Takashi Okazaki
From left to right:-
- Fuminori Kizaki (Director of Afro Samurai, Animation Director of Blue Gender, Character Designer of Galaxy Railways, Key Animation for Macross Pluss OAV)
- Eric Calderon (Writer of Afro Samurai Season 2, CEO of Wild Boar Media)
- Takashi Okazaki (Original creator art/manga of Afro Samurai)
- Danny Choo CEO Mirai Inc/Key toilet cleaner
- Hiroya Iijima (Afro Samurai Character Design/Animation Director, Black Cat Animation Director, Gantz Key Animation, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex: Solid State Society movie Key Animation)
Spent last night having a cozy dinner at Okazaki-sensei's gaff with a few other folks in the anime industry. Decided to take the car as I knew I would be there until past midnight when all the trains stop and taxi prices triple.
Arrived to find other comrades already enjoying the evening festivities. Okazaki-sensei is the creator of the original Manga Afro Samurai which has been made into a TV series and a movie. The movie stars Samuel Jackson and the second season stars Lucy Liu and Mark Hamil as voice actors.
Some Afro Samurai Resurrection below.
Having some lovely home made food while going over some industry chit chat.
A room full of anime industry folks is the perfect place to ask why many anime series starts off with great quality but quickly deteriorates over time.
The first EP is for the most part is produced with loadsa budget and time and is usually used to negotiate for the TV air time. A whole anime series is seldom made prior to getting air time.
Once air time is secured, they start to animate the stories and this usually happens while the series is being aired. Everybody is working on a tight schedule and sometimes quality has to be dropped to make sure the show gets aired in the allocated slot.
The quality of Geass stayed pretty much the same throughout the series and most of that is thanks to the folks who do the quality checks - forgot the job title but they check the quality and make changes. Geass apparently had quite a few quality controllers at each stage of production. They also managed to get very talented folks with much experience to handle Geass production too.
Another thing I would love to talk about is the up n coming anime that these guys are working on - but would have my spleen sliced by Okazaki-sensei's samurai sword.
Okazaki-sensei is a huge Star Wars fan and has just about every R2D2 known to wo/man.
Okazaki-sensei and his 'voice changer' Vader unit.
Before I forget to mention - all pics taken on the trusty Lumix LX3.
Two of these are dustbins, and the other two are remote controlled astro mechs.
This is where Okazaki-sensei does all his work.
Hes got a load of memorabilia n merchandise. The name of that ship on the far right is on the tip of my toe - '1999' or something?
So why do I put 'sensei' on the end of 'Okazaki'?
The Japanese use 'sensei' meaning 'teacher' when referring to their teacher or doctor too but I learned when starting to work with Azami Yuko that illustrators are called 'sensei' as well.
'sensei' is also used colloquially in the Japanese workplace when talking to a colleague who has lots of knowledge or skill in a particular subject.
Votoms goodies.
Something special about this shirt but cant remember what. Think it was a gift from Samuel Jackson or something.
The creator of D.Gray-man does a doodle for Okazaki-sensei.
Okazaki-sensei's Mac setup.
Okazaki-sensei has a load of Star Wars related artwork.
You may need to enlarge this one to appreciate it.
More Japanese styled Star Wars artwork.
Hayao Miyazaki-sensei does a Nausicaä doodle for Okazaki-sensei.
I'm forgetting my Alien terminology - that Ripley with her Powerlifter?
The English language Afro Samurai manga.
Signed goodies by Samuel.
R2D2 gets the WD40 treatment.
Name that Mecha.
Okazaki-sensei artwork.
Anybody here who does not have tissue near the desk?
More manga related working utensils.
Okazaki went from having is work published in a doujinshi that had a circulation of about 2000 to having his creation turned into a multi-million dollar series.
A great example of how good things always happen around folks who focus on what they are passionate about.
Watched the first cut of EP1 from the second Afro Samurai season on their huge screen.
