- Interview Location: Anime Expo 2026
- Interview Format: In-person, One-on-One
Anime Herald:Aoashihas proven to be rather popular. What do you think has led to its success?
Juinichi Katsutani: We’ve been told that real sports animation has a difficult path to success. Nevertheless, soccer is a very popular major sport. We believe Aoashi’s success is based on the fact we are very focused on the human drama and the story. I think that was moving for the audience. Ashito comes from a very small city and goes to Tokyo. His story and character growth connected with much of the audience.
Anime Herald: What would you like our readers to know about the upcoming second season?
Juinichi Katsutani: In season two, Ashito moves up to HM. He meets the older, upper-level players. There are more characters in season two compared to season one. They have their own great drama. I think that’s different from season one.
The other thing is the depiction of the matches. We’re using motion capture CG. We’re aiming for a realistic dynamic depiction of the game.
Anime Herald: What is your origin story? How did you decide to enter the industry?
Juinichi Katsutani: I majored in character law, specifically copyright law in university. After I graduated, I got a job doing licensing for Pokémon and other such titles.
About eight years, I became interested in developing and producing animation. I moved to the production division. Also, I play soccer. I really love Aoashi, so I became a producer of Aoashi.
Anime Herald: I notice you are wearing a captain’s armband. What position do you play and how did you earn the captain’s armband?
Juinichi Katsutani: I play side midfielder. I have never been a team captain. I just like wearing the armband. (Laughs)
Anime Herald: Has the World Cup affected the production process for season two at all?
Juinichi Katsutani: It hasn’t really affected the production at all. It was a coincidence that season one was at the same time as the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Of course, soccer is a very popular sport worldwide. The excitement has been nice.
Anime Herald: Do you have any questions for us?
Juinichi Katsutani: As I mentioned earlier, it is understood that it is hard to succeed with sports animation. What do you think American fans appreciated about Aoashi?
Anime Herald: Surely you are familiar withSlam DunkandHaikyu!!. It’s about the human relationships. Yes, we watch the games, but what is important is how these games affect the people involved.
I think the original sports anime wasStar of Giants. That was about a father and son. The father helped the son succeed through some very painful practice.
I think the other original sports anime was boxing,Ashita no Joe. Again, it was the human drama of what the main character goes through.
Juinichi Katsutani: I’ve come to Anime Expo three times. Do you see changes in the trends in anime fans in North America?
Anime Herald: Yes. One of the changes is cosplay. Originally, cosplay was something someone had to create from scratch. Now, people can purchase a costume online and tailor it. Cosplay has become much more common and professional.
We now have second generation anime fans. Their parents watched anime. It’s now a normal thing inside of their home.
We now have people riding trains, watching anime on their phones and listening to it through their earbuds. Anime has become mainstream.
Juinichi Katsutani: Thank you very much.
Anime Herald: Thank you.
