Who..?

Who created Utena and why? Here you can find links to interviews and other information about Be-PaPas and the creators of Utena.

Behind-the-Scenes Staff:
There is a bit of a tendency in anime fandom in general to overplay the contribution of the series director as being the one responsible for everything when a series is good. Certainly in the case of director Ikuhara, a sort of cult has sprung up around his name alone. But Be-PaPas is a group, and the contributions of the other members should be acknowledged equally. Click here to read profiles of Utena's technical and 'behind the scenes' staff members- many of whom are industry stars and legends in their own right.

Interviews with Be-PaPas staff:
Kunihiko Ikuhara
Bandwidth
November 2001, Jon Minners and Jennifer Walford.
Anime Tourist
Transcripts Ikuhara's convention panel at Fanimecon 2001
ANN
With Justin Sevakis in 2000
IRC chat transcript
From a visit to the US in 2000.
Brief biographical notes
Probably also from 2000.
Ikuni Observation Journal
Professional fans/friends of Ikuhara detail some of his adventures after he moves to America in 2000. Some links to other info here.
Animazement 1999
EOI's admin attended this convention and took detailed notes of the panels. This is a transcript of the pre-con 'meet the guests' event.
Animazement 1999
Animazement, Ikuhara and Saito fan panel #1 transcribed.
Animazement 1999
Animazement 99 fan panel #2 with Ikuhara and Saito transcribed.
What the Avant Gardesman Say
Hideaki Anno (Eva, KareKano) and Ikuhara discuss the state of their industry. Fascinating and highly recommended. Trans. by Mark Neidengard. 1998.
Animation kobe '97 (English)
Ikuhara won the prestigious Kobe Award shortly before the completion of Utena television series. Related link with pictures here (Utena's VA dressed as Utena!

Chiho Saito interviews:
Animeone
Interview in 2000, in streaming RealMedia format.
IRC chat transcript
Chiho Saito in 2000. (I took part in this one!) Done shortly before Ikuhara's.