
is a Japanese
animation
Animation is a filmmaking technique whereby still images are manipulated to create moving images. In traditional animation, images are drawn or painted by hand on transparent celluloid sheets to be photographed and exhibited on film. Animati ...
creator and producer,
screenwriter
A screenwriter (also called scriptwriter, scribe, or scenarist) is a person who practices the craft of writing for visual mass media, known as screenwriting. These can include short films, feature-length films, television programs, television ...
, visual artist, and
mecha
In science fiction, or mechs are giant robots or machines, typically depicted as piloted, humanoid walking vehicles. The term was first used in Japanese (language), Japanese after shortening the English loanword or , but the meaning in Japan ...
designer. He is best known for creating the ''
Macross
is a Japanese science fiction mecha anime media franchise/ media mix, created by Studio Nue (most prominently mecha designer, writer and producer Shōji Kawamori) and Artland in 1982. The franchise features a fictional history of Earth and t ...
''
mecha animated franchise and the ''
Diaclone'' toyline, which were in turn the basis for the ''
Robotech
''Robotech'' is an American-Japanese science fiction Media franchise, franchise that began with an 85-episode anime television series produced by Harmony Gold USA in association with Tatsunoko Production; it was first released in the United St ...
'' and ''
Transformers
''Transformers'' is a media franchise produced by American toy company Hasbro and Japanese toy company Tomy, Takara Tomy. It primarily follows the heroic Autobots and the villainous Decepticons, two Extraterrestrials in fiction, alien robot fac ...
'' franchises, respectively. He is also known for creating ''
The Vision of Escaflowne'' anime series. He pioneered several innovative concepts in his works, such as transforming mecha (including the
VF-1 Valkyrie
In the ''Super Dimension Fortress Macross, Macross'' Japanese anime series and its English adaptation ''Robotech'', the first mass production, mass-produced transforming aerospace fighter aircraft, fighter mecha is called the VF-1 Valkyrie. The ...
in ''Macross'' and
Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime, also known in Japan as is a fictional character and the main protagonist of the ''Transformers'' franchise. Generally depicted as a brave and noble leader, Optimus Prime is the supreme commander of the Autobots in their fight ag ...
in ''Transformers'') and
virtual idols (including
Lynn Minmay
Lynn Minmay ( Japanese: リン・ミンメイ ''Rin Minmei'', Chinese: 鈴明美 / 林明美 ''Líng Míngměi / Lín Míngměi'') is a fictional anime character from the ''Macross'' franchise who has been considered the first fictional chara ...
and
Sharon Apple
The following is a list of all the character (arts), fictional characters within the ''Macross'' anime franchise.
''The Super Dimension Fortress Macross''
Humans
* Hikaru Ichijyo (Arihiro Hase and Kenji Nojima/Vic Mignogna)The Super Dimens ...
in the ''Macross'' franchise). His work has had a significant impact on popular culture, both in Japan and internationally.
Personal life
Shoji Kawamori was born in Toyama, Japan in 1960. Later in his youth he attended
Keio University
, abbreviated as or , is a private university, private research university located in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. It was originally established as a school for Rangaku, Western studies in 1858 in Edo. It was granted university status in 1920, becomi ...
in the late seventies and in the same years as ''Macross'' screenwriter
Hiroshi Ōnogi
is a Japanese screenwriter and novelist focusing on anime productions.
Ōnogi attended Keio University in the same years as ''Macross'' character designer Haruhiko Mikimoto and creator Shōji Kawamori, both of whom he would first collaborate wi ...
and character designer
Haruhiko Mikimoto
is a Japanese anime character designer, illustrator and manga artist. Mostly active during the 1980s, during that decade he rose to prominence and is considered one of the top character designers of his time.
He graduated from Keio University, ...
, where they became friends and founded a ''
Mobile Suit Gundam
, also retrospectively known as ''First Gundam'', ''Gundam 0079'' or simply ''Gundam '79'', is a Japanese anime television series produced by Nippon Sunrise. Created and directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino, it premiered in Japan on Na ...
'' fan club called "Gunsight One", a name the group would use years later during the development of the fictional world of the ''
Macross
is a Japanese science fiction mecha anime media franchise/ media mix, created by Studio Nue (most prominently mecha designer, writer and producer Shōji Kawamori) and Artland in 1982. The franchise features a fictional history of Earth and t ...
'' series.