The very cute Samurai Girl who we saw earlier on.
I met Eric at Promax Asia a few weeks back in Singapore - hes in Tokyo for a few weeks before flying back to LA. Look forward to seeing more awesome stuff from him soon - and more cute interns like Samurai Girl.
The view from Okazaki-sensei's apartment.
Some Afro Samurai goodies from sensei.
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University Student
Those are some very impressive artwork he has
http://www.marvinryan.com
the bear on image ID#23631 Tim Burton's pedobear before Christmas? ^^
haven't had the chance to catch afro samurai yet, but heard good things about it.
love those Japanese styled Star Wars artwork!
by the way nice of you to drop by in your stormtrooper outfit, Okazaki sensei must have been pleasantly surprised
Filmmaker
http://josewritingthelife.blogspot.com/
So... I saw a peek at the good life... look like an awesome night Danny..
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Toilet cleaning is not too bad actually. Pays the bills.
Filmmaker
http://josewritingthelife.blogspot.com/
Ummm.. I wonder what it takes to be a Toilet cleaner????
NEET part-time - Technical Support Officer - Network security engineer
http://burugureibi.blogspot.com/
Degree in "Sanitary Engineering"
http://www.almost-otaku.blogspot.com
Nice collection of droids.
Student artist
http://www.requestview.wordpress.com
So lucky danny, I wish I can something similar to your job danny. One day
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Key Toilet cleaner?
LOL
Student, Dead Man
If being a Key Toilet Cleaner gets you SAFS and lets you meet anime/manga gods, then so be it!
Administrative Assistant
http://bob-san.animeblogger.net
I to shall hoist a toilet brush with pride if those are such the perks a toilet cleaner receives.
Student artist
http://www.requestview.wordpress.com
maybe, if it pay the bills. I would like to meet famous people like you
Motivational Speaker
I would have loved to be in that work space! So much Star Wars and other anime all in one room and plus all the signed goodies, I think I would have had a huge smile on my face for the rest of the night.
Danny, if Okazaki is such a big Star Wars fan, why didn't he keep you? :P
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
http://puppy52art.com/
lol at your key toilet cleaner :P and the 2 are dustbins LOL I want a R2D2 dustbin too! :P
student , otaku and awesome blogger
http://otakudan.com
you are so lucky that you got to meet him
university film student | ecchikid | the Archivist
http://www.vimeo.com/longhim
Interesting how the people in the industry are connected - all the memorabila was interesting. And I love the Japanese-style Star Wars artwork.
^^; LOL'd at Key toilet cleaner.
中学生
http://thezhukeeper.blogspot.com
I want a R2D2 dustbin too lol! but I think I will preserve it rather than throwing rubbish ^^;
His desk looks so professional! eventhough he isnt doing anything ^^;
???Confused???
that is some awesome stuff...when did you head the toilet cleaning department?
Student
http://bk201.wordpress.com/
lucky you get to meet anime producers!
Programmer/IT/Student
http://wickedotaku.blogspot.com/
Very cool, Danny. Looks like everyone had fun that night. ^^ I'm glad to see that you're meeting with some animators; it's always good to network with people in all the different aspects of a field.
Dance Trooper: DCX-001 O.D.E. (Order of the Dancing Empire)
http://dannychoo.com.my
AWESOME!!!!!! You get to meet these top notch animators~~~~~~~~~~
The japanese art style Star Wars drawing are beautiful.
LOL @ Key toilet cleaner~~~~
Otaku / Student in Networking
http://hayasaki-kun.blogspot.com/
=D
Otaku
http://imperiomoe.wordpress.com
Awesome, spend some time with big name in Anime Industry. Afro Samurai is in my plan to watch list.
Daigakusei [Consular and Diplomatic Affairs]
http://dixinfernal.wordpress.com
wowzer! another great article~
that's some top caliber comrades you've got there danny
btw
samurai girl is super cute^^
Poet (not)
Hmmm.... wonder why 'key toilet cleaner' never appears in any anime credits. Very important job, that is... ;-)
Btw Danny, did you drive with the armor on?
