For renowned TV animation producer Michihiko Suwa, dreams really do come true.
When Suwa was a new graduate, he never imagined he would become one of the most respected animation producers in Japan.
'When I had my job interview with Yomiuri Telecasting Corp. for the producer position, I only casually mentioned that I loved anime,' he tells SYP. 'Then three years after working on variety shows, I was given this opportunity to produce animation series.'
His big break came in 1987 when he became the man behind City Hunter. The widespread success of the series in Japan and Hong Kong brought him fame and more opportunities. Over the last 18 years, almost all of this series have become hits with Asian youth. His most celebrated productions include Kindaichi Files, Detective Conan and Inuyasha.
If it wasn't for his passion of comics and animation, Suwa, now 45, says he would not have stayed in the industry for so long. 'For me it's interesting work,' he says. 'I just love comics.'
Most of Suwa's productions are screen adaptions of popular comic series. When choosing a new comic to work on, he says he always considers if it has an interesting plot. But his creativity is never confined to what appears in the original book.
'It's like baking a cake,' he says. 'My job is how to make a good cake, which is already there, to taste better. I might add have to add some cream or fruit on top.'