Anime creation and production
Shoji Kawamori occasionally used the alias Eiji Kurokawa (黒河影次 ''Kurokawa Eiji'') early in his anime career when he started as a
teenage
Adolescence () is a transitional stage of human physical and psychological development that generally occurs during the period from puberty to adulthood (typically corresponding to the age of majority). Adolescence is usually associated with ...
intern
An internship is a period of work experience offered by an organization for a limited period of time. Once confined to medical graduates, internship is used to practice for a wide range of placements in businesses, non-profit organizations and g ...
at
Studio Nue
Studio Nue, Inc. () is a Japanese design studio formed in 1972 (as Crystal Art Studio) by Naoyuki Kato, Kenichi Matsuzaki, Kazutaka Miyatake, and Haruka Takachiho. Crystal Art Studio would change their name to Studio Nue in 1974.
They were know ...
and worked as assistant artist and animator there during the late seventies and early eighties. Later in his career Kawamori created or co-created the concepts which served as basis for several anime series such as ''
Super Dimension Fortress Macross
is a Japanese science fiction anime television series. It is the first part of the ''Super Dimension'' trilogy and the ''Macross'' franchise. The series aired in Japan from October 1982 to June 1983. According to story creator Shoji Kawam ...
'', ''
The Vision of Escaflowne'', ''
Earth Maiden Arjuna
is a Japanese anime television series created by Shoji Kawamori. The series follows Juna Ariyoshi, a high school girl chosen to be the "Avatar of Time" and entrusted with saving the dying Earth. ''Arjuna'' aired for 12 episodes on TV Tokyo ...
'', ''
Genesis of Aquarion'', ''
Macross 7'', ''
Macross Frontier
is a Japanese anime television series and the third Japanese anime television series set in the ''Macross'' universe. It was broadcast on MBS from April 4, 2008 to September 26, 2008.
''Macross Frontier'' is the story of a human spa ...
'', and ''
Macross Delta
is a science fiction anime television series that aired on Tokyo MX in Japan from April 3, 2016, to September 25, 2016. The fourth television series set in the ''Macross'' universe, it is directed by Kenji Yasuda and written by Toshizo Nem ...
''. His projects are usually noted to contain strong themes of
love
Love is a feeling of strong attraction and emotional attachment (psychology), attachment to a person, animal, or thing. It is expressed in many forms, encompassing a range of strong and positive emotional and mental states, from the most su ...
,
war
War is an armed conflict between the armed forces of states, or between governmental forces and armed groups that are organized under a certain command structure and have the capacity to sustain military operations, or between such organi ...
,
spirituality
The meaning of ''spirituality'' has developed and expanded over time, and various meanings can be found alongside each other. Traditionally, spirituality referred to a religious process of re-formation which "aims to recover the original shape o ...
or
mysticism
Mysticism is popularly known as becoming one with God or the Absolute (philosophy), Absolute, but may refer to any kind of Religious ecstasy, ecstasy or altered state of consciousness which is given a religious or Spirituality, spiritual meani ...
, and
ecological
Ecology () is the natural science of the relationships among living organisms and their environment. Ecology considers organisms at the individual, population, community, ecosystem, and biosphere levels. Ecology overlaps with the closely re ...
concern. Kawamori is currently executive director at the animation studio
Satelight
is a Japanese animation studio. Aside from several stand-alone projects, the studio is well known for producing the '' Aquarion'' and '' Symphogear'' franchises, as well as later installments of the '' Macross'' franchise. The company's Represe ...
.
Mecha design
Shoji Kawamori is also a visual artist and a
mecha
In science fiction, or mechs are giant robots or machines, typically depicted as piloted, humanoid walking vehicles. The term was first used in Japanese (language), Japanese after shortening the English loanword or , but the meaning in Japan ...
designer — projects featuring his designs range from 1983's ''
Crusher Joe'' to 2005's ''
Eureka Seven''. Also, each and every
variable fighter
A variable-sweep wing, colloquially known as a "swing wing", is an airplane wing, or set of wings, that may be modified during flight, swept back and then returned to its previous straight position. Because it allows the aircraft's shape to ...
from the official ''
Macross
is a Japanese science fiction mecha anime media franchise/ media mix, created by Studio Nue (most prominently mecha designer, writer and producer Shōji Kawamori) and Artland in 1982. The franchise features a fictional history of Earth and t ...
'' series continuity has been designed by him.
Kawamori also helped to design various toys for the
Takara
was a Japanese toy company founded in 1955. In March 2006, the company merged with Tomy, Tomy Company, Ltd. to form Tomy, Takara Tomy. The Takara motto was("playing is culture").
