EX: That's a good reason. So another tough question… What was the most difficult design you ever had to do? Was it Pochi (from THOSE WHO HUNT ELVES)? [laughs]

Gotoh Keiji: [laughs] No, there was a model for Pochi already! I can't say that I had a character that was completely difficult to design... so far.

EX: Well, then going to the other end of the spectrum, did you ever get one right away?

GK: Yes, The movie version of Ruri. It just popped into my head right away. Although people think the movie version of Ruri was really well thought out and planned, the design for her came together very quickly.

EX: What are the challenges of adapting manga designs into anime?

GK: I'd say it's how to balance the original manga artist's idea, the picture quality for animation, and of course my own interpretation and feelings of the characters. I want to create something that reflects both the original artist and myself.

EX: What kind of Science Fiction do you like?

GK: TERMINATOR. I watched it in high school and was completely amazed by it. I enjoyed it a great deal. When I saw TERMINATOR 2, of course I liked that one as well. Really, I'd like to see another one if it ever gets made.

EX: What about STAR TREK and STAR WARS?

GK: Of course, I know them, but I haven't seen all of STAR TREK. The original series wasn't something that I was really interested in. I wanted to see STAR WARS EPISODE I but I was so busy, I just couldn't go.
Now, though, they're airing STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION in Japan. Since I've started watching them, maybe I'll be influenced by them.

EX: What do you think of American anime fans?

GK: I didn't realize there were so many of them! [laughs] And so many of them are doing cos-play too! How they reacted during the opening ceremonies and the panels is different too. They were very cheerful and expressive.

EX: So are you surprised by how well-known you are in America?

GK: I have to say I was more or less surprised. When I was designing characters and doing my work, I was really only thinking about the fans in Japan. I never imagined I'd be drawing for American fans. I really was surprised.

EX: So now that you know, do you think you'll draw differently?

GK: I wouldn't change. After all, this is the style that everyone already likes, so I wouldn't make any changes in what I do just because there are American fans of it.

EX: What is a typical day like for you?

GK: Well, I wake up around noon, eat, and then I go to work. I work until about 11 at night. I also draw at home too. And I go to be between three and four a.m., so my schedule is a little different than other animators and artists.

EX: Well, that does seem like the schedule for an animator.

GK: Actually, I have a little bit better schedule. I'm more on time, so I don't lose as much sleep. Animators live by deadlines, after all.
When other people ask me, I just say I'm working according to my schedule. It's also pretty easy for people to reach me because they know where I can be found on a regular basis. But I'm not one of those people who can miss a lot of sleep and keep working. I have to sleep to get my work done, or my brain just doesn't want to work.

EX: Tell us about your home page.

GK: You can find it at http://goto.cute.or.jp/. Someone asked me if I wanted to do a home page and I thought it would be a fun thing to do.

EX: If your next project could be anything at all, what would you like to do?

GK: I really want to be a director.

EX: Of Science Fiction?

GK: Yes, probably.

EX: Here's your chance to give a message to your fans outside of Japan.

GK: I'd like for you to keep up with my work. Thank you for supporting me and I hope you will continue to do so.