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Mr. Tomoharu Katsumata from Toei Animation has newly joined the staff as Chief Director of Yamato<\/em> Part II, so I asked him about his aspirations for it. He is a great creator who made Danguard A<\/em><\/a> (series, 1977) and Thumbelina<\/em><\/a> (movie, 1978), and since I imagined him as an intimidating, opinionated old man I was nervous about meeting him. But I was relieved when we met because he actually looked like a gentle, kind-hearted father. <\/p>\n \nI lost no time in getting to my interview.<\/p>\n \nInterviewer:<\/em> What is your impression having looked at Yamato<\/em> Part II?<\/p>\n \nKatsumata:<\/em> The image, the plan and the script are very strong. The concept is wonderful.<\/p>\n \nInterviewer:<\/em> What is your attitude toward the production?<\/p>\n \nKatsumata:<\/em> I bring in my color for Toei, but Yamato<\/em> began with Producer Nishizaki, Mr. Masuda, and Mr. Matsumoto, and the strong personality of the staff. I’m wondering what will happen if these strong personalities clash, but I want to add my color to make it a good film.<\/p>\n \nInterviewer:<\/em> What is the color of Katsumata?<\/p>\n \nKatsumata:<\/em> I cannot say that for myself, I think those who watch the movie must decide. Therefore, I want to trust in the judgement of everyone who sees Part II. In this case, my color is the storyboard for Yamato<\/em>.<\/p>\n \n[Translator’s note: by “color,” Katsumata means “style” or “tone.”]\n \nInterviewer:<\/em> Does the structure of a production change according to the subject of the work?<\/p>\n \n Katsumata:<\/em> I’m not conscious of that because I’ve done robot anime such as Danguard A<\/em> for a long time and I wasn’t concerned with it. Yamato<\/em> is the same in that it should capture the hearts of young people.<\/p>\n \nInterviewer:<\/em> What part of Yamato<\/em>?<\/p>\n \nKatsumata:<\/em> It is a drama, after all. For example, when I draw Kodai I start to feel like Kodai and feel a kinship with young people.<\/p>\n \nInterviewer:<\/em> What about the theme?<\/p>\n \nKatsumata:<\/em> “The love of mankind,” according to Mr. Nishizaki. He wants to express a universal theme for young people.<\/p>\n \nInterviewer:<\/em> How, specifically?<\/p>\n \nKatsumata:<\/em> Through the youthful passion of Kodai, for one example. He incorporates the consciousness and concerns of a young person. Love and romantic adventure.<\/p>\n \nInterviewer:<\/em> What kind of experience do you want to have with Yamato<\/em>?<\/p>\n \nKatsumata:<\/em> I want it to challenge me. For instance, if the hero is tormented and stands up to it, I want to applaud him. That causes me to see myself projected into the story. It gives me nostalgia for my boyhood and the junior high school days when I wanted to grow up strong.<\/p>\n \nInterviewer:<\/em> What is your message to Yamato<\/em> fans?<\/p>\n \nKatsumata:<\/em> I think there are two types of fans; those who truly love Yamato<\/em> and those just following the boom. I want to tell them never to cause trouble to others. As a bad example, a fan of Danguard A<\/em> recently sent a blackmail letter and a razor to threaten Toei’s fan club.<\/p>\n \nInterviewer:<\/em> Finally, what is your ambition for Yamato<\/em> Part II?<\/p>\n \nKatsumata:<\/em> I want to make a Yamato<\/em> that does not come in second to the previous work.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/oct10\/49202.JPG\")
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