Nikkei BP Part 2! - Sunrise Board Member Miyakawa interview
Again from Gundam for Adults 3. Interview with Sunrise Board Member Yasuo Miyakawa, who joined Bandai in 1981. He worked in sales for the Gunpla division, then as a game producer, and, lastly, joined Sunrise in 1999. He became a board member there and is the producer behind the SEED series.
Q: Things have gotten more exciting for First Gundam fans in late 2006
A: After starting SEED 4 years ago, we had created 2 big categories: First's Universal Century and SEED's Cosmic Era. For a long time, we didn't have a new story for UC. This is where Harutoshi Fukui's novel, Gundam Unicorn, comes in. Gundam normally begins with a visual production. This time, it will start with a novel. We are providing something very worthy without having to rely on visuals. People in their 30's have the desire to read a Gundam novel. This is not a novelization of an anime, but a brand new story. We think this is our new way of proposing to the First fans.
Q: I heard it was a project in the works for a long time. What kind of drama are we in for?
A: The project was started long ago. We are finally able to announce it. It is a story within the UC timeline, but it is not First or Zeta. Amuro or Char won't appear. It is a drama built from scratch. We are not filling in a story between series. This is a new Gundam created by Mr. Fukui. Yoshikazu Yasuhiko is the character designer and Hajime Katoki is in charge of the mecha.
Q: So it will be centered around Fukui's novel for now.
A: Yes. Other kinds of exposure will come after the novel has started. It will probably be a long novel. Before we decide to animate it as a movie or TV series, we need to thoroughly investigate it. We would like the fans to enjoy the novel first.
Q: Why are you taking a different approach towards the First fans?
A: We have created many types of Gundam. Fukui's Gundam is aiming for the atmosphere First Gundam created 27 years ago. We would like the fans now in their 30's to read it. It is like wanting to read a novel sequel of a movie you saw as a child.
Q: A different type of medium for each generation. Meanwhile, a comic like Yasuhiko's Gundam: The Origin is must-read material for First fans.
A: Yes. Mr. Yasuhiko retelling First and Fukui's new UC Gundam novel. Those 2 are our gifts to fans in their 30's.
Q: What about for the SEED fans? The production of the theatrical version was announced.
A: SEED is supported by many people. We are emphasizing quality for the new production. We don't want to bring the TV series to the movie theater without changes. I want SEED to become something like First 20 years from now. Therefore, I want to create something like today's UC. It would be great if SEED fans still supported us 20 years later like today's First fans. In order to achieve this, we need to provide something solid to the fans now.
Q: SEED was a work that captured many female fans. Do you think those fans will still continue to support SEED? Do you have any uncertainty about this?
A: Of course we do. We did create something like Stargazer, but there are not many CE stories yet. First, we need to work on that. Along with the final Special Edition airing next year, we need to introduce more stories from here on.
Q: Bandai President Ueno told us a new Gundam is being planned. Anything on this?
A: A few days ago, we had company entry exams and many people came in for interviews saying they liked SEED. SEED fans are now entering the work force. Fans like them are important. However, maintaining the current status quo won't allow Gundam to survive another 10 years. We have to create new fans. The new Gundam is for that. We think we will gain new fans with a new Gundam that is neither UC nor CE. Constantly introducing new elements is what makes it Gundam.
Q: Creating a new identity within Gundam.
A: To begin with, there is First Gundam and the many sequels which followed it. And now there's the creation of the new Gundam Unicorn. Using the subject matter of Gundam, new people are creating a new story. Gundam is a unique character that lends itself to this. It's like Linux in the IT business. Gundam has existed for 30 years and different types of people have enjoyed Gundam in its various forms. Which is why we don't dwell on the past and introduce new ideas. This is reason why I think Gundam has able to continue on for 30 years.
Q: When you look at it that way, there's a chance for Gundam in foreign markets.
A: The North American market is difficult. Gundam depicts war through the eyes of characters like Amuro and Kira, who are against fighting. These types of characters and the cruelty of war lend themselves to anti-war themes. But a protagonist like Amuro isn't acceptable in the North American market. It has to be a type of character who fights for his country. If we end up creating a Gundam for the North American market, it will be entirely different from the anti-war Gundam of Japan. I doubt if we could call that Gundam. Instead of introducing the anime to the North American market, we want them to know the story. For example, knowing about Gundam through video games, then going to watch the animated series.
Q: What about Internet distribution?
A: Domestically, the Bandai Channel is doing well. We have over 2 million episodes available. The next step is to figure out how to bring this format to Europe and North America. We must try an approach with a different style than traditional TV. For example: First Gundam has not been shown in the Korean market. However, sales for First merchandise are increasing. This is because of illegal peer-to-peer sharing. Instead of allowing the illegal material to continue, we would like to officially provide material meeting that country's unique culture and pricing.
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