A stormtrooper driving a family car around Tokyo... now that would've been a sight ^^
Student Otaku (ITM Student) and ACG NA Staff
http://koiaichaku.com/
That's just amazing!!!!!!
All it's missing is Samuel L Jackson...
Your lucky!!!!! I would love to meet Takashi Okazaki as I'm a fan of the series!!!!!
WOW!!!!!
We take a look at on how a manga artist lives...it's just amazing...
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
http://funkyblueame.tumblr.com/
You got it Danny. The shows are Space 1999 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_1999 and UFO http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_(TV_series)
I understand the feeling being around these guys. Yes, key toilet cleaner...
Web Design & Marketing
http://ciaopanda.com
O: I have the same Wacom Tablet! XD I love photos of work space areas!!!
Animation
http://clockworkmachina.com
damn! wish i was there! i think he won one of those r2 from a pepsi contest from the local conbini. haha! can't wait for japan!
Pokemon master
http://thecococafe.wordpress.com/
It must be so cool to get drawings from such famous artists! :D
CG artist, Sunrise Emotion
http://halcyonrealms.com
Wow ! That Nausicaa sketch by Miayazaki-san...Priceless !
銀河帝国五〇一軍团 TK/TD 8316 M.E.P.D. Police Sergeant
http://gordonator.com/
first time i see a trooper without shoes. does the bodysuit covers the feet as well or are these socks? ^^;
http://twitter.com/phossil
http://www.animoe.net
Its true. I didnt notice it before.. ^_^
Student
Great article! Haven't seen Afro Samurai myself but have to put it to the to-watch list.
WoW. How I wish I was there.
I've never met real animators before.
Fantastic Danny.
Blogger
http://quicoto.com
Nice pics :) Nice otaku house :P
Student, part-time Haruhi wannabe (that bit about godhood etc)
http://www.aprilius20.com
After work traffic jam? That's a pain><;
College Freshmen
If Lucy Liu is in the second season, I think it's about time for me to start watching it. I only saw two episodes on spke tv.
former Emperor of Britannia
http://reflectiarx.wordpress.com/
AFRO SAMURAI!!!!
This man is made of pure win!
Freelance Digital Production Artist
http://www.flickr.com/photos/victor_lee/sets/
More pics of Samurai Girl, please.
Nekophilia
Wow. I never thought toilet cleaning job in Japan pays the bills!
Online Shop
http://wildarms.egloos.com
Simply amazing talents have gathered under one roof! It's like those anime convention guests gathered in a house, just awesome ^^; Those sketches look really good too, must be industry connection. I bet Okazaki sensei came to US for Afro Samurai at Comic Con along Samule L. Jackson, I remember reading an article about it. I envy you Danny, for be able to meet someone like that in person :)
TBD
It would be interesting if you could meet the American team behind this. Aka meet the voice actors.
Interesting, to say the least.
3D Video Game Artist
http://gamedevtalk.wordpress.com
Those R2 units are looking sexy! I want them all! Must look for one online, and also I need a few cans of R2-D4 to keep them maintained...hehehe Looks like you had fun Danny! ~!
a guy who cares (sort of...)
Forget dustbins, I want R2-D2 WD-40 version ^^.
Games addicted
http://addictedtoludus.com/
That Star Wars Artworks are just impressive!
Danny one think, i know that the Afro Samurai Game is near to come out. Did Okazaki-sensei say something about it?
Student
http://anime.scripts.mit.edu/miteiru/
Ohh I love Afro Samurai!!! Me and my friend watch it together ^^
Administrative Assistant
http://bob-san.animeblogger.net
My friends won't bother watching the series, finding it a bit too...wtf for their tastes. To me, it's Samuel L Jackson FTW, plain and simple :)
Administrative Assistant
http://bob-san.animeblogger.net
Although, with SLJ as Afro, it makes me wonder if they secretly drew in BMF on his personage somewhere.
