Yoshitaka Amano Interview – Acclaimed Artist Talks ZAN & More

Known for his work on such timeless properties as Final Fantasy and Vampire Hunter D, Acclaimed Artist Yoshitaka Amano‘s next magnum opus is the hand-drawn anime ZAN.

We recently spoke with Yoshitaka Amano regarding ZAN and more – learn more with our interview…

Yoshitaka Amano Interview – Acclaimed Artist Talks ZAN & More

Gamers Heroes

Congrats on the formation of Yoshitaka Amano Inc. in Los Angeles!

I saw your passionate team celebrates the importance of hand-drawn art on paper – what do you hope fans will notice more than anything else in ZAN?

Yoshitaka Amano

Thank you.

I hope people enjoy ZAN as an entertainment work built around my own original “dark fantasy” world.

Gamers Heroes

I saw you mentioned you want ZAN to be “a fully scaled international brand” – how are you looking to captivate a global audience with your work? 

Yoshitaka Amano

My artwork has always been active globally, not just in Japan, so I want to develop it in various ways while drawing in audiences from all over the world.

Gamers Heroes

What have been some of your favorite experiences working alongside other incredible talent like Masashi Ikeda, Toru Yoshida, Moriyasu Taniguchi, Ryōsuke Takahashi, Yuya Takashima, and Kunio Ôkawara?

Yoshitaka Amano

I’m right in the middle of working with these wonderful creators as we speak.I think the memorable experiences will keep piling up from here. 

The fact that everyone gathered because they wanted to create this work together is itself the first memorable experience.

Gamers Heroes

What are some key learnings from places like Tatsunoko Production you are looking to apply to your work on ZAN?

Yoshitaka Amano

During my time at Tatsunoko Production, I came to know just how demanding anime production can be, so honestly, part of me didn’t want to do it again.

But my desire to create the ZAN anime grew stronger than that hesitation, and that’s how I ended up doing it. 

I think everything I learned at Tatsunoko will come into play here.

Gamers Heroes

I saw you also announced the expansion of your large-scale “AMANO” Art & Entertainment exhibition! 

What are you looking forward to the most regarding this expansion?

Yoshitaka Amano

I’m really looking forward to seeing the work expand from art into the world of entertainment.

I’m happy that my work can broaden its range of expression in new ways, and going forward I want to collaborate even more with a wider variety of entertainment media, works, and creators.

Gamers Heroes

From Anime Expo to Toycon Philippines to other events, what are some of your favorite community stories?

Yoshitaka Amano

No matter which country I visit, people welcome me just as warmly. I always feel the fans’ passion and energy.

Gamers Heroes

Finally, what advice would you give to the next generation looking to follow in your incredible footsteps?

Yoshitaka Amano

Just keep drawing your own work, without hesitation. 

If you keep believing in your own worldview and continue to express and create, something will definitely come into view beyond it.

Learn more about Yoshitaka Amano Inc. via its official website, and learn more about ZAN via its respective website.

One can also stay connected with Yoshitaka Amano by following his official Twitter/X and Instagram social media channels.

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