EX: Do you have a set goal or vision in mind?

Gotoh Keiji: No, I don't. I just draw and let the process take hold.

EX: So now, let's get to the tough questions. Who is your favorite character?

GK: I have to say that I love them all.

EX: Well, which of your characters is most loved by the fans?

GK: Ruri. Without a doubt. Is it the same in America?

EX: Yes, overwhelmingly. Why do you think that is?

GK: As a character, I never consciously made her "special" or "different." But since there's so much audience response, there must be something in her that touches their heart. A similarity between the audience and the character, I suppose.

EX: Or maybe everyone just likes cute girls.

GK: [laughs] But they're all cute, right?

EX: [laughs] Yes. Well, while we're on the subject of Ruri, how did you approach designing the movie version of Ruri?

GK: Well, since the story is three years after the end of the television series and she is the main character, I took that into consideration. Plus, it was for a movie rather than a television series, so I could be a little more detailed. I just kind of thought about all these different factors and then I just drew her.

EX: Where do you get your inspiration for designing characters?

GK: When I'm working on designing characters, I don't really look for influences. There could be subconscious influences, of course, but I don't specifically have any in mind. In fact, I don't watch television or read magazines when I'm designing characters.

EX: Well, judging by how busy you are, I guess you never watch TV then! [laughs]

GK: [laughs] You know, I didn't think so, but lately... [laughs]

EX: Tell your fans outside Japan something about GATE KEEPERS.

GK: I haven't done a television series in three years, so it's been a long time since I did something like this. I want to make a good impression and show the originality of my work.

EX: Has the increased use of computers in the anime industry changed how you work?

GK: For me, I can't use computers or CG, so I really haven't been influenced by it. At least not yet. Since the industry is using it, though, maybe later on I'd like to try it and start using it.

EX: So you do all your illustrations by hand?

GK: For most of the work, yes I do it by hand. The outline and the actual drawing is done by hand. Sometimes, the original art that I do for magazines and the like is colored by a computer, though. But I don't do that myself.

EX: When GATE KEEPERS is over, what are you going to do?

GK: What comes next hasn't been decided, so all I can say is that a lot of projects are coming up.

EX: Well, what would you like to do, then?

GK: Science Fiction.

EX: Why is that?

GK: Because I like it the best.