Stagnation of Japanese Animation
Maruyama attributes this stagnation to the excessive exploitation of kawaii, a style that emphasizes very cute and childlike characters, such as Hello Kitty or Pokémon’s Pikachu. This highly popular genre would hinder the entire industry in Japan and weaken its creativity compared to American giant Disney or French animation.
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Current Project: Pluto
The desire to perpetuate the works of Osamu Tezuka, a pioneer of Japanese animation, prompted Maruyama to embark on his current project, Pluto. The series, scheduled to air on Netflix this year, is adapted from a manga by Naoki Urasawa, which is itself inspired by the world of Astro Boy, Tezuka’s most famous creation.
“The more difficult, painful, and overwhelming a project is, the more it stimulates me,” says Maruyama, hoping to remain committed “as long as my body and mind will allow.”
Despite his concerns, Maruyama admits that his career is nearing its end. Last year, he organized his own joyful fake funeral, his face painted white like a ghost to entertain his friends and colleagues. “I thought to myself at that moment: ‘I’ve had a good life.'”
This article was written based on information provided by Le Figaro newspaper website here.
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