The company focused on traditional toys and board games. They cr ...
toyline ''
Diaclone'' in the early 1980s, many of which were later incorporated into
Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. (; a syllabic abbreviation of its original name, Hassenfeld Brothers) is an American multinational corporation, multinational toy manufacturing and entertainment holding company founded on December 6, 1923 by Henry, Hillel and Herma ...
's ''
Transformers
''Transformers'' is a media franchise produced by American toy company Hasbro and Japanese toy company Tomy, Takara Tomy. It primarily follows the heroic Autobots and the villainous Decepticons, two Extraterrestrials in fiction, alien robot fac ...
'' toyline. Quite a few of them became iconic ''
Transformers: Generation 1'' toy designs. Among them the first
Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime, also known in Japan as is a fictional character and the main protagonist of the ''Transformers'' franchise. Generally depicted as a brave and noble leader, Optimus Prime is the supreme commander of the Autobots in their fight ag ...
("Convoy") toy design,
Prowl,
Bluestreak,
Smokescreen, Ironhide, and Ratchet. In 2006, he designed both the Hybrid Style
Convoy
A convoy is a group of vehicles, typically motor vehicles or ships, traveling together for mutual support and protection. Often, a convoy is organized with armed defensive support and can help maintain cohesion within a unit. It may also be used ...
and the Masterpiece version of
Starscream
Starscream is a character in the ''Transformers'' media franchise produced by the American toy company Hasbro and the Japanese toy company Takara Tomy. He is the second-in-command of the Decepticons, a villainous faction of alien robots that s ...
for
Takara
was a Japanese toy company founded in 1955. In March 2006, the company merged with Tomy, Tomy Company, Ltd. to form Tomy, Takara Tomy. The Takara motto was("playing is culture").
The company focused on traditional toys and board games. They cr ...
.
One of his key mech design innovations was transforming mecha, which can transform between a standard vehicle (such as a fighter plane or transport truck) and a fighting mecha robot. Kawamori came up with the idea of transforming mechs while working on the ''Diaclone'' and ''Macross'' franchises in the early 1980s (such as the
VF-1 Valkyrie
In the ''Super Dimension Fortress Macross, Macross'' Japanese anime series and its English adaptation ''Robotech'', the first mass production, mass-produced transforming aerospace fighter aircraft, fighter mecha is called the VF-1 Valkyrie. The ...
in ''Macross'' and ''
Robotech
''Robotech'' is an American-Japanese science fiction Media franchise, franchise that began with an 85-episode anime television series produced by Harmony Gold USA in association with Tatsunoko Production; it was first released in the United St ...
''), with his ''Diaclone'' mechs later providing the basis for ''Transformers''. Some of Kawamori's most iconic transforming mecha designs include the VF-1 Valkyrie from the ''Macross'' and ''Robotech'' franchises, and
Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime, also known in Japan as is a fictional character and the main protagonist of the ''Transformers'' franchise. Generally depicted as a brave and noble leader, Optimus Prime is the supreme commander of the Autobots in their fight ag ...
(called Convoy in Japan) from the ''Transformers'' and ''Diaclone'' franchises.
In 2001, he brought his mecha design talent to real-life projects when he designed a variant of the
Sony
is a Japanese multinational conglomerate (company), conglomerate headquartered at Sony City in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. The Sony Group encompasses various businesses, including Sony Corporation (electronics), Sony Semiconductor Solutions (i ...
''
AIBO
AIBO (stylized as aibo, abbreviated as Artificial Intelligence RoBOt, homonymous with , "pal" or "partner" in Japanese) is a series of robotic dogs designed and manufactured by Sony. Sony announced a prototype Aibo in mid-1998, and the first co ...
'' robotic
dog
The dog (''Canis familiaris'' or ''Canis lupus familiaris'') is a domesticated descendant of the gray wolf. Also called the domestic dog, it was selectively bred from a population of wolves during the Late Pleistocene by hunter-gatherers. ...
, the ''ERS-220''.
Legacy
Kawamori came up with several innovative concepts and helped create several franchises which had a significant impact on popular culture, both in Japan and internationally. One of his original ideas was the transforming
mecha
In science fiction, or mechs are giant robots or machines, typically depicted as piloted, humanoid walking vehicles. The term was first used in Japanese (language), Japanese after shortening the English loanword or , but the meaning in Japan ...
, which can transform between a standard vehicle (such as a fighter plane or transport truck) and a fighting mecha robot. He introduced the concept with ''
Diaclone'' in 1980 and ''
Macross
is a Japanese science fiction mecha anime media franchise/ media mix, created by Studio Nue (most prominently mecha designer, writer and producer Shōji Kawamori) and Artland in 1982. The franchise features a fictional history of Earth and t ...
