Mecha Personnel Profile: Hirotoshi Takaya – A One-of-a-kind Character Designer
Character design is always a stage of great importance in the production of anime of any genre, for many different reasons. For mecha anime series, character design is as significant as mechanical design, because the pilots are the soul not only of the robots but also of the story. Understanding this, Sunrise studio keeps many talented and experienced designers close, one of whom is Hirotoshi Takaya, a character designer and animator with a distinctive and unique style.
I. Background:
Hirotoshi Takaya was born in Tokyo in August 1965. After graduating from technical college, he worked in the construction industry but decided to resign from it. Although he aspired to be a manga artist, he became fascinated with animation and became an animator. Initially, he joined Miyuki Productions, a small studio specializing in douga. Leaving Miyuki Pro, he worked at Monsieur Onion and Studio Kuma, until joining Studio G-1 led by Masami Obari. After that, Hirotoshi mainly participated in TMS Entertainment projects, but recently he has mostly worked for Sunrise.
Hirotoshi Takaya was born in Tokyo in August 1965. After graduating from technical college, he worked in the construction industry but decided to resign from it. Although he aspired to be a manga artist, he became fascinated with animation and became an animator. Initially, he joined Miyuki Productions, a small studio specializing in douga. Leaving Miyuki Pro, he worked at Monsieur Onion and Studio Kuma, until joining Studio G-1 led by Masami Obari. After that, Hirotoshi mainly participated in TMS Entertainment projects, but recently he has mostly worked for Sunrise.
II. Notable Works:
Hirotoshi Takaya has been with Sunrise ever since Brave Exkaiser, where his career began to flourish as an animation director and key animator. It was also on that project that he first worked with Masami Obari, and from then on Hirotoshi’s animation style gradually developed under the school of Obari (although later his art style developed into his own unique style, moving away from Obari’s). He contributed to all 7 Brave series, even becoming the lead animator for Brave Da-Garn. Not only the Brave series, he also participated in many other Sunrise projects such as Reideen the Superior (1996), Gasaraki (1998) and most recently Gundam series such as The Witch from Mercury, Hathaway, Narrative, Thunderbolt, G Reco and Unicorn. In addition to the mecha genre, Hirotoshi has also participated in producing works in a variety of genres, and left his mark on many major IPs such as Lupin III, Detective Conan, Yu-gi-Oh!, etc.
Hirotoshi Takaya’s character design career began with Brave Goldran, and today, he has become a seasoned artist with experience in character design, as well as character and mecha animation. Once a core member of Studio G-1, he brought robots to life with extremely dynamic and exaggerated animations, typically the classic poses of Might Kaiser in Brave Might Gaine. Regarding character design and animation, Hirotoshi can flexibly change the art style to suit the work, but still possesses a very unique style, which is his rough, sharp and strong drawings. Anyone can look at the character designs in the Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt anime and immediately realize that those animation character designs were done by Hirotoshi Takaya, thanks to his unique artstyle.
With his animation style and character design, Hirotoshi Takaya brings many nuances to the anime he touches, as well as leaving many extremely fantastic animation segments. It is probably not wrong to say that he was and still is an important figure in the history of the mecha anime industry.
III. Gallery:
See Also:
A refreshing protagonist in the war-torn era of UC, Judau Ashta bring the levity to the Gundam franchise. But when on the spot, he can pull his own weight and then some.
The stoic and talented commander of the Vagan Force. Zeheart leads his people in the war against the Federation, serving the ultimate ideal of Lord Ezelcant. But deep down, he cares about his loved ones.
The backbone of the Principality of Zeon in the One Year War. The Zaku is not a super prototype, but its reliable performance has brought Zeon many victories – especially when Char Aznable pilot it.
One of the most chonky bois to ever appear on screen. Piloted by the nefarious Scirocco, The-O is an impressive MS that is more agile than it looks.
A mysterious and charismatic man from Jupiter that almost plunge the Earth and the Spacenoids into chaos. Paptimus Scirocco is literally a force to be reckon with.
One of the strongest Newtype pilot of Universal Century, Kamille Bidan wiped out the fearsome Titans with the Gundams because they disrespected his name.
The ultimate evolution of the Age Gundams. The Age-FX can bring an X-Rounder’s ability to their maximum potential, featuring funnels that can wipe out fleets of enemy.
No fancy super abilities, no magical genetic advantages, Asemu established himself as a thorough pilot with extreme ability. And he is more than capable to continue the Gundam’s legacy.
The first transformable Gundam in the franchise. The Zeta Gundam is an iconic mobile suit that paved the way for many Gundams that come after.
Gundam runs in the family. As Flit’s grandson and Asemu’s son, Kio Asuno follows in his family footstep as he become the ultimate pilot of the 3rd generation.
The Red Comet that flies 3x faster than anyone. A man shrouded by mystery and bloodshed. He is Char Aznable of Zeon – or is he…?
Another change in generation – the Age-3 Gundam continues to be the Asuno family’s ace in the hole, sporting all new gimmick and superior firepower.
The first Gundam pilot that paved the way for the legend of the “White Devil”. Amuro Ray is no doubt the franchise’s most iconic Gundam pilot.
The grandfather of all Gundams – the RX078-2 is a super prototype that paved the way for the Federation’s victory. It is both feared and revered by all.
The 2nd generation Gundam, the Age-2 is a straight upgrade with a heavy focus on high mobility and great firepower. A vital element in the war between the Federation and the Vagan.
The voice of the best pilots and most gallant gentlemen in mecha, Show Hayami captivate boys and girls alike with his amazing voice acting.
The first generation Gundam of the Advance Generation, the Age-1 Gundam is Flit Asuno’s most trusted partner and has served him for decades.
A normal teenage boy thrown into a brutal war for humanity’s survival. Thankfully his gamer skills aid him in becoming one of the best TSF pilot ever!
A young genius entrusted with the legacy of “Gundam”, Flit Asuno is one of the most powerful pilot and master tactician throughout the Vagan war.
The reincarnation of the human who fell in love with an Angel, Sylvia de Alisia is the pilot of vector Luna, burning with her love of 12,000 years.
The swordsman of power – Aquarion Mars is the 3rd form of the triple-changer super robot. It is an elegant and agile knight excel in close combat using its sword.
