Interview With Yoichi Nishikawa
Location: Email
Interview Date: 11/2/2022
Anime Herald: What is your origin story as an artist? Were you always interested in art when you were a child, or was this something that developed later?
Yoichi Nishikawa: My maternal grandfather is an oil painter, and my uncle is an art dealer.
So from a young age, I grew up in an artistic environment learning how to paint.
Anime Herald: Who were the artists who inspired you?
Yoichi Nishikawa: The first is my grandfather. After joining [Studio] Ghibli, I was greatly influenced by my mentor Yoji Takeshige.
Anime Herald: You passed the Ghibli entrance exam while you were in art school. Did you expect to pass when you were taking the exam?
Yoichi Nishikawa: All the students around me were so incredibly skilled that by noon, I had given up on passing the exam. While everyone was drawing desperately without ever taking a break, I was relaxed, which probably helped me make a good painting. I like to think I was able to pass because I took a good lunch and a break!
Anime Herald: Do you have any stories you’d like to share from your time at Ghibli?
Yoichi Nishikawa: Japanese animation has to be completed within a limited time frame, so many projects were difficult, but there was also a sense of unity with each other.
The joy when a movie is completed becomes an unforgettable memory every time.
Anime Herald: What would you say you’ve learned from Yoji Takeshige?
Yoichi Nishikawa: Everything from the basics of painting to its application, the role of background art in animation, and how to present it. Mr. Takeshige in particular has a unique way of using colors, and he taught me a lot about how to combine them.
I still can’t imitate him at all, though.
Anime Herald: You’ve said that the director for “Houseki no Kuni” (Land of the Lustrous) helped you grow as an artist. What specifically did Takahiko Kyōgoku do that helped you develop as an artist?
Yoichi Nishikawa: Compared to the genre I usually work in, his demands were refreshingly different – I felt that I was able to paint a lot of new things.
(For example, until then I had used colors with a realistic approach. But in “Houseki No Kuni”, I learned to let go and paint with stronger colors. I learned how to show each color ‘calmly’ to make sure none was too overpowering.)
Anime Herald: You’ve worked with Yoshiaki Nishimura of Studio Ponoc to try and teach the next generation traditional hand-drawn background animation techniques.
Yoichi Nishikawa: Do you mean Deho gallery? Then yes, it was a successful project. However, given the time, limited staff, and budget, I think it would be difficult to continue hand-drawn animation.
I’ve already left the company, so unfortunately I don’t know their current situation.
Anime Herald: How would you say the animation industry has changed over the past few decades?
Yoichi Nishikawa: I think I’d say the biggest influence has been America’s shift to digitalization and 3D animation.
The way we work has also changed dramatically.
I feel that the era of working all the time without sleep is over, and the idea of taking a good rest when you need it is finally spreading over the past few years. That said, it is still a workaholic industry…
Anime Herald: In 2017 you said you wanted to try doing various things in the future.
What are your plans for the future?
Yoichi Nishikawa: I’ve decided to have a solo exhibition and workshop in the U.S. once a year while still being based in Japan. I hope that this will be a good opportunity for new work and for us to further absorb each other’s culture.
Anime Herald: Love Live! is one of the few anime to take place in Shizuoka. Did you visit Numazu before or during your time working on “Love Live! Superstar!!” If so, any thoughts or comments on Numazu or Shizuoka? his family lives in Numazu, so I have to ask.)
Yoichi Nishikawa: I believe Love Live! Sunshine!! takes place in Shizuoka and Superstar in Harajuku, so I didn’t go to Shizuoka. However, I heard that thanks to the show, it has become quite lively and the population has increased. (There is also the fact that the excessive behavior of the fans is causing trouble to the people of the city, so please do not cause any trouble to the residents.)
Anime Herald: How long does it take you to paint a piece like “Ouchijuku Winter Morning?”
Yoichi Nishikawa: About 16 to 20 hours over two days.
Anime Herald: Are there any mistakes that you’ve made in your career that you talk about so that other people won’t make the same mistake?
Yoichi Nishikawa: It’s a small industry where good rumors and bad rumors spread quickly, so be careful! (laugh)
Anime Herald: What is a “day in the life” for you during the week?
Yoichi Nishikawa: Being able to spend my time how I want to has been a big change. Now that I have a wife and a dog, the time the three of us spend together is very relaxing and important to me.
Anime Herald: Did you cry when working on or watching Wolf Children?
Yoichi Nishikawa: No. Since I’m on the creative side of the work, I usually don’t cry because I can’t see the film objectively. Not just with this one, but for many other movies as well.
Anime Herald: Are you currently reading any manga? What is your favorite all-time manga?
Yoichi Nishikawa: I’m currently reading “Kinnikuman”, my favorite manga ever since I was little.
I look forward to reading the sequel that began recently.
Anime Herald: Are you currently watching any anime? If so, what are you currently watching?
Yoichi Nishikawa: Demon Slayer
Anime Herald: What is your favorite all-time animated work?
Yoichi Nishikawa: The Hunchback of Notre Dame
For those of you who are interested in checking out more of his work, you can find it at Gallery Nucleus.
If you are interested in seeing his process, you can find a video of him working on YouTube.
Thanks to Mr. Nishikawa for granting this interview. Thanks to Gallery Nucleus for setting the interview up and providing translation.
