Talking Beyblade with Katsuhito Akyama at Anime Expo

Note: Due to the time-sensitive nature of our coverage, this will debut on the main Anime Herald site on July 30. We apologize for the inconvenience.

• Interviewer: Seth Burn

• Date: 7/5/2024

• Editor: Samantha Ferreira

(Editor’s note: Mr. Akiyama’s previous interview ended with him and the interviewer shouting “Let it rip!”)

Anime Herald: I’ll start with the most important question first: How do you feel after “letting it rip?”

Katsuhito Akiyama: (Laughs) It was very hard to say.

Anime Herald: Shifting to Beyblade, where do you think the passion comes from for the fans? What do you think they connect with?

Katsuhito Akiyama: I think the passion comes from the fact that you can lose yourself in it. Beyblade’s appeal, be it the toys or the show itself, I think by losing yourself you can really enjoy it and connect with the characters. I think that leads to the overall appeal.

Anime Herald: What were the anime or manga that inspired you to join the industry?

Katsuhito Akiyama: Before I joined the industry, the manga by Osama Tezuka inspired me. After I joined the industry, my role model was Isao Takahata.

Anime Herald: Do you also have a passion for the toy industry?

Katsuhito Akiyama: I was involved with Macross. When the jet transformed into a robot, that was the most impressive thing for me. That kind of excitement that kids feel, it’s very important to translate that into animation. In terms of Beyblade, when Beyblade Burst happened, the excitement and exhilaration that I felt was very important for me to reflect in the animation.

Anime Herald: Any stories you’d care to share about your trip to Anime Expo?

Katsuhito Akiyama: I really wanted to see, and I was able to attend a recording session for Robin.

Anime Herald: That’s nice, I’m glad you were able to see it.

Katsuhito Akiyama: There’s one interesting story about the audio director, Tony (Oliver). He was originally involved with Macross as the voice actor for the lead character Rick Hunter. Mr. Akiyama was involved in Macross, as well. It was fun catching up with him.

Anime Herald: Big world, small industry.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Katsuhito Akiyama: I’ve been involved in Beyblade for over seven years now. For Beyblade X, it’s my first year. We have to create something brand new within the world of Beyblade. Please continue following us, please continue supporting us and supporting Beyblade.