‘Gachiakuta’ Star, Director Explain Why Its Hero’s Fall From Grace Is When the Anime Became Peak

In less than no time at all, Bones Film’s adaptation of Kei Urana’s Kodansha manga, Gachiakuta, shot up the ranks as a promising anime, with every fan champing at the bit to see how its second season will further cement its legacy as the next big thing. While we’ve still got a little bit of a wait before we see how Rudo and crew will further exceed expectations as the stylish new battle anime on the block, we’ve got the inside scoop with the Japanese creatives who were vital in making its first season a smash hit. And we’re giving (get it?) you a peek at how peak was made, too.

At Anime Expo, io9 spoke with Gachiakuta director Fumihiko Suganuma and Rudo voice actor Aoi Ichikawa about what sparked their interest in bringing the series to life as an anime, their creative approach to handling tricky, sensitive scenes, and their thoughts on its growing fandom. 

Left: Aoi Ichikawa, right: Fumihiko Suganuma © Isaiah Colbert/io9

Isaiah Colbert, io9: What initially resonated with both of you about the world and themes of Gachiakuta that made you want to be a part of the anime?

Aoi Ichikawa: I would have to say a bit of resonance with Rudo’s character because he’s just the embodiment of anger. It’s what makes him him. All that emotional explosiveness is kind of fueling his life, and I feel like I resonate with those very heated emotions.

Fumihiko Suganuma: It’s likely that the power from the original manga’s art is what drew me to it because it’s slightly different from popular art styles in Japan. It’s very original, and it’s not really bowing to fit the current manga art trend. I really feel that the art has so much power that I was drawn to it.

io9: During production, was there a particular scene or moment that was especially challenging, and that made it all the sweeter to finally see it brought to life?

Ichikawa: The first episode was really challenging because of how [Rudo] falls from grace… without that, you can’t really show his anger and the motivation behind Rudo’s character. Therefore, that was the peak of his anger. And to be able to express that was really, really hard. But without being able to express that falling scene, Rudo can’t exist for the rest of the series, because that was his origin point.

When I sat down and watched the completed footage during the broadcast of episode one, I really felt like this was where Gachiakuta was finally starting. And I really felt accomplished watching it because it really moved me. It was a very heartwarming moment, like, “This is where it all begins.”

Suganuma: The latter half of anime corrections is always a battle against time. I felt a little hesitant, but I made a lot of very hard requests upon my staff, including a lot of corrections, and the staff really, really worked hard and helped me out a lot in that front. So, the fact that every episode made it to broadcast on time was very fulfilling. And I am really grateful for my entire staff that we pulled it off.

io9: One moment that resonated strongly with viewers was Amo’s storyline, especially the way the anime depicts her suffering and her heart-to-heart conversation with Rudo about their conflicting ideals. From your perspectives, what went into approaching that scene with the sensitivity it required, and how did each of you ensure it was handled with the care it deserved?

Ichikawa: I noticed the emotional flow by reading the script and reading the manga. But I feel like Rudo and Amo’s hearts are not completely connected. They have one-sided emotions going towards each other, and it’s not a proper dialogue. So I really felt that I should not actually resonate for this situation because I feel I needed to cut off my emotions and resonance towards the scene as me, the person—the actor—because Rudo is not going to go through that.

Suganuma: The whole Amo arc was pretty sensitive material. It’s my style—my policy—to do it a bit matter-of-factly and not make it too sensational because the dialogue in those scenes really needs to be heard by the audience. Because what they say is very important. I didn’t want the visuals to obstruct what they’re saying, so I made sure to do the stage production in a way so that the dialogue is brought out to be first and foremost.

io9: Gachiakuta has a very specific tone and energy within the shonen space, thanks in no small part to the series’ mix of graffiti art and a hip-hop-influenced soundtrack, which has led the show to be celebrated online as a cultural exchange between Japan and Black culture in America through memes, fan art, and cosplay. What does that significance mean to you as artists who helped bring this adaptation to life?

Ichikawa: I’m very happy about it because we’re enjoying the series together. And it’s inside the love for Gachiakuta—whether it be cosplay or fanart, whatever—everyone is expressing their love and trying to build up the community as a whole. So I really am very happy about that.

Suganuma: First of all, ditto. I’m very happy to see the reception. I wasn’t too versed in the realms of graffiti and hip-hop. The fact that it was so widely accepted made me feel like I really need to learn more about these cultures so that I can do even better.

io9: Since Gachiakuta’s magic system explores the emotional weight objects can carry, what everyday item from your own life would make the most fitting “giver” object for you within the anime’s world?

Ichikawa: My Gachiakuta object would be my script. Because without it, I wouldn’t be Rudo. That is my world, so that has to be my item.

Suganuma: I would have to say manga because I really love reading manga. It kinda even makes me think, “Imagine if I became a manga artist.” It’s most likely because I love manga so much that I wanted to be able to take one step back and have a job that has something to do with it, but I can still enjoy it as a reader.

Gachiakuta season 2 is in production.

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