As a gamer who has seen his fair share of anime and movies, I can confidently say that Ninja Scroll is a gem that stands the test of time. Born in 1993, this masterpiece was before my time, but its impact on the world of animation is undeniable. The intricate action sequences, raw animation, and unique storytelling have left an indelible mark on modern anime.
1993 saw me, Yoshiaki Kawajiri, unaware of the immense influence my newest creation, Ninja Scroll, would wield across the globe. The film’s premiere was met with critical acclaim, and as they say, the rest has been a historical journey ever since. To this day, decades after its initial release, Ninja Scroll stands among the most impactful anime productions ever conceived. Its thrilling action sequences and exceptional animation have left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. Recently, I had the pleasure of discussing with ComicBook about the lasting legacy of Ninja Scroll.
Discussing the 30th anniversary of Ninja Scroll, Director Yoshiaki shared his personal journey and the series’ success story. Reflecting on its simple beginnings and its influence on contemporary anime, Yoshiaki delved into the rich history of Ninja Scroll during our conversation. You can find the entire interview with the director below.
Interview with Yasuhiro Nightow
As the film crosses its 30th anniversary, how do you feel looking at the legacy it has created?
Yoshiaki Kawajiri: We manually created all visuals on-screen, eschewing digital tools entirely. This manual approach may become our lasting trademark, remembered fondly like those intricate clockwork devices from the Edo period.
In June 1993, Ninja Scroll was indeed born. Do you remember what led to its creation?
Yoshiaki: As a child, I was captivated by manga like Mitsuteru Yokoyama’s “Iga no Kagemaru,” “The Legend of Kamui,” and “Watari” by Sanpei Shirato. This inspired me to create my own manga. Later, during high school, I stumbled upon Futaro Yamada’s “Ninpocho” novels, which sparked a desire in me to adapt these books into an animation, even while I was working on “Wicked City.” However, the novels are rich in historical details that might not appeal to those unfamiliar with the background. I wanted to craft a story that would resonate with both younger anime enthusiasts and a global audience. To achieve this, I developed a protagonist who would evoke more sympathy from audiences, ultimately resulting in “Ninja Scroll.”
One distinctive feature of Ninja Scroll is its thrilling action scenes, which even today serve as a source of inspiration for many animators. Can you share what made the creation of these action sequences particularly difficult or fulfilling?
As an avid enthusiast, I absolutely live for action-packed sequences! There’s simply nothing quite as thrilling as immersing myself in the world of dynamic action. In fact, the challenges that come with creating these scenes are something I barely recall. The fun is so infectious that I often lose track of time while sketching them out. Compared to ordinary, everyday scenarios, action sequences pose a more formidable challenge for me. One such example would be attempting to portray a tall, well-proportioned individual casually strolling down the road – now that’s a task! But when I manage to strike the perfect balance in an action sequence, it feels like hitting the bullseye, pure satisfaction!
Despite being over three decades old, Ninja Scroll remains an exhilarating spectacle that continues to entertain viewers. I believe its enduring appeal stems from its unique settings and the artistry displayed in the film. The action sequences set against a Japanese backdrop were unprecedented and exceptional, offering something fresh for international audiences at the time. While we still produce samurai dramas today, Ninja Scroll stands out due to its intense action scenes that diverge from the norm of typical period dramas.
In what way have you responded to Ninja Scroll being regularly listed among the most impactful anime movies, given that you were both its director and writer?
Yoshiaki expresses deep gratitude and sincerity. Indeed, our team created “Ninja Scroll” with a global audience in mind, and I penned “this is Ninja wars!” in my initial concept note. Passionately, I desired to bring this movie to life, and I firmly believed that I was the ideal candidate for the task. Hence, it brings me immense joy to learn that people appreciate the title and express surprise upon seeing it, stating “I’ve never seen anything like that before!”
30 years after Ninja Scroll’s release, this classic anime demonstrates the broad range of possibilities within the genre. Today, the anime industry stands as a significant global force. Reflecting on its evolution since Ninja Scroll, what are your thoughts about how it has transformed? Additionally, in your opinion, how did Ninja Scroll contribute to the industry’s growth and success it enjoys today?
Yoshiaki: We are seeing more and more diversity in international animation projects. I think the variety of anime genres in Japan has helped this change. I am very happy if “Ninja Scroll” has played a part in promoting diverse animation projects globally. Many people overseas are trying out new genres. I would be overjoyed to know if “Ninja Scroll” had been an inspiration for titles such as “Blue-Eyed Samurai.”
On September 11, 12, and 15, the classic anime film Ninja Scroll will be screened in cinemas across the U.S. and Canada. As part of the 30th Anniversary release, a special pre-show interview with Director Yoshiaki Kawajiri, filmed in Tokyo, will also be shown. To purchase tickets and find your nearest theater, visit AX Cinema Nights here.
Read More
- RLC PREDICTION. RLC cryptocurrency
- OKB PREDICTION. OKB cryptocurrency
- CAKE PREDICTION. CAKE cryptocurrency
- TRB PREDICTION. TRB cryptocurrency
- TRAC PREDICTION. TRAC cryptocurrency
- XDC PREDICTION. XDC cryptocurrency
- FLOKI PREDICTION. FLOKI cryptocurrency
- SXP PREDICTION. SXP cryptocurrency
- ZEN PREDICTION. ZEN cryptocurrency
- POL PREDICTION. POL cryptocurrency
2024-08-28 20:10