Straight from Kawamori's mouth ...

[Tochiro]

Howdy everyone!

Yesterday, a certain Man of Yellow Light and myself headed over to the Tokyo International Fim Festival in Roppongi Hills.

The event: A screening of Spring & Chaos, followed by a chat session with director Shouji Kawamori.

For those who havent seen Spring & Chaos, its an older OVA (1996) directed by Kawamori that features no mecha or love triangles whatsoever. It was made to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the poet Kenji Miyazawa and can best be described as Miyazaki dropping acid. But with more cats.

Following the screening, the audience was treated to a 1hr Q&A with Kawamori, although the questions were asked by the events MC, not the audience. Beforehand there was a brief photo session of Kawamori with a colour sketch of the YF25 he did for the Tokyo Int. Anime Fair earlier in the year. He ver twirled around doing a valkyrie with his hands for a bit (ie, Isamu).

As for the talk itself, the bulk of it was a slide show of photos that Kawamori had taken over the years while on research (location hunting, etc) abroad - Mongolia, Nepal, etc. He explained how what he saw influenced different projects - eg, the Mongolia trip heavily influenced some of his Escaflowne designs. He also spoke at length about how the experience of seeing people live simply, without televesion or most forms of technology we take for granted, affected how he made Arujuna, Macross 0 and some of Aquarion.

On the topic of Macrodd Frontier, he siad that he felt he had gotten all the silly things he wanted to try out of his system when he made Aquarion and had therefore decided to return to a more orthodox approach (for a mecha show) when he started work on Frontier. If he hadn't tried everything he wanted to in Aquarion, said Kawamori, you would probably have had naked pilots flying mecha in Frontier or something like that.

On the inevitable question regarding the Macross Frontier theatrical release, all he had to say was that it was currently in development and that he felt the tv series had a theme and story that he would like audiences to be able to experience on the big screen.

This sounds to me like we may be looking at a clip^movie or possibly a remake. Sigh.

[Morpheus]

Wow, it must be nice attending that one, BTW any more merchandises there?

So the movie will be "Macross Frontier: You Are Watching This (Again)" just like Evangelion movie.

Darn, I want naked chick pilot in VF-25

[Mr March]

He's looking sharp in that suit. Smokin!

[polidread]

Macross Frontier: THE LEGEND OF ZERO

T_T

[d3v]

I still prefer Macross Frontier: Do You Remember DECULTURE? (DECULCHA Oboete Imasu ka?) or Macross Frontier: The Galaxy is DECULTURE Me!

Edited October 20, 2008 by d3v

[Wes]

If he hadn't tried everything he wanted to in Aquarion, said Kawamori, you would probably have had naked pilots flying mecha in Frontier or something like that.

THANK YOU AQUARION!

[Wes]

This sounds to me like we may be looking at a clip^movie or possibly a remake. Sigh.

If that's true then it's clearly Macross Frontier 2: The Search for More Money

[d3v]

On the topic of Macrodd Frontier, he siad that he felt he had gotten all the silly things he wanted to try out of his system when he made Aquarion and had therefore decided to return to a more orthodox approach (for a mecha show) when he started work on Frontier. If he hadn't tried everything he wanted to in Aquarion, said Kawamori, you would probably have had naked pilots flying mecha in Frontier or something like that.

So I see that to Kawamori, naked karaoke counts as orthodox.

[Gubaba]

So I see that to Kawamori, naked karaoke counts as orthodox.

It's not just naked karaoke, it's naked SPACE karaoke!

[d3v]

It's not just naked karaoke, it's naked SPACE karaoke!

And it is AWESOME!!!

[yellowlightman]

I found it odd that they completely skipped over Macross 7 when they were going through Kawamori's past works. Was a cool event though, I just wish I had been able to understand more of what he said.

[azrael]

I found it odd that they completely skipped over Macross 7 when they were going through Kawamori's past works. Was a cool event though, I just wish I had been able to understand more of what he said.

