It all started with a HEROMAN figure. Interview with Shigeto Koyama, concept designer of "Baymax!

Baymax " (released on December 20) is a Disney animated film set in San Fransokyo, a fictional city that looks like a combination of Tokyo and San Francisco.

The film depicts the courage of a lone boy genius "Hiro" who, together with Baymax, a care robot created by his late brother to protect people's minds and bodies, recovers the irreplaceable bond they have lost and takes risks to find out the truth behind his brother's death. The film is about courage, taking risks and searching for the truth of his brother's death.

We spoke with Shigeto Koyama, who was in charge of the concept of Baymax's robot design, with its white, round, airy body and waddling gait, in a worldview that respects Japanese culture.

--I heard that "HEROMAN" (2010) was the inspiration for this concept design.

Yes, to be precise, it was the "HEROMAN" figure (Bandai's "ROBOT Soul"). When Director Don Hall and the rest of the main staff were visiting Japan for interviews, they found a ROBOT Soul of "HEROMAN" in Akihabara, and I happened to have a chance to meet Director Don at a dinner party. He showed me the ROBOT Soul of "HEROMAN. I told him that I had designed the robot, and he said, "That's an interesting coincidence! Director Don was also surprised. I said, "Well, if you ever need any help, will you help me? I said, "Yes, of course," and we parted ways. Later that day, Disney Studios really contacted me and said, "Let's do it.

--So that was after "HEROMAN," so three or four years ago?

It was after the broadcast of the animation, so I think it was 2011. Due to the Lehman Shock and other factors, "HEROMAN" was not broadcast in North America. Of course, the software had not been released, so not many people in North America knew about "HEROMAN. Therefore, Director Don picked up "HEROMAN" without any preconceptions, thinking it was an interesting toy on sale, based solely on its design. From an American point of view, it must have looked like a very strange type of robot with a face.

--At the time, you were working on the "Baymax" project, weren't you?

I had heard, at least vaguely, that a project called "Big Hero 6" (the original title of "Baymax") was in the works.

--So - did the Don directors come to Japan to gather material for their new film?

Yes, they came to Japan to take pictures of Japanese landscapes and to buy art books and figurines. They went to Toru Narita's exhibition, and in any case, they were thoroughly researching Japanese special effects, animation, and cityscapes.

--You didn't come to Japan to scout for Japanese staff, did you?

I don't think that was the case. Illustrator Tadahiro Uesugi participated as a concept artist for San Fransokyo, where the story takes place, but I don't think he was chosen because he is Japanese. Mr. Uesugi is also involved in overseas animation ("Coraline and the Button Witch") and is a very good illustrator, so I think he was chosen because of his ability.

--In "Fireball," Mr. Hitoshi Fukuchi designed the main character's robot.

It was a wonderful job by Mr. Fukuchi and Mr. Yanase (Takayuki). However, "Fireball" was produced by Disney Japan, so the studio and staff were in Japan, while "Baymax" was produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios in Japan, so I think the production method is quite different. However, I have friends at Pixar and Nickelodeon studios, and I had some understanding of the American production style, so I was able to participate in the project without much discomfort.

--Did you have an ambition to participate in a Disney film someday?

I like American comics and cartoons, so I had a vague idea that I wanted to participate in overseas productions. However, even if I wanted to do something so ambitious, it is unlikely that I would be allowed to do it so easily. ...... (laughs). This time, I had the straightforward feeling of "helping a friend I happened to know with a project.

Recommended Articles