Interview with Gen Urobuchi, Composer and Scriptwriter of “Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet” [4/4]

By the way, what are the highlights of Gargantia?

Ishikawa: I’m sorry, we have gotten off topic, I’d like to return to Gargantia. I would like you to tell me the highlights of Gargantia.

Urobuchi: It’s not related to series composition, but I was shocked at the density of the graphics. We didn’t make the story itself to be grandiosely tricky, I think it has a solid composition. This was only meant to be an entertaining work; we presented the raw materials to Murata so he could cook them together deliciously, which he did, with amazing results. The graphics are so full of vigor that it’s almost like a simulation of the tropics.

Ishikawa: That’s true, when playing Ledo, I also felt that it was quite definitive. I didn’t feel any trickiness.

Urobuchi: Yes, we could call it a definitive sci-fi anime about growing up. However, what is wonderful about this work - and also it’s selling point - is that it’s like you can smell the sea breeze once a week.

Ishikawa: I see.

Urobuchi: Moreover, it’s a place you can’t go by plane or train.

Ishikawa: That’s true (laughs).

Urobuchi: Because it’s a fictive place. Anime that can make the atmosphere of a different world itself their selling point are rare nowadays.

Ishikawa: True, you don’t often see anime like that.

Urobuchi: That’s because not going to school is impossible in the present era.

Ishikawa: That’s right (laughs). They don’t go to school and they start work at the age of 15.

Urobuchi: Because it’s a world where schools don’t exist.

I need to know, what color is Urobuchi this time?

Ishikawa: So, until now, I was asking questions about the workpiece and the work you do in general, but this one will be an entirely personal question, and I think the viewers would like to know as well. This time, are you “Black Buchi” or “White Buchi”?

Urobuchi: Well, I intend on being “White Buchi,” but I don’t really have the confidence, since I’m often told that I’m “Pitch Black Buchi” when I try to be “Dark Gray Buchi.” So, even if I say I’m “White Buchi,” it might be more of a “Neutral Grey Buchi.” But since that’s up to the viewers to judge, I guess I’m expected to make a personal comment.

Ishikawa: That’s right. So, with an example...

Urobuchi: Maybe like a “white-lovers’ black.”

Ishikawa: That’s like a “white-black thunder” (laughs).

There’s one last thing I’d like to ask!

Ishikawa: The last question is something I personally would like to know, since you are always present on the dubbings, could you tell me your impressions?

Hirasawa: Oh, don’t venture off.

Ishikawa: If you could please talk about your impressions of the whole scene...no need to highlight me, I’m scared (laughs).

Urobuchi: I’ve been in involved in several anime to the point that I no longer consider myself a tenderfoot, but I’m always lucky with the voice actors’ scenes. The director of audiography gathers real performers, all of whom delve into the material when acting. This time was no exception; it really was wonderful. As a matter of fact, recording sessions are not the job of a writer, but if you go look with your own eyes, they can be pretty amazing, so I intrude into these scenes (laughs). Also, this time on the scene they were flexibly making various developments. Rather than doing it as the last process in the assembly-line system, there were a lot of surprises that contributed to the rise in quality, such as adopting new ideas that were thought up on the spot. It was worth seeing and I was grateful for it.

Ishikawa: Well, thank you very much. I’m not sure if it’s okay for me to say this, but since everyone in the staff and cast was very nice to me, hearing this from you makes me very happy. Thank you very much.

Hirasawa: Thank you very much.

Gargantia x Tokyo Otaku Mode Special Site:
http://otakumode.com/sp/gargantia

Source:
http://gargantia.jp/#kaito_0 (Japanese)

© Oceanus / Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet Production Committee