BONES Studio Tour

Bebop Character Designer Kawamoto Toshihiro.

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Mr. Minami then had to excuse himself for another appointment, which gave us a chance to catch up with character designer and illustrator Mr. Kawamoto Toshihiro. The talk turned quickly to that of his dog, Colin, a Welsh Corgi just like Ein...

CATCHING UP - with Kawamoto Toshihiro

EX: Wow, I can't believe it's been nearly a year. How have you been?

Kawamoto Toshihiro: Yes, it has been a while. It's been very busy. There's always so much work to do, and so many deadlines.

EX: I can imagine. What is it that you're working on now?

KT: Right now, I'm trying to finish up the remaining key animation for the ESCAFLOWNE movie. I only have a couple of days left, so I'll be working some late nights.

EX: Do you enjoy doing key animation?

KT: Well, yes, if there's not a lot of deadline pressure. But it seems that there always is. Still, I'm enjoying working on this movie. I think it's going to be great.

EX: On a related note, I picked up a copy of the re-issued book M.S. ERA. I was surprised to find that you did quite a number of those illustrations. I didn't know that.
KT: Yes, that was a long time ago.

EX: And I noticed in Akihabara the other day that the GUNDAM 0083 DVDs have new cover art. You did the first one, didn't you?
KT: Yes. Actually, what did you think of it?

EX: I liked it, of course...

KT: I was a little worried. I haven't drawn those characters in a long time, and I think that since my drawing style has evolved, they don't look quite right to me.

EX: Well, I think you're being hard on yourself. And how is Colin doing?

KT: Oh, he's fine. He's so funny. He doesn't like to see me leave for work. He tries to keep me from leaving by walking around my feet. (laughs)

EX: (laughs) So have you ever been late because of him?

KT: Well, not really, but he tries hard...

EX: So what's next for you after the ESCAFLOWNE work is finished?

KT: Then we start on BEBOP movie designs. And I've got some illustrations to do as well.