Shinichiro Watanabe’s works hold a special place in the history of anime. His originality and creativity are unmatched. Even among the many gems that he has created over the years, Cowboy Bebop was way ahead of its time, and continues to maintain a special presence in the anime community even now. What makes Cowboy Bebop so iconic is its influence and it’s impact in the West. The exceptional musical score and the spectacular animation won hearts.
One could argue that its charm is unparalleled to this day. While the series is anything but simple, Watanabe’s demeanor is marked by humility and simplicity.
Shinichiro Watanabe on Cowboy Bebop’s Performance in the West
During the production of Cowboy Bebop, the focus of makers was on the process rather than the outcome. Upon being asked about his thoughts on the impact of Cowboy Bebop in the States, Watanabe shares (via Anime News Network) that during the production, they just did what they enjoyed, the rest just came as a surprise.
Back when Cowboy Bebop was in production, we never knew that Japanese anime would have any impact overseas, so we totally didn’t see Westerners being exposed to the show. We just made what we enjoyed making, and the fact that it got accepted in the west at all was the most surprising thing.
Shinichiro Watanabe is the embodiment of self assurance. Hearing him talk about his craft reflects the confidence he has in it and the expertise he has achieved. Despite being one of the best directors, his response comes from a place of humility. Watanabe further speaks about growing up with American movies, so knowing that the Americans enjoy his work to such an extent made him happy. He knew the impact was big when he saw a cosplayer bringing Ed to life.
Watanabe’s Directorial Approach and the state of the Animation Industry
Before Space Dandy released, Watanabe shared his desire to create something new and unconventional. He always aspires to challenge himself to create something extraordinary, without getting stuck in a pattern of how something should be done.
While Watanabe is known for his original works, he also worked on the anime adaptation of ‘Kids on Slope‘. He was extremely conscious of not to simply adapt the story, but to bring out its goodness. By doing that, he fulfilled the vision he had for the story of the two lonely boys in Kids on Slope.
I feel that current animation trends are a bit toned down. Things could be bigger and more extravagant in anime. That’s what I’d like to express.
Besides his directorial approach, Watanabe is renowned for his excellent sense of music. The fusion of Jazz with a sprinkle of pop is a memorable experience for every fan. As both the director and the music producer, he carefully curates what music will be used and at which point in his works. He ensures that the music adds to the feel of the moment.
However, when working for others, he focuses on his own job without interfering with the director’s work. With that approach, he has brought numerous stories to life that we hold dear.
Cowboy Bebop is available to stream on Netflix.