From the sound of it, it sounds as if they focused on his recent works and stuff he researched during his travels. M7, as I know, didn't require Kawamori to go around the world for. He already did that before Plus.

[Final Vegeta]

For those who havent seen Spring & Chaos, its an older OVA (1996) directed by Kawamori that features no mecha or love triangles whatsoever. It was made to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the poet Kenji Miyazawa and can best be described as Miyazaki dropping acid. But with more cats.

Hey, it won both the Japan Culture and Art Foundation Award and the 23rd Cultural Broadcasting Foundation Award for 'Best TV Entertainment Program'. It is, to use words of someone else, the only biographical anime to emulate the artistic style of the person whose life it seeks to depict.

On the topic of Macrodd Frontier, he siad that he felt he had gotten all the silly things he wanted to try out of his system when he made Aquarion and had therefore decided to return to a more orthodox approach (for a mecha show) when he started work on Frontier. If he hadn't tried everything he wanted to in Aquarion, said Kawamori, you would probably have had naked pilots flying mecha in Frontier or something like that.

The joke of Aquarion is that the Japanese word for "combine" can also be used with a sexual meaning. And all mecha shows have always used this word which sounds like "hide the sausage" to a normal person. This is not something you can emulate simply with naked people.

On the inevitable question regarding the Macross Frontier theatrical release, all he had to say was that it was currently in development and that he felt the tv series had a theme and story that he would like audiences to be able to experience on the big screen.

This sounds to me like we may be looking at a clip^movie or possibly a remake. Sigh.

Don't worry, to me it sounds like a new movie with some action scenes recycled just to be embellished further. It will be awesome.

FV

[Final Vegeta]

From the sound of it, it sounds as if they focused on his recent works and stuff he researched during his travels. M7, as I know, didn't require Kawamori to go around the world for. He already did that before Plus.

Yet they talk about Escaflowne, whose source was the trip before Plus. I just think that Kawamori's direct involvement with Macross 7 (especially as a director) was relatively minor.

FV

[Lindem Herz]

On the topic of Macross Frontier, he siad that he felt he had gotten all the silly things he wanted to try out of his system when he made Aquarion and had therefore decided to return to a more orthodox approach (for a mecha show) when he started work on Frontier. If he hadn't tried everything he wanted to in Aquarion, said Kawamori, you would probably have had naked pilots flying mecha in Frontier or something like that.

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is what is called taking one for the team. All hail the brave team of Sousei no Aquarion, taking it on the face for the sake of Macross.

[d3v]

On the topic of Macrodd Frontier, he siad that he felt he had gotten all the silly things he wanted to try out of his system when he made Aquarion and had therefore decided to return to a more orthodox approach (for a mecha show) when he started work on Frontier. If he hadn't tried everything he wanted to in Aquarion, said Kawamori, you would probably have had naked pilots flying mecha in Frontier or something like that.

I just noticed the typo, sounds like the title of a bad porno - possibly featuring more of the aforementioned naked flying mecha pilots.

Edited October 20, 2008 by d3v

[Tochiro]

Hey, it won both the Japan Culture and Art Foundation Award and the 23rd Cultural Broadcasting Foundation Award for 'Best TV Entertainment Program'. It is, to use words of someone else, the only biographical anime to emulate the artistic style of the person whose life it seeks to depict.

The joke of Aquarion is that the Japanese word for "combine" can also be used with a sexual meaning. And all mecha shows have always used this word which sounds like "hide the sausage" to a normal person. This is not something you can emulate simply with naked people.

Don't worry, to me it sounds like a new movie with some action scenes recycled just to be embellished further. It will be awesome.

FV

An interesting suggestion, but in this case, no. The whole 'gattai' joke has been a staple of more comedy/fan service mecha shows for years. Certainly in Aquarion it was a running gag, but it was played up much more in things like Vandread in the late 90's (early 2000's?).

