JPHiP was fortunate enough to have an interview with Hidekazu Ohara, a popular animation director, during J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL 2013. Not only has Mr. Ohara worked as a key animator on such titles as Akira, Kogepan, and Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, he also directed the music video for seiyuu idol group Sweety’s collaboration with Toyota and the PES project, “My Line.” Read on for our exclusive interview!

Question: What anime did you watch as a child, and did anything in particular influence your style?

Answer: Pierre the cat – it was also the first anime I worked on. I think it was fate!

Question: Why did they choose an eggplant (Nasubi) as the image character for this campaign?

Answer: It was the company’s (Toyota’s) decision.

Question: What of your work would you recommend to someone who is new to your work?

Answer: My Shiseido commercial – please look it up on Youtube!

Question: Please tell us something that you want people to know about your work, and you!

Answer: Currently I’m working as a visual concept designer in Japan, but please look up my work on youtube!

Thank you to Mr. Ohara and Toyota for letting us have this exclusive interview! Check out Sweety’s “My Line” below, and look up his other work on Youtube!

Photos: Nights4Saturn