While perhaps not as well-known as some of the other guests at this year's Anime Expo, Takami Akio has certainly been involved in a lot of projects. Starting his work back on BLACK MAGIC M-66, he has worked his way up from an entry-level position to become a character designer and key animator at the prestigious Xebec Studios. His credits include work on the PATLABOR films, the NADESICO movie, BAKURETSU HUNTER, and character design credits for LETS & GO and most recently STEAM DETECTIVES.
We caught up with Mr. Takami during Anime Expo, and he graciously agreed to an interview, despite the fact that he had already had a full day of activities.

EX: Your most recent work is as Character Designer for STEAM DETECTIVES, right?

Takami Akio: Well, actually now I'm acting as a key animator for one of Xebec's new projects that I can't talk about. But yes, my most recent completed work was STEAM DETECTIVES (laughs).

EX: Was it easy to adapt Asamiya's designs for animation?

TA: Not at all. His characters are already completed so I couldn't really adapt them. If I were to change them, they would wind up being completely different. As for my job, I thought it was more like an "Animation Supervisor" than Character Designer.
Because Asamiya was originally an animator, he always has animation in mind when he draws his characters. He is one of my sempai so it was easier to work with him than with others.

EX: Did you work together very closely?

TA: There was always a producer between us, Mr. Habara. He and Mr. Asamiya are personal friends, so my comments would be passed along. I've been working with him since his early works, so I know his style.

EX: You also worked as a key animator on the NADESICO film. Which do you prefer?

TA: I enjoy both, neither is boring. I like to draw very much, so it's interesting to me.

EX: Your first job as character designer was for the series LETS & GO. Can you tell us something about this series, since most American fans are probably not familiar with this series?

TA: It's about this miniature four wheel drive, and there's a race and grade school kids race their cars. Lets and Go are two brothers who race against rivals. The main theme isn't about racing, but rather about the human drama that arises from great struggles and the setbacks they have to face.

EX: What has been your favorite project so far?

TA: They're all the same after they are completed. I don't have a particular favorite. However, during production, I wind up hating just about all projects. So the harder the project is, the more rewarding it feels in the end.

EX: That's kind of masochistic, isn't it?

TA: Well, I think all animators are like that. (laughs)

EX: What anime did you watch growing up?

TA: I watched all kinds. I think I watched everything that was on.

EX: Was there a specific show that made you decide, "That's it, I'm going to become an animator!"?

TA: I'd have to say GALAXY EXPRESS 999.

EX: Why that one in particular?

TA: I don't know. I think the combination of the story and the animation just appealed to me.

EX: You also worked on BAKURETSU HUNTERS, right?

TA: Yes, on both the TV and OVA series.

EX: What about those costume changes?

TA: Well, the OVAs are closer to the manga costumes. In the original, one of the main characters is naked from the waist up (except for suspenders). And you can't show that on television.

EX: Is there anyone you'd like to work with?

TA: No, I don't have that much passion for work. I have this sort of idea that I know what I want to become, but I don't have any future project in mind, specifically.

EX: If you could do any project, what would it be?

TA: My own original idea called BANCHO ROBO. That's what I want to do. We're talking to Kadokawa now, and hopefully it might become a manga next year and I'll get to draw it.

EX: Oh, have you done manga before?

TA: Yes. But it's a secret. I was drawing under a pseudonym.

EX: What do you like to do in your spare time?

TA: Drink.

EX: Is that all?

TA: Yes. (laughs)

EX: What do you think of Anime Expo?

TA: It's been great, it's been a lot of fun.

EX: Are you surprised by the number of people who know your work?

TA: Well, I thought maybe that more people would know. They know my older stuff, but not my newer stuff.

EX: Has your trip to the United States given you any story ideas?

TA: Well, it's only the third day, so it's hard to tell. Maybe after I go back, I'll remember and think of something. All the ideas will probably come after I get back and recall all the different things that happened.

EX: What was your most difficult project?

TA: PATLABOR 2.

EX: Why?

TA: It was very demanding, since the quality level was so very high.

EX: Is there anything you'd like to say to your fans?

TA: I'd like everyone to see STEAM DETECTIVES and LETS & GO when you can. Then, let's meet after that and talk.