I was never interested in the anime industry. It just happened that the head of Production I.G was looking for someone to handle the overseas business, and I happen to be available at that time.

I grew up most of my life overseas and have never had the opportunity to watch anime as a child, except for the commercially popular ones such as Doraemon and Sazae-san.

I didn't know of Hayao Miyazaki or Mamoru Oshii, until I joined Production I.G in 1997.

It depends on if you want to become a creator or producer, but for the former position, we always encourage you to keep a sketchbook and pencil with you at all times and just keep drawing as much as possible.

Practice makes perfect. As for a position as a producer, I personally believe that it is up to your personality and social skills.

Being responsible for everything is what it takes to become a good producer, as well as having a special talent in keeping the creators/artists motivated.

I am usually given titles available for overseas, and I have to study the titles to evaluate the value, and then select the right distributor, and sell it for a lot of money!

Most of the time, the Japanese creators don't have much say about localization, but some do like to attend sessions to supervise.

You guys are definitely encouraged to come, and check out myself and the guys at Cartoon Network talk about how this business finally came together after 10 years.

We have always been close to Cartoon Network, ever since the first co-production we did together for a show called "IGPX,"

which wasn't a huge hit after all, but having learned through good and bad experiences, we feel that our collaboration on FLCL is going to be a huge success for the worldwide audience.

We are also working on two big titles with Netflix, which we will also discuss at the Production I.G panel, so please come see us.

Tsurumaki will be the supervisor on the new FLCL, and we are going to be using a different director(s).

As for the rest of the staff, we cannot announce just yet, but hopefully at the panel 🙂

The fans reactions were bigger than ever expected, which means there's a lot of pressure for the new season. We will do everything possible to make the new seasons to meet your expectations!

Yes, most likely so. With the video market shrinking, we will have no choice but to go with the new media. It is not necessarily a sad thing because there will always be a demand for videogram. In fact, we are already working with some of these major streaming companies.

I don't know if any of you viewers have been to my Production I.G panel at Anime Expo, but I have exciting guests (yet to be announced as of now) coming this year and we will be announcing lots of new titles, so please come see us!!