Interview with Animator and Illustrator Masashi Kudō at FicZone 2019

This interview with Masashi Kudō, conducted during FicZone 2019 in Granada (Spain), offers a detailed insight into the professional trajectory and creative methodology of one of the key figures in contemporary Japanese animation. Best known for his extensive work on Bleach, Kudō discusses his experience in adapting manga into anime, emphasising the challenges of maintaining fidelity to the original artistic vision while enhancing character dynamism and visual expressiveness. The interview addresses central aspects of animation production, including character design, key animation (genga), storyboarding, and directing, as well as the differences between television series and animated feature films in terms of workflow, quality standards, and production constraints. Kudō also reflects on his collaborations with Tite Kubo, his work across multiple studios such as Studio Pierrot, and his involvement in video game-related projects, highlighting the specific requirements of character design for 3D environments. Furthermore, the interview explores the evolution of artistic styles over long-running series, the role of digital tools in contemporary animation, and the increasing interconnection between anime and video game industries. This document constitutes a valuable primary source for the study of anime production practices, transmedia storytelling, and Japanese popular culture in the 21st century. Originally published in Spanish on CoolJapan.es