Ninja Scroll Director Yoshiaki Kawajiri Discusses Its Impact on Anime (Exclusive)

In 1993, Yoshiaki Kawajiri couldn’t have foreseen the monumental impact his film, Ninja Scroll, would have on the world. Debuting to critical acclaim, the anime has become one of the most influential releases of all time. Its action and raw animation are legendary.

To mark the 30th anniversary, Yoshiaki Kawajiri looked back at the success and legacy of Ninja Scroll. Discussing its humble origins and profound influence on modern anime, Yoshiaki shared insights from decades of experience in a conversation with ComicBook.

Reflecting on the film’s 30th anniversary, Yoshiaki expressed pride in the legacy of their hand-drawn animation. Creating every frame without digital technology contributes to the film’s enduring appeal.

Yoshiaki spoke about the inspiration behind Ninja Scroll, mentioning how childhood manga readings like Mitsuteru Yokoyama’s “Iga no Kagemaru” and Sanpei Shirato’s works influenced him. In high school, he found Futaro Yamada’s novels, which fueled his desire to create an animation based on historical ninja tales, but with a fresh twist that resonated globally.

Action sequences play a pivotal role in Ninja Scroll’s lasting impact. Yoshiaki recalled how crafting these scenes was pure joy, stating that drawing action made him lose track of time, while everyday sequences posed more significant challenges.

Even after three decades, Ninja Scroll captivates viewers with its visceral storytelling. Yoshiaki credits the unique settings and dynamic action scenes set in a Japanese period context as key elements that fascinated international audiences.

Ninja Scroll frequently features in lists of anime’s most influential films. Yoshiaki feels deeply honored by the film’s esteemed reputation. He shared that the movie aimed for a global audience, highlighting his ambition to make a unique and compelling film unlike any seen before.

As the anime industry has evolved over the years, Yoshiaki noted significant changes since Ninja Scroll’s release. He highlighted the increasing diversity in international animation projects and expressed happiness if Ninja Scroll inspired such developments. He mentioned being thrilled if the film paved the way for new genres and titles like “Blue-Eyed Samurai.”

Ninja Scroll returns to theaters in the U.S. and Canada on September 11, 12, and 15, featuring an exclusive pre-show interview with Yoshiaki Kawajiri filmed in Tokyo for the 30th-anniversary release. Advance tickets and a complete list of theater locations are available at AX Cinema Nights.

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Source: ComicBook