Dirty Gentleman
http://cantstanzya.wordpress.com/
I've heard of Afro Samurai, but haven't watched.
I only have a minor in toilet cleaning. Two more years of training before I get my own brush.
free lance otaku, full time Protector of Peace.
lol at how he stacks cds for his mac monitor.. and kawaii samurai girl FTW XD
Otaku/ Secondary School Student/
http://kawaiiboyz.blogspot.com/
Hey danny, I'm become jealous with ya...
to met really animator, It's awesome.
Graphic Design student | Receptionist | Otaku
http://sukidesho.blogspot.com/
Wow.. I really love your job, Danny-san! Meeting so many inspirational people >.<
I've yet to see Afro Samurai, T_T so many shows to catch up on....
The artwork that Okazaki-sensei has is brilliant D:
R2D2 dustbins... hoshi~ ^^
Pseudo-Graphic Designer, 触手 wrangler, H-Man
http://lightningsabre.blogspot.com/
Very nice stylish Star Wars art that he has. I guess the only major Star Wars thing I have is the life-size Darth Vader cardboard cutout that I have... I would love to add those R2-D2s though :)
I have heard the name Takashi Okazaki from somewhere else before. What else has he done besides Afro Samurai?
Freelance Illustrator
http://furudango.com
Ideon/Gigantis~ Lolz there I named that mecha
Those artworks look cool, awesome how they are in a traditional style
大学生
Omg! The grand master Hayao Miyazaki!
And kawaii girl!
*dang*
website/graphic designer and karaoke amateur~
http://www.furudango.com
I haven't watched or read anything of Afro Samurai ^^;; I think I stayed away as it looked fairly dark when I fist found out about it.
Awesome photos~ looks like you guys had a lot of fun and stuff to talk about.
Cute intern is cute~
Student
http://shockerz.wordpress.com/
I heard of Afro Samurai, but I haven't watch it. I want to meet the cute samurai girl!
Student and full-time otaku
Sweeet stuff, does he also have the R2D2 phone? Got it for my b-day a couple of years back. It's really funny: one of the legs hides the horn and it bleeps in R2-fashion when the phone rings.
Haven't seen afro-samurai, but I can't help but feel that something with samurai needs to be Japanese-dubbed, so no Sam Jackson for me ^^;
Electrical Engineering Fresh Graduate
never heard Afro Samurai before, is it good?
PS: The girl is still in question...('~')
vendor
http://www.friendster.com
I haven't read that manga but some otaku says its a good story and some fighting styles.The creator is a big fan of star wars but i am interested in his mech figure..The red big arm is "ideon" How cool did he get that??
Transferring old home movies into DVDs
http://uk.youtube.com/user/NightUlf
Another great interesting article.
Heard of Afro Samurai and that it is supposed to be very good, but not yet seen or read. :(
Chemical Engineer
http://saoblog.laventanadesaouri.com/
"Name that Mecha"?
Is Ideon...
Auditor Junior
i intend to watch
http://twitter.com/phossil
http://www.animoe.net
Me too!!
http://xcomprandomness.co.uk/
I know a lot of Manga artists start off with Doujinshi - even Love Hina's Ken Akamatsu and CLAMP so it seems to be the norm in Japan. Only we don't have big Doujinshi conventions like Comiket to have a gathering of potential buyers which makes it harder to gain exposure and to distribute works.
As for the "sensei" suffix isn't it used for anyone with a profession to show their skills and knowledge?
Seems everyone working in their travels carry a Mac. Why is that...? Less reason to worry about hackers or crashes while on the move? I'd like to see someone using a Windows or even a Linux machine in these photos for once just for the hell of it, LOL.
Speaking of which, most people use Office on their Windows machines so... What do Mac users go for now that Clarisworks is long gone?
