Gotoh Keiji Guest Of Honor Panel Gotoh Keji's panel was also quite fun, and was nearly as packed as Takada Akemi's panel right before it. He was joined by Satoh-san, producer at Xebec Studios. Gotoh-san started with a short self-introduction: "I'm Gotoh Keiji, 31 years old. I worked on BAKURETSU HUNTER, NADESICO, HYPER POLICE, and GATE KEEPERS as character designer and animation director."

Q: How'd GATE KEEPERS come about?

GK: Yamaguchi Hiroshi at Gonzo envisioned it. Then he came to me.

Q: What's the best experience working on anime?

GK: Getting to see the finished show each time.

Q: What's your favorite character?

GK: All of the characters I've worked on.

Q: What's the difference between working on the GATE KEEPERS manga and anime?

GK: Anime is a group act; there are many people involved. Manga is solitary; it is more difficult.

Q: Why did your style change between the NADESICO TV and movie?

GK: It was half intentional and half due to the difference between the TV medium and movie medium.

Q: What do you think of "H" (hentai) anime?

GK: [laughs] Yes, I like it [laughs]. But let me make my excuse now. [smiles]. BAKURETSU HUNTER and THOSE WHO HUNT ELVES are based on previous works, so the "provocative" aspects didn't come from me [laughs].

Q: Do you think it's funny that most fans like Ruri (NADESICO), but don't care about anybody else from the show?

GK: I don't single out Ruri as my favorite character, but if it turns out that way, I can't do anything about it.

Satoh: During production, the NADESICO staff didn't single out Ruri, either; they were all equal to us. She stands out because she carries a heavier back bone to the story. We only found out that Ruri was the favorite character near the end of production. We thought Yurika was at least equal. Oh, we brought a few original cels (from NADESICO) for the art show at Anime Expo; please stop by and see them!

GK: Why don't we take a vote to see who's the US fans' favorite character? [smiles]

At this point, the Guest of Honor turned the tables on the audience and asked for direct fan input. Surprisingly, the vote for favorite NADESICO character was really evenly spread out, as not one character proved to be the overall favorite, except Gai. Which, when his name was mentioned, caused a brief, loud ovation from the majority of the audience.

Q: What was it like working with Asamiya Kia on the changes between the manga and anime?

GK: He firmly believes in the separation of manga and anime, so there was no conflict.

Q: Any plans for a second NADESICO movie?

GK: There are no current plans.

Q: Who's your favorite artist?

GK: Alphonse Mucha of the Art Nouveau age [which is the same as Takada Akemi, by the way].

Q: Would you like to do your own production instead of working on projects based off someone else's previous work?

GK: Yes [smiles]. And I'd like to direct.

Q: What do you think of the American anime fans here?

GK: American fans have more respect for the creators; I feel a higher level of respect than in Japan.

Q: What's after GATE KEEPERS?

GK: Nothing. There are a few ideas floating around, but nothing solid. I hope you support me when it becomes solid.

Q: Any possibility of a GATE KEEPERS movie?

GK: I don't think so. If there was one, I'd like to know. It's up to Gonzo.

Q: What do you do to relax?

GK: Sleep [smiles].

Q: Any hobbies?

GK: I draw, watch TV, listen to music.

Q: How much influence does Marketing / Merchandising have on your designs / shows?

GK: Almost none. On BAKURETSU HUNTER, though, our one request was to not taunt the censors [smiles]. Conversely, I don't like interference from censors, so I draw things that won't get them involved.

Q: Why did Ryoko's (NADESICO) hair color change between the TV and movie?

GK: Ryoko during the TV episodes dyed her hair; Ryoko's true hair color is in the movie version of NADESICO. The director said so, so it must be true [laughs].