Moreover, this was not what Kawamori was referring to in his comment. He was really saying how he tried to try every weird idea he had in Aquarion. I felt it was his way of justifying, or addressing at least, many of the complaints people had about the series (and dont even get me started on it's pachislot rebirth).

With regards to Spring & Chaos, I'm not dissing the show, it was very interesting and I like experimental animation. I still stand by my original statement however that the easiest way to explain it to someone who has never seen it is Miyazaki on tabs. Seriously, it is. Like...really.....dudue....whoa.... ;-)

I dont know where you are getting this positive vibe regarding the Mac. F movie from. Look at EVERY series that Kawamori was involved in that got a theatrical release. See a pattern? All were either clip-fests (Aquarion, Macross Plus), or remakes (Esca, Macross: DYRL). Granted, Im not counting Mac. 7 in this, but still, I think you can see a pattern there.

[Zinjo]

THANK YOU AQUARION!

AMEN!

[Zinjo]

The joke of Aquarion is that the Japanese word for "combine" can also be used with a sexual meaning. And all mecha shows have always used this word which sounds like "hide the sausage" to a normal person. This is not something you can emulate simply with naked people.

Then it is like "couple" or "coupling" for us English folk....

Outside of the story outline and mecha designs, Kawamori didn't have as much to do with Mac 7 as some might want to believe. He was working on Plus at the same time and much of the silliness of Mac 7 could probably be attributed to the series' actual director...

Edited October 20, 2008 by Zinjo

[EXO]

The Froating head has truly gone lucas on us.

[Agent ONE]

Clip movie!!!

[ruskiiVFaussie]

If that's true then it's clearly Macross Frontier 2: The Search for More Money

Don't jinx it! I'm still pissed off Brooks never made that sequel!

[Gubaba]

I dont know where you are getting this positive vibe regarding the Mac. F movie from. Look at EVERY series that Kawamori was involved in that got a theatrical release. See a pattern? All were either clip-fests (Aquarion, Macross Plus), or remakes (Esca, Macross: DYRL). Granted, Im not counting Mac. 7 in this, but still, I think you can see a pattern there.

Hey, if the mac F movie is "only" as good as the Plus movie or DYRL, I'll be ecstatic. Hell, if it's even as good as Escaflowne (which at the very least LOOKED stunning, and had a tremendous score), I'll still be satisfied.

Haven't seen Aquarion yet, so I can't comment...but if it's as weird as everyone says, it'll probably be right up my alley.

[dreamweaver13]

So the movie will be "Macross Frontier: You Are Watching This (Again)" just like Evangelion movie.

Or to be more precise:

"Macross Frontier: Love Triangle Will (not) be Resolved."

[MjrMisaHayase]

If that's true then it's clearly Macross Frontier 2: The Search for More Money

Nice "Spaceballs" reference there.

[Wes]

Don't jinx it! I'm still pissed off Brooks never made that sequel!

There is a cartoon out now you know.

[Final Vegeta]

An interesting suggestion, but in this case, no. The whole 'gattai' joke has been a staple of more comedy/fan service mecha shows for years. Certainly in Aquarion it was a running gag, but it was played up much more in things like Vandread in the late 90's (early 2000's?).

Can't watch em all

Moreover, this was not what Kawamori was referring to in his comment. He was really saying how he tried to try every weird idea he had in Aquarion. I felt it was his way of justifying, or addressing at least, many of the complaints people had about the series (and dont even get me started on it's pachislot rebirth).

I was referring to your comment when you say that part about naked pilots.

And yes, Aquarion is a fine example of post-modern camp. It shows the ridiculousness in a concept taken as serious business. Too bad you still have to excuse camp these days.

Anyway, try Super Robot Wars Z. If Aquarion doesn't satisfy even there then you are a tough customer

I dont know where you are getting this positive vibe regarding the Mac. F movie from. Look at EVERY series that Kawamori was involved in that got a theatrical release. See a pattern? All were either clip-fests (Aquarion, Macross Plus), or remakes (Esca, Macross: DYRL). Granted, Im not counting Mac. 7 in this, but still, I think you can see a pattern there.

