Interview:Anime Expo (July 2017)

A series of interviews with Hirohiko Araki conducted by VIZ Media, the latest of which was released on October 25, 2020.

Interview
VIZ Media interviews with Araki.

"JoJo's Bizarre Adventure and Fashion (October 07/2017)

Q: Do you watch fashion shows for inspiration? Were there any fashion campaigns that inspired JoJo's?

A: I look at fashion magazines, go to fashion shows at times, check out clothing on display at the mall. I try to examine and study various fashion designs.

Q: Do you have a favorite designer of all time?

A: My favorite designer of all time, since I debuted in the 80's, is Moschino. He has since then passed away. He blends humor with beauty. He also used symbols in his designs and various techniques and I really liked all of that. As for others, I like Italian brands such as Gucci or Versace. I think they're wonderful.

Q: How do you think the fashion of JoJo's fit into today's world of fashion?

A: There's what's known as the "JoJo pose", a fashion pose. It's heavily influenced by Rome, Roman sculptures and their poses. The modern day fashion industry can also trace its roots back to the Romans. It's really a universal thing. I believe that makes the JoJo fashion perfect for the modern fashion world.

Q: Are there any designers working today you enjoy? Throughts on any current fashion trends?

A: Designers today? They're all so great. Each and every one of them is truly impressive.

Q: Did you ever dream of becoming a fashion designer?

A: No! I'm a mangaka. Mangaka are mangaka. I'll stick to designing within the world of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. I appreciate your continued support for JoJo's Bizarre Adventure!

Araki Sensei Talks Diamond is Unbreakable. (January 27/2020)

Q: Where did the inspiration for Part 4 come from?

A: Diamond is Unbreakable is set in Japan, in a town called Morioh. It's a fictitious town, but I modeled it after an area of Sendai City in Miyagi Prefecture, where I was born and raised. The unusual people who live there... The mysterious people next door... The suspense and fear they engender - they became my inspiration. The idea was to create a closed city. So the Stands weren't the type that were actively moving ready to attack. There are also Stands that lurk and wait for you at home.

Q: Who is your favorite character in Part 4?

A: That would be Josuke... Up through Stardust Crusaders, the main character was like a mythical person... If the main character of Stardust Crusaders is like the hero in Greek myth, then the main character in "Diamond is Unbreakable" is the friend next door.

Q: Like your average Joe ?

A: Yes, an everyday likable character next door that possesses a Stand.

Q: What is your favorite Stand from Part 4?

A: For me, it's Shigechi's. His flaws and trashiness are adorable. He picks up stuff off the ground - I mean, who does that? But that's pretty scary.

Q: I know what you mean.

A: That's the appeal of Diamond is Unbreakable.

Q: Did you base the antagonist Rohan Kishibe off yourself?

A: He's not modeled after me, but I'm fascinated by him.

Q: Many people say he was.

A: I get that a lot, but that's not true. To him, life is art. Art is more important than human life.

Q: Right, that's the only thing he's interested in.

A: That's right.

Q: So that character isn't like you?

A: No, I value human life more.

Q: What do you remember most about writing JoJo's Bizarre Adventure?

A: I'd have to say Morioh Town - whether it's in Diamond is Unbreakable or later arcs. I enjoyed drawing the feeling of everyday life. I wanted to do a "mythical" manga involving superpowers and the like, but Diamond is Unbreakable gets closer to everyday life and that makes it feel more real. I had fun doing it.

Q: In America, many fans dress up as JoJo characters. What are your thoughts on that?

A: They look great. Their cosplay looks like CG, and they're totally in character. They do JoJo poses that, back when I drew them, I thought couldn't be done. I'm amazed. The level is great. The cosplay is so much better than back when I first wrote JoJo.

Q: They do it in groups.

A: It's beautiful.

Q: Do you ever see a possibility of making a visit to America?

A: Definitely, if the opportunity presents itself. If I can eat delicious food and meet movie star Benicio del Toro, I want to go.

Q: Maybe someone here has connections.

A: I'd like to go at least once so I can attend Comic Con.

Q: Do you have a message for American fans?

A: I'd like fans in America to be well and enjoy JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure will be introducing many new characters in both manga and anime. Please, look forward to it! Take care, everyone!

--- Araki Sensei Talks Golden Wind (October 24/2020)

Q: What is unique about Golden Wind?

A: Golden Wind deals with the sorrow of being born - about having no choice in life or only one place where one belongs. The sadness of a character that exists only in the dark underbelly of society. Human relationships, friends versus enemies, the beauty of betrayal... Those are the themes. It deals with the mafia... Can I use that term? Those are the motifs for the Stand battles. The men are important. Beautiful men.

Q: Beautiful men? There are women, too, right?

A: Yes, there are but drawing beautiful men was the main focus. The beauty in meeting one's doom... Men who can only exist in that world.

Q: How did you approach the character designs in Golden Wind?

A: I patterned Giorno's hair curls after Michelango's David. I got the idea from the curls around the forehead. Even the feathers. The curls came from sculptures and Italian motifs.

Q: Did you go to art museums and stuff?

A: Yes, of course. I wanted the characters, sculptures and fashion to be in the style of Rome. The fashionable people of Italy who bear the sadness of history.

Q: Who is your favorite character from Golden Wind?

A: There are many, but the one I enjoyed drawing was Mista. I love how his Stand fires from pistols. Mista is a positive fellow. He accepts himself, and is true to himself without doubts. I like that. On the Hitman team, it'd have to be Prosciutto - his brotherly relationship with his junior.

Q: Pesci?

A: Yes, Pesci. I like that. Their brotherly banter is great... The way his Stand accelerated aging seemed fun, even for me as the artist. There isn't a character I don't like. I even like all the antagonists.

Q: The ending of the Golden Wind anime uses R&B group Jodeci's "Freek'N You". Was this your choice?

A: I wanted to use gangster rap, but we went with a slower-pace song by Jodeci, who are great singers. There's a JoJo's in Jodeci.

Q: Yes, there is.

A: Maybe that wasn't a coincidence either. But they were selected.

Q: Do you have a message for American fans?

A: I'd like fans in America to be well and enjoy JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure will be introducing many new characters in both manga and anime. Please, look forward to it! Take care, everyone!"