Marketer
hey the Darth Vader helmet is really weird
STUDENTS
Takashi Okazaki+star wars+R2D2+samuel l jacson=afro+samurai=afro samurai?????????^_^
Student, Otaku, She-Geek(Sheek lol)
http://meimi132.wordpress.com/
Wooooooooow...... so cool..... That must have been so much fun! And the R2D2's! OMG lol so many! And realisticly sized too!! :woot:
Programmer
http://www.philanime.com
ooohhh... Afro Samurai! one of my fave anime! I even did a review on Afro Samurai on my blog months ago (http://www.philanime.com/2008/05/afro-samurai/).
Can't wait for Season 2. ^_^
the wholesale business of flower
http://nakagawaichiro.com
ほーかわいい。
ダニーさんの取材は仕事的にも参考になって面白いですね
こんどホームページに取材記事をのせていこうと思っているんですけど
ダニーさんが取材で意識してることとかあるんですか？
research student
http://osakacchi.blogspot.com/
Interesting...Would really love to focus on my passion one day when I know which to choose... =(
And wow to the green nails and nice rings.
http://yuuwaku.wordpress.com
seems like a cool dude
so far only caught like one episode of Afro Samurai, but maybe will get around to watching the rest
Student
http://anime.tedfox.com/
samuel l jackson! i would have been ecstatic to meet the guy in the flesh
College Student
Hayao Miyazaki personal drawing that would something very special!
Didn't know that Takashi Okazaki did the Linkin Park Drawings, did he do the anime video for Linkin Park's song Breaking the Habit? Very cool.
Otaku
http://imperiomoe.wordpress.com
wow Nausica dy Miyasaki dono!! sugoi^^
Graphic Designer
Afro Samurai is actually a great anime, not only is it unique but also very "Gonzo".
Love all the anime, especially because it is nice and short. The quality is top notch!
I would love to meet Samuel L Jackson in real life, but I'm pretty sure I would be speechless and would properly be very nervous.
A Real RocknRolla
man i love Afro Samurai. the way S.Jackson plays his 2 roles i awesome...i loved the RPG scene XD
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39qzWTSYp-o&NR=1
Executive Seneschal of the Third Ward
http://phaeton99.deviantart.com/
I saw a clip by accident and it was so bizarre and unexpectedly original, I had to see the whole thing.
I suppose it is the sort of thing one either loves or hates.
Graphic Artist/Designer
http://www.section09ds.com/
Afro Samurai was great. I caught it on Spike TV here a few months ago. Really awesome animation and story. Some circle a friends you have there buddy.
Civil Servant
http://kyokohunter.net/
I have a new ambition in life - to be a key toilet cleaner in Japan. As long as it pays the rent, I can still do my artwork and still have some monies left for Nendoroids, I'd be happy. The get-together looked interesting, it'd be fascinating to see the sprouting of ideas that could one day shape the anime and manga that we view/read.
Student
http://situsaleatorius.blogspot.com
I see the first chapter of afro samurai but I don't continue, a second chance needed..
Student
http://yellowguy89.blogspot.com/
thats a very beautiful view he has from his apartment.
Student
Have seen it, and loved it! Actually it's the only anime that i bought. Personnaly think that the artwork is really really great.
Ronin - Looking for #1
http://unit-1978.deviantart.com/
I remember watching it way back when it aired in the US. I bought the box set when it came out and I plan on buying the new movie thats coming out. I seen a commercial for the movie on spike network the other day. Cant wait for it and yeah that mecha is Ideon...very old mecha. Afro is a bad dude, I really loved the brothers 1,2,3 and so on. Great anime, Kuma was another favorite with that awsome teddy bear head.
Ork Warlord
So Takashi Okazaki is a Star Wars otaku? Ja,ja, great article, Danny!! I see Afro Samurai some time ago, but don`t know about the film, I`ll look for it...
graduate studant (TV & Cinema )
wow O_o what a privilege!!!!! hanging around those artists!!!! awesome, a life time opportunity!!!
can't wait to watch Afro Samurai season 2 and get some of those figures as well ^_^
Student
http://mizunoyuutsu.wordpress.com/
yeah, nice bit of gathering there!
