Exploring New Horizons in Anime: An Interview with Goro Taniguchi
During Anime Expo 2025, Honey’s Anime had the privilege of interviewing renowned director Goro Taniguchi, celebrated for his work on Code Geass. This discussion centered around his latest innovative project as the creative producer for *Enter the Garden*, a groundbreaking anime developed by Azuki in partnership with Dentsu. Notable for its unique blend of American streetwear influences and soft Eastern aesthetics, *Enter the Garden* represents a significant shift from customary Japanese anime production methods. Taniguchi shared insights into artistic freedom, creative ideology, and how azuki’s community is redefining anime creation.
The Shift from Traditional to Experimental
How has your experience with Azuki differed from your previous work within conventional Eastern animation pipelines?
In my past projects, I typically adapted existing narratives into animated formats. However, collaborating with Azuki was different; there was no pre-existing material to draw upon.This process began with me questioning whether we were heading in the right direction and then sharing my ideas with Azuki. While some suggestions were not accepted, what stood out was our ongoing dialogue throughout this journey.My role involved understanding azuki’s vision and translating that into animation—a dynamic that contrasts sharply with working alongside traditional Japanese publishers or studios focused on manga or light novels. So far, this collaboration has been both refreshing and stimulating.
A Fusion of Cultures
*Enter the Garden* seems heavily influenced by contemporary American street style combined with subtle Eastern elements. Can you elaborate on what inspired this aesthetic?
Initially, we engaged closely with the team at Azuki to understand their interests and preferences as well as existing fan art styles they admired. From those discussions, we selected elements that resonated well or felt exciting to us creatively. Our team members who grasped these concepts played pivotal roles in shaping Episodes 1 thru 3.
Cultural Influences Moving Forward
Are there intentions to incorporate cultural elements from other countries in future episodes?
if I insisted on including various cultural references now it could stifle creativity among our staff—something I want to avoid at all costs.
I believe granting my team creative autonomy leads to superior results.
As an example,in Episode 1, I assigned artists who had backgrounds outside typical anime production; whereas for Episode 2, I chose individuals familiarized themselves specifically within late-20th-century anime styles.< h2 >Character Advancement insights < div >< p >< strong >What can you tell me about character development? Are they influenced by either your vision or Azuki’s corporate philosophy? < div >< p >In Episode 1,the world setting reflects an idea conceived by Azuki; however,the characters themselves were crafted under our guidance. In < span class='highlight' >Episode 2 , we introduced characters created by Azuki but directed their portrayal according to my vision.
As for < span class='highlight' >Episode 3 ,which is still unreleased,both characters and settings have been designed further expand upon our interpretation of what makes up an ideal depiction of their brand.< h2 >Innovative Animation Techniques < div >< p > < strong>If you’re discussing advancements in art style and animation techniques—what exactly do you mean? Are you referring specifically towards methods like rotoscoping or stop-motion animation?< div > < p> It’s not merely about employing techniques just because they exist—it revolves around philosophical approaches regarding how best visual storytelling can convey ideas effectively.
If stop-motion serves that purpose well enough then we’ll utilize it! Yet technique remains secondary compared against narrative intent—the core focus should always lie within delivering compelling messages visually!
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Evolution Through Feedback
Between Episodes 1 & 2 of *Enter The Garden*, noticeable evolution occurred regarding animation quality—how did feedback shape this process?
This has indeed been a journey! Initially,I had set plans laid out already concerning episodes two & three—but after completing episode one,Auzki provided fresh suggestions reflecting audience input.I didn’t perceive these recommendations solely coming from corporate channels,rather more so requests stemming directly from fans’ voices! Thus adjustments were made accordingly based off those insights.Anime functions as business yes,yet also serves its viewers—their contributions considerably influence project direction.
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The Message Behind Enter The Garden
What message do you hope audiences will take away through *Enter The Garden*?
As creators,we aim primarily express messages via storytelling mediums themselves—that’s why I’m passionate about producing content like this! What sets apart this endeavor lies within its attentiveness towards audience engagement interpreting their sentiments into animated form—that truly matters most!
Is there an intention behind attracting more creators into Auzki’s community through this series?
My ambition extends beyond merely catering exclusively toward auzki’s niche market—I aspire reaching broader audiences across entire anime landscape! If prosperous,this could possibly draw additional talent toward auzki itself—which would be something I’d genuinely celebrate.As such if people recognize growing interest surrounding *Enter The garden*,that’d indicate success!
Collaborating with Industry Legends
Working alongside esteemed figures like Tatsuyuki Tanaka must provide unique experiences—how do foster similar environments conducive creativity among seasoned professionals?
The answer lies quite simply—in establishing clear boundaries upfront regarding each individual’s responsibilities while defining overall project goals first before anything else.Mr.Tanaka understood precisely where his expertise lay thus allowing him operate freely without interference unless crossing established lines occurs.This mutual respect fosters positive atmosphere devoid unnecessary conflicts.
Goro Taniguchi’s approach towards creating *Enter The Garden* exemplifies balance between personal artistic expression coupled collaborative efforts involving both Auzki along emerging communities alike.This experimental venture transcends mere breaking conventions surrounding design/production—it explores potentialities arising when fan engagement meets corporate aspirations guided experienced leadership together moving forward.With upcoming episodes anticipated along evolving narratives,* Enter The garden* may very well serve blueprint paving way new era concerning how animators innovate beyond geographical confines.
Illustrator / Editor / Translator