro Otomo original story, written by Yoshihiko Tomizawa (富沢義彦) and illustrated by Hiroyuki Kaidō (海童博行) . KIKINOSUKE GOMEN (危機之介御免) was serialized in Kodansha's Magazine Z (マガジンZ) from 2006-VI-26 to 2007-X-26. The story was collected in three books. 

BOOK DETAILS
Publisher: Kodansha (講談社)
Release date: 2006-XII-22
Language: Japanese
Number of pages: 208 
Size: 17.8 x 12.8 x 2.4 cm
Retail price: ￥533
ISBN-10: 4063492699
ISBN-13: 978-4063492699

AVAILABILITY

Three volumes set:
Amazon JP: http://amzn.to/QeMO9T


EPISODES
●KIKINOSUKE GOMEN (危機之介御免) episode 1
Published in Magazine Z (マガジンZ) in 2006-VI-26
32 pages | B&W

●KIKINOSUKE GOMEN (危機之介御免) episode 2
Published in Magazine Z (マガジンZ) in 2006-VI-26
48 pages | B&W

●KIKINOSUKE GOMEN (危機之介御免) episode 3
Published in Magazine Z (マガジンZ) in 2006-VII-26
46 pages | B&W

●KIKINOSUKE GOMEN (危機之介御免) episode 4
Published in Magazine Z (マガジンZ) in 2006-VIII-26
44 pages | B&W

●KIKINOSUKE GOMEN (危機之介御免) episode 5
Published in Magazine Z (マガジンZ) in 2006-IX-26
30 pages | B&W
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