NEW YORK, NY – Manga creator Satoshi Mizukami’s supernatural action story “Sengoku Youko” has attracted the attention of director Kagetzu Aikawa and producer Allian Cai. Aikawa, with an extensive background in the animation industry, has directed episodes of popular anime such as “Penguindrum” and “Laid-Back Camp.” Cai has worked as an associate producer on various anime series, including “Buddy Daddies” and “As Miss Beelzebub Likes It.”
In a recent interview at Anime NYC, Aikawa and Cai discussed their involvement with the anime adaptation of “Sengoku Youko” and the challenges they faced. Aikawa expressed his fascination with the complex human relationships depicted in Mizukami’s manga, praising the depth and positive portrayal of each character, even the weaker ones. Cai highlighted the uniqueness of the series, particularly the way the main character changes after the seventh volume, which she found compelling compared to other comics.
When it came to casting the voice actors for the siblings Jinka and Tama, Aikawa mentioned that finding the right voice for Tama was challenging. However, they were thrilled with their final choice, which they felt accurately captured the composed atmosphere of the fox character who had lived for 200 years.
As for the supernatural action in “Sengoku Youko,” Aikawa pointed out that the series’ use of both katana battles and hand-to-hand combat scenes sets it apart from other anime in the genre. In particular, he highlighted Jinka’s unique weapon, a long sword, and the characters’ tendency to resort to fist-fighting instead of relying solely on weapons.
The anime also incorporates a lot of Japanese folklore, and Aikawa revealed that one of his favorite folklore-inspired characters in the series is Tago, who brings humor and chaos wherever he goes. Aikawa emphasized the importance of action scenes fitting seamlessly into the story to create drama, a concept he prioritized throughout the series.
A notable challenge during the production was translating Mizukami’s vague descriptions of Jinka’s special techniques from the manga into concrete animations. Aikawa relied heavily on his imagination to bring these attacks to life, decoding the meanings of kanji characters and devising their visual representation.
Though the series is still a work in progress, Aikawa expressed pride in the seventh and thirteenth episodes, finding satisfaction in how they turned out. With its unique blend of supernatural action, compelling characters, and incorporation of Japanese folklore, “Sengoku Youko” promises to captivate audiences with its engaging storylines and visually stunning animation.
Overall, Aikawa and Cai’s involvement in the production of the “Sengoku Youko” anime adaptation demonstrates their appreciation for the original manga and their dedication to creating an engaging viewing experience. The series is set to be a standout addition to the world of anime, offering a fresh perspective on supernatural action storytelling.