While at Japan Expo Paris, author and screenwriter Shoji Gatoh chatted with us about what inspired his two popular light novels, Amagi Brilliant Park and Full Metal Panic!, both of which were adapted into anime series.
The creator behind Cop Craft and MOON FIGHTERS!, known as Gatoh-sensei, is now penning the isekai web novel Reincarnated as a Giant-Mech, published as a light novel by KADOKAWA’s Fantasia Bunko imprint. His witty style keeps fans entertained with lively storytelling.
This interview has been minimally adjusted for clarity and was conducted with the help of an interpreter.
Q: Gatoh-sensei, which real‑world amusement attraction would you most like to experience?
A: I’d love to step into the Star Wars ride at Tokyo Disneyland, or maybe the Indiana Jones attraction—those really deliver that “wow” moment.
Q: What sparked the concept of Amagi Brilliant Park, and did you frequently visit theme parks?
A: I’ve been to Tokyo Disneyland repeatedly, as well as Disney World in Florida and later the California park after Amagi Brilliant Park began. In Japan, there was once a nostalgic amusement spot called ‘Toshimaen’ that I loved—its old‑school vibe inspired the park’s look. Most of those older Tokyo parks closed down before the ’90s, but that classic atmosphere stuck with me.
Q: Why did you base character names on well‑known Americans such as Kanye West, 50 Cent, or Queen Latifah?
A: [laughs] The names came from the CDs I kept at home—the everyday playlists that featured artists like James Brown and Ice Cube.
Q: One character also nods to Ice Cube, correct? (Aisu Kyubu, the protagonist’s aunt)
A: Exactly, it was inspired by Ice Cube but not an exact match. Back then I never imagined the series would reach readers beyond Japan.
Q: How did you feel about the anime adaptation, and did you have any specific requests for Kyoto Animation?
A: I was on friendly terms with director Takemoto‑san, so I could chat about any needs or give suggestions. Knowing Kyoto Animation’s reputation for quality, I didn’t feel the need to ask for anything extra.
Q: The anime looked gorgeous, with meticulous attention to the park’s animation, making it look really enjoyable.
A: I’m really grateful for that compliment—it’s exactly what we aimed for.
Q: Was there any particular character or scene you loved bringing to life while writing the light novels?
A: I had a soft spot for the mascots Moffle, Macaron, and Tiramy—they were my favorites and essentially the reason I started the series. Crafting their descriptions became a core part of creating Amagi Brilliant Park.
Q: Were you especially keen on how romance would develop in the narrative?
A: The romance was essential to balance the story, since the mascots alone couldn’t carry the light novel.
Q: As a fan, I thought romance was the main focus!
A: My real enjoyment came from the mascots [laughs].
Q: Among your “Black Technology” concepts, which ability would you most like to wield and why?
A: I’d go for camouflage (the Electronic Conceal System); it would be incredibly handy.
Q: How did the idea for Black Technology come about, and did you anticipate its popularity?
A: The notion of “over‑technology” already existed, and I wanted a comparable element for my series. I never guessed it would catch on as much; I was the first to be surprised by its popularity.
Q: Is there any particular technology you’d be interested in studying further?
A: It’s hard to say without a clear idea right now; I’ll have to think about it more.
Q: How did you juggle the “boys meet girl” romance‑comedy aspect with the gritty sci‑fi realism, and which part did you prefer writing?
A: I leaned more toward the action side, yet the romance was often crucial. Ultimately, I try to give equal weight to the story and its characters rather than splitting focus between military or love themes.
Q: Which character was the most enjoyable for you to write?
A: Probably Sosuke and Kaname, the two main protagonists.
Q: Full Metal Panic! Family is set twenty years after the original series’ ending. Did you always intend to explore this storyline, and how did the idea originate?
A: Fantasia Bunko asked me for a short story to mark Full Metal Panic!’s 25th anniversary. They enjoyed it, asked for more, and kept encouraging me, so I kept adding chapters until I finally said, “Let’s call it enough” [laughs].
Q: How does writing a light novel differ from a conventional novel?
A: Light novels stand out mainly because they include illustrations and often feel like they’re set in a gaming or anime‑like universe, giving the reader a manga or video‑game vibe.
Q: Is there any writing advice or something you wish you’d done differently when you were younger?
A: Though not exactly advice, I’d say to my younger self, “You’re doing great,” and “try not to drink too much” [laughs].
Q: Knowing the full plot and ending before the first volume—do you think that’s essential for a light novel series?
A: It varies by project. Full Metal Panic! was originally planned as a single story, while my current work, Kidou Tensei (Reincarnated as a Giant-Mech), is being written step‑by‑step without a predetermined finale. I’m focused on the present chapter rather than the whole arc.
Q: Besides Die Hard and Deadpool, are there any recent movies, series, or anime you enjoy?
A: Among recent anime, my top pick is Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.
Q: Which authors have been an inspiration for you?
A: I draw inspiration from Stephen Hunter, known for sniper tales like Point of Impact (filmed as Shooter), and Andy Weir, author of Project Hail Mary. In Japan, Chohei Kambayashi’s sci‑fi works and Daisuke Sato’s writing for Highschool of the Dead are among my favorites.
Our gratitude goes to Gatoh-sensei and Japan Expo Paris for making this interview possible, revealing the author’s relaxed and entertaining character.
Be sure to follow the author’s upcoming projects and stay alert for more updates.
Check out more anime and manga updates at Info Anime & manga terbaru.
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