Ethan Carter
In no time, Bones Film’s adaptation of Kei Urana’s acclaimed Kodansha manga, Gachiakuta, has emerged as a standout anime, with fans eagerly anticipating how its second season will solidify its reputation as a leading series in the genre. While the wait continues to see how Rudo and his companions will elevate expectations as the stylish new battle anime, we have exclusive insights from the Japanese creatives pivotal to the success of its first season. We’re also offering a glimpse into the creative process behind this captivating series.
At Anime Expo, io9 had the opportunity to interview Gachiakuta director Fumihiko Suganuma and voice actor Aoi Ichikawa, exploring their motivations for adapting the manga into anime, their strategies for navigating sensitive scenes, and their perspectives on the series’ expanding fanbase.
Isaiah Colbert, io9: What elements of Gachiakuta initially sparked your interest in creating this anime adaptation?
Aoi Ichikawa: I felt a strong connection to Rudo’s character, as he embodies raw anger. This emotional intensity drives his existence, and I find that I resonate with those passionate feelings.
Fumihiko Suganuma: I was captivated by the original manga’s unique art style. It stands apart from many current trends in Japan, showcasing originality and strength that drew me in.
io9: Were there specific scenes during production that presented challenges, ultimately making their realization more rewarding?
Ichikawa: The first episode posed significant challenges due to how [Rudo] experiences a fall from grace. This pivotal moment is crucial for conveying Rudo’s anger and motivations. Capturing this essence was difficult, yet it’s foundational to Rudo’s character throughout the series.
Watching the completed footage during the broadcast of episode one was a transformative experience. It felt like the true beginning of Gachiakuta. I felt a profound sense of accomplishment, as it was a heartfelt moment—“This is where it all begins.”
Suganuma: The latter stages of anime production are often a race against time. I made many challenging requests of my team, pushing for numerous corrections. I am deeply thankful for their dedication, as we successfully delivered each episode on schedule, which was immensely satisfying.
io9: One particularly impactful storyline was Amo’s arc, especially her deep conversation with Rudo about their differing ideals. How did you both approach this scene with the necessary sensitivity and care?
Ichikawa: I focused on the emotional dynamics while reading the script and the manga. Rudo and Amo’s emotions are not fully reciprocated. Their feelings are one-sided, lacking true dialogue. I realized I needed to detach my personal emotions as an actor, as Rudo does not share the same experiences.
Suganuma: The entire Amo arc deals with sensitive themes. My approach is to present these moments in a straightforward manner, avoiding sensationalism. The dialogue is crucial and should resonate with the audience, so I ensured the visuals supported, rather than overshadowed, the spoken words.
io9: Gachiakuta stands out in the shonen genre with its unique blend of graffiti art and a hip-hop-inspired soundtrack, creating a cultural bridge between Japan and Black culture in America through memes, fan art, and cosplay. What does this cultural significance mean to you as creators involved in this adaptation?
Ichikawa: I’m thrilled by the community that has formed around the series. Fans express their passion through cosplay, fan art, and more, which is heartwarming. It’s wonderful to see everyone coming together in appreciation of Gachiakuta.
Suganuma: I echo that sentiment. It’s gratifying to witness the positive reception. I wasn’t initially familiar with graffiti and hip-hop culture, but this experience has inspired me to learn more about these influences to enhance my work.
io9: Given that Gachiakuta features a magic system centered around the emotional significance of objects, what everyday item from your life would serve as a fitting “giver” object within the anime’s universe?
Ichikawa: My “giver” object would be my script. It’s essential to my role as Rudo, defining my world and character.
Suganuma: I would choose manga as my object. My love for manga has always inspired me, and it prompts me to think about what it would be like to create my own manga. My passion for reading has influenced my desire to be part of the industry in a different capacity, while still enjoying it as a fan.
Gachiakuta season 2 is currently in production.
io9 is on-site at Anime Expo 2026, providing coverage of major panels, screenings, and announcements, along with exclusive interviews with the creators of some of the most notable anime. Stay tuned for all of io9’s Anime Expo updates.
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Daniel Mercer
Brandon Fletcher