Consultant
That's awesome! I have wanted to watch Afro Samurai for the longest time, but continuously missed it during its original run on Spike TV. But, I'll before sure to catch the first season before the start of the second season.
Press Conveyance
It's funny, I have Afro Samurai but I've never watched it. I plan to watch it one of these days.
Wannabe Web Developer
http://www.sakuafk.com
I haven't watched Afro Samurai yet but seeing your post, I guess I should give it a try ^^
Student
http://anime.scripts.mit.edu/miteiru/
Mmmm fragments. ^____^ Just had to say it.
Student
http://muketsu.wordpress.com
Okazaki-sensei got plus from me for Pluto and Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind manga.
anime/cosplay events organizer
http://www.cosplay.ph
I have watched Afro Samurai and it was one of the most GAR anime that I've watched so far ^^
Network Engineer
http://www.aggitan.blogspot.com/
I think Afro Samurai is a cool guy, eh got the number one headband and doesn't affraid of anything. OTOH does the #1 headband actually do anything for you or does it just prove that you're #1 and make people want to murderficate you...?
Student
http://musou-enrai.deviantart.com/
Mmm... I've never read or watched Afro Samurai. The animes I watch and the mangas I read are few. I'm a little conservative when it comes to these two.
Programeer, WebMaster
http://www.legionpaintball.com.ar
Danny, are you the stormtrooper in this picture? http://img110.imageshack.us/img110/9960/dannyua5.jpg
Designer
http://www.flickr.com/photos/martoonz/sets/
afro samurai-----> watched first chapter, never touch it again.....
i wish the black (?) r2d2 (?)
Hikikomori in the making
http://supermariabros.deviantart.com/
The Afro Samurai anime was awesome! Can't wait for Resurrection!
student
http://alexasharlot.cghub.com/
If I only know Okazaki e-mail I be happy. He really inspire me and Hiroya Iijima he's some good artist to.
Geek
http://twitter.com/leoofborg
Okazaki-sensei is a Gerry Andersen fan. From image ID#23638::
1/ Eagle Cargo type, seen in the pilot of Space 1999, Breakaway. Last seen trying to haul containers of nuke waste away before they went critical mass, blowing the moon out of earth's orbit.
2/ SHADO 1. From UFO/SHADO, a sub and jet combo that would intercept the UFOs once they'd get past 'lunar defense'.
3/ SHADO Interceptor. Armed with one rocket to destroy a UFO, deployed from the Moonbase. According to connected Andersen canon, UFO/SHADO occurred in the 80s, and Space 1999 in the 90s. Inteceptors were replaced by the modular Eagles and single purpose fighters called Hawks. Okazaki-sensei needs a Hawk.
4/ UFO. The mysterious saucers that SHADO was always shooting down. If they landed people would disappear. As I remember the aliens were 'harvesting' earthlings.. for.. something.
Darn, I'm old. I remember watching these when I was a kid.
Otaku Programmer/Gamer/Artist/Photographer
http://argylebolivar.wordpress.com
DANG
Afro Samurai FTW!!!
Exostential mouse herder
http://www.yousaytoo.com/big65mopar?8530
IF you remember Space 1999 then you would have to be 35 years or older to have watched it and remembered. The series was one of the greats that came out of the UK during its time giving Dr. Who a run for his money and it was pretty well ahead of its time in special effects. That ship is called an Eagle and was a multipurpose vehicle used for transport as well as defense and science experiments. Take a trip to youtube and watch some of the shorts and you'll recognize several actors and actresses who were popular to semi popular in American and English film and possibly other arena's of film from the 60's to the early 80's.
That Eagle if its an original model from the 70's is worth allot of money, still wish I had mine along with the lunch box I had.