Yoshikazu Yasuhikobest known for his work as a character designer and director on “Mobile Suit Gundam” and also for his career as a mangaka, he recently shared his views on the importance of the original author's role in adapting their work to anime. Despite having dedicated himself exclusively to manga for a while, Yasuhiko returned after 25 years to take on the role of director on the anime adaptation of his manga “Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin”. This decision is due to his belief that the creator of the original material is best suited to direct his adaptation.

“The manga 'Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin' had a very passionate fanbase, so I thought the manga's author should be responsible for the adaptation.“Yasuhiko explained. His approach to anime directing is known for making significant changes to the original script.”When I direct anime, I almost always make significant changes to the script. I have even rewritten the initial storyboards, which has angered the writers. In these cases, the director has had to step in to mediate, but I believe that scripts should be changed if necessary.“.

Yasuhiko sees the storyboard as a detailed blueprint that guides the production of the anime. “When a script is storyboarded, there are inevitably aspects that need to be changed. However, when there is original material, the situation changes.“. The mangaka argues that, although it is possible to modify the original to improve it, this usually results in damage to the work. For this reason, he decided not to work on adaptations of other authors, so as not to run the risk of damaging the original material.”It would be irresponsible to damage someone else's work.“.

The success of the film “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK”, directed by its original author, Takehiko Inoue, is a clear example of the benefit of this practice.”Inoue carried out the adaptation meticulously, which delighted manga fans and attracted new fans.“, emphasized Yasuhiko. “This was possible because Inoue possesses the necessary skills, and that is how it should be in general.“

In recent times, it has become the norm for anime adaptations to be faithful to the source material, which has limited creativity and expression in anime, according to Yasuhiko. “In a way, we are back to a time when manga is the “master” and anime is the “servant”.“, he said. However, he also acknowledges that there are creators who only produce original anime, which shows that anime has established itself as an independent medium of expression.

“Those who want to create adaptations that are faithful to the original can do so, and those who don't can develop their own world.“Yasuhiko concluded.”Today, unlike in the past, both paths are viable.“Yasuhiko’s opinion highlights an important trend in the anime industry. Direct involvement of the author in the adaptation of their work can ensure a more authentic and respectful representation of the source material. At the same time, it recognizes the importance of creative freedom in anime, allowing creators to explore and expand their own visions.

Source: Otakomu

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