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Note:
The majority of interviews
that I do with Japanese celebs, I usually use last name - first,
first name - last. In this case, I decided to use it the
opposite way since most anime fans outside of Japan know her
as Akemi Takada than Takada Akemi. Second, I would like
to thank Dan for translating my questions and Mrs. Takada's
answers.
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For many anime
fans, the name "Akemi Takada" is known for beautiful
character designs of several top anime characters for anime
such as "Patlabor", "Creamy Mami", "Urusei
Yatsura", "Maison Ikkoku", "Misty Orb"
and of course, "Kimagure Orange Road".
It's
more than likely that if you have been to an anime convention
and have seen the many posters, wall scrolls, video games, illustration
books, music CD's, t-shirts and collector cards throughout the
convention, that you have seen the artwork of Akemi Takada.
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Akemi Takada graduated from the "Tama University
of Art" in which she then worked for Tatsunoko Production
popular for the anime, "Gatchaman". She
later became a freelance illustrator after she was asked
to join the "Urusei Yatsura" project.
She is married to "Creamy Mami" scriptwriter,
Kazunori Ito.
You can fully appreciate what Akemi Takada does for
the character designs. Her art is truly beautiful and
her goal to never make them look vulgar is what separates
her character designs from other illustrators.
Designs that capture the attention of male and female
fans throughout the world.
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I had an opportunity to meet Akemi at Anime America 1994 .
Due to her busy schedule, I was able to ask her a few questions.
DENNIS:
Hello Akemi. You have illustrated many anime characters
and I was wondering if you happen to have a favorite anime that
you enjoy watching?
AKEMI: Ahh...Gatchaman!
(laughing)
DENNIS:
What about manga? Do you have any favorites?
AKEMI: Rose of Versailles.
DENNIS:
Gatachaman? (laughing) Of all the characters that you
had illustrated, do you happen to have a favorite.
AKEMI: Creamy Mami.
DENNIS:
Whenever you go to conventions and sign autographs, what is
the most requested sketch that people ask you to draw for them.
AKEMI: Ayukuwa Madoka. (note:
A character from Kimagure Orange Road)
DENNIS:
Speaking of "Kimagure Orange Road", Is there a reason
why the ending of the movie "I want to return to that day"
was changed from the way the manga ended?
AKEMI: Because the director
didn't like a man to have two women. He felt it was best for
one on one not one and two, don't you think?
DENNIS:
That would make sense. Akemi, I was wondering... While
growing up, what was your dream? Was it to become an artist?
AKEMI: I wanted to become
a princess.
DENNIS:
What about for a career?
AKEMI: I wanted to become
a dentist but I didn't have the patience to stay in school for
a long time. So, I pursued a career as an artist and my sister
became a dentist. When I was growing up, my sister and I would
always wonder who would become successful. She ended up being
a dentist and I ended up being a successful artist. (laughing)
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DENNIS:
I am a big fan of your art and I really love the illustrations
that you have done for Ayukawa Madoka on "Kimagure
Orange Road". I imagine it takes a long time
to do those illustrations but how often do you make
mistakes?
AKEMI: Well, I made
a mistake around her waist you will see a white pearls
or so, around her waist. What happened was one of the
bristles removed from the paintbrush and got stuck on
the picture. So, I got out my white paint and made something,
so people won't notice the mistake.
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DENNIS:
What is one thing you notice in differences between American
and Japanese anime fans?
AKEMI: Americans are very
nice and also many big Americans I see. (laugh)
DENNIS:
Of the work that you have done so far, is there any one that
you are really fond with?
AKEMI: "Mobile Police
Patlabor", "Kimagure Orange Road", "Creamy
Mami", and that's just to name a few...
DENNIS:
Where can we see more of your work?
AKEMI: I have a sketch book
with compilations of my work. There are also many of my art
books with art from "Patlabor" to "Kimagure Orange
Road".
DENNIS:
What final words would you like to say to your American fans?
AKEMI: Never give up and
do things you really want to do!
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