I read wrong. I said new movie responding to "clip show". Yeah, I meant retelling

Possibly anticipated by a short clip (20 min) which is an additional TV series episode featuring Klan Klan

Anyway, there were never clip-fests. Macross Plus Movie Edition was the original project, which was turned into OVAs and then back to Movie. The OVAs of Aquarion did recycle some battle animations (at the beginning of the first OVA mostly) and the scenery of the base (there was no need to redesign it), but the bulk of the animation was new, and old scenes were enhanced. The new battle scenes are totally awesome.

FV

[ruskiiVFaussie]

There is a cartoon out now you know.

Yeah i heard, but it can't be the same. : /

Has there been a good review of it yet?

[Strumvogel]

Don't jinx it! I'm still pissed off Brooks never made that sequel!

Personally I'm still waiting for History of the World: Part 2. I mean, who doesn't want to see Hitler on ice?

[ruskiiVFaussie]

Personally I'm still waiting for History of the World: Part 2. I mean, who doesn't want to see Hitler on ice?

At an ice rink?

"I AM FIGURE SKATING! B O O M !!! !"

Edited October 22, 2008 by ruskiiVFaussie

[Impreszive]

Clip movie!!!

Yep. I think I will skip it.

[d3v]

Yep. I think I will skip it.

Depends, if it's to Frontier what DYRL was to SDFM, then it's bound to be something worth watching.

[yellowlightman]

Depends, if it's to Frontier what DYRL was to SDFM, then it's bound to be something worth watching.

A theatrical remake of a TV series isn't much better than a clip show, really.

[Gubaba]

A theatrical remake of a TV series isn't much better than a clip show, really.

Now you're just being silly. If given a choice between DYRL and Global's Report, you'd actually say that DYRL is only a little bit better...?

[VFTF1]

Now you're just being silly. If given a choice between DYRL and Global's Report, you'd actually say that DYRL is only a little bit better...? blink.gif

No, but given the choice between DYRL and Phantasm, which is also a clip episode, albeit extremely psychedelic and replete with Freudian nuance, I'd say that Phantasm is better

On another note, I have just recieved an email with an interesting link pertaining to the future of Macross, with a snippet about the upcoming movie:

www.jpanimenews.jp/334/story/title/upyours/completejoke.jp/440?!.//http

Famous Anime Director Has Nervous Breakdown:

"I want Rick Hunter and Lisa Hayese to come back!" screamed Shoji Kawamori, shocking both fans and grando-sponsors just before Christmas during what was billed as a run of the mill press conference about the upcoming Macross Frontier movie. "I can't take it anymore! I need to get out of the closet! I love Robotech! I am so jealous of Shadowy Chronicles! But what was I to do!? How was I supposed to leave my own skin!? I have become a slave to Macross! And to the mindless hordes of fans who compel me! Like in the exorcist! The power of Macross fans compels me! The power of Macross fans compels me! This is why all you will get is a lousy clip movie! I'm sick of this tree hugging glittery flower power crap! I piss on you all! Lyn Kyle karate chop! It's all because of my mother! I'm all alone! Where is Rick Hunter!? Why couldn't my work be more like that masterpiece saga from America!? I am so ashamed!"

When asked to elaborate, Kawamori calmed down and explained that he has been a closet Robotech fan for the past twenty years. "It's like being the guy who plays Mike Brady on the Brady Bunch! Every where I go, they see me as this wholesome manly man whereas inside I have so many fruity thoughts! But it's the opposite! I didn't want to do Bassara! GrandoSponsorornoChristmasforYou made me do it! You did notice that THAT was what they were saying at the beginning of each episode of Frontier, didn't you?! You didn't really think it was Japanese? It was an english warning disguised in Japanese sounding words! I am melting inside! I need to release my true artistic being and finish the Robotech Saga! Lisa and Rick are out there somewhere!"

Guess the cat is out of the bag

But I still prefer the original Macross anyways:)

Pete