Mokochan, the director behind Science SARU’s latest adaptation of Masamune Shirow’s Ghost in The Shell series, has been drawing attention not just for his work on the anime, but also for his unconventional approach to animation and directing. Last week, he revealed that his strategy for a faithful adaptation of the original manga was to “seek spiritual communion” with Shirow and even pray to an imaginary image of the (still very much alive) author. Now, the origin of Mokochan’s peculiar nickname has sparked interest among Japanese anime fans.
In a recent interview with Pen Online, Mokochan – whose anime career began with a passion for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and was strengthened through his contributions to the Dandadan anime – states that his nickname is no laughing matter. “There was a time when I thought to myself, ‘Just discard your ego and become a drawing machine!’ and from that moment, I started thinking of myself as Mokochan. I’m not fooling around with it, I believe it’s my own way of taking responsibility with sincerity,” he says.
In line with his “drawing machine” philosophy, Mokochan asserts he has “absolutely no intention” to impose his personal sensibilities when working on anime. Instead of individual flair, he deems “physicality” to be far more critical for anime production.
As he elaborates, “Animation production involves enormous and complex organizations, with people fulfilling a wide variety of roles. The process is highly specialized, and there are times when, rather than expressing originality, what’s required is the technical ability to draw according to instructions. But the moment something passes through your own hands and becomes your output, it inevitably begins to bear the imprint of its creator. Once I came to trust that kind of physical signature, I stopped feeling any particular need to express myself.” According to Mokochan, this perspective of his has not changed even now that he’s made his directorial debut.
The Ghost in The Shell anime is airing now via Prime Video.