'' in 1982, with some of his most iconic transforming mecha including the
VF-1 Valkyrie
In the ''Super Dimension Fortress Macross, Macross'' Japanese anime series and its English adaptation ''Robotech'', the first mass production, mass-produced transforming aerospace fighter aircraft, fighter mecha is called the VF-1 Valkyrie. The ...
from ''Macross'' (later adapted into ''
Robotech
''Robotech'' is an American-Japanese science fiction Media franchise, franchise that began with an 85-episode anime television series produced by Harmony Gold USA in association with Tatsunoko Production; it was first released in the United St ...
'' in 1985) and Convoy from the 1983 ''Diaclone'' line (later called
Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime, also known in Japan as is a fictional character and the main protagonist of the ''Transformers'' franchise. Generally depicted as a brave and noble leader, Optimus Prime is the supreme commander of the Autobots in their fight ag ...
in ''
Transformers
''Transformers'' is a media franchise produced by American toy company Hasbro and Japanese toy company Tomy, Takara Tomy. It primarily follows the heroic Autobots and the villainous Decepticons, two Extraterrestrials in fiction, alien robot fac ...
''). The concept later became more popular in the mid-1980s, with ''
Macross: Do You Remember Love?'' (1984) and ''
Zeta Gundam'' (1985) in Japan, and with ''Robotech'' (1985 adaptation of ''Macross'') and ''Transformers'' (1986 adaptation of ''Diaclone'') in the West. In turn, ''Macross'' and ''Zeta Gundam'' became influential in Japan, while ''Robotech'' and ''Transformers'' became influential in the West, with ''Robotech'' helping to introduce
anime
is a Traditional animation, hand-drawn and computer animation, computer-generated animation originating from Japan. Outside Japan and in English, ''anime'' refers specifically to animation produced in Japan. However, , in Japan and in Ja ...
to North America and ''Transformers'' influencing the
Hollywood movie
The cinema of the United States, primarily associated with major film studios collectively referred to as Hollywood, has significantly influenced the global film industry since the early 20th century.
Classical Hollywood cinema, a filmmakin ...
industry.
In addition to his innovative mecha design work, Kawamori also came up with innovative concepts in his character writing. In contrast to earlier
mecha anime
Mecha, also known as giant robot or simply robot, is a genre of anime and manga that feature mecha in battle. The genre is broken down into two subcategories; " super robot", featuring super-sized, implausible robots, and " real robot", where ...
which focused on combatants, he wanted to portray a mecha conflict from the perspective of non-combatant civilians, which led to his creation of the fictional singer
Lynn Minmay
Lynn Minmay ( Japanese: リン・ミンメイ ''Rin Minmei'', Chinese: 鈴明美 / 林明美 ''Líng Míngměi / Lín Míngměi'') is a fictional anime character from the ''Macross'' franchise who has been considered the first fictional chara ...
in ''Macross''.
She went on to become the first
virtual idol. Voiced by
Mari Iijima
is a Japanese actress and singer. She writes and produces most of her own music, and plays the piano and other instruments. After being signed to JVC Victor in 1982, Mari first became known for her voice-acting role as Lynn Minmay in the anime ...
, Minmay was the first fictional idol singer to garner major real-world success, with the theme song "Do You Remember Love?" (from the film ''Macross: Do You Remember Love?'') reaching number seven on the
Oricon
, established in 1999, is the holding company at the head of a Japanese corporate group that supplies statistics
Statistics (from German language, German: ', "description of a State (polity), state, a country") is the discipline that ...
music charts in Japan.
Kawamori later took the concept further in ''
Macross Plus
is a four-episode anime Original video animation, OVA and theatrical movie in the ''The Super Dimension Fortress Macross, Macross'' series. It was the first sequel to the original ''Macross'' television series that took place in the official ...
'' (1994) with the virtual idol
Sharon Apple
The following is a list of all the character (arts), fictional characters within the ''Macross'' anime franchise.
''The Super Dimension Fortress Macross''
Humans
* Hikaru Ichijyo (Arihiro Hase and Kenji Nojima/Vic Mignogna)The Super Dimens ...
, an
artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the capability of computer, computational systems to perform tasks typically associated with human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and decision-making. It is a field of re ...
(AI)
computer program
A computer program is a sequence or set of instructions in a programming language for a computer to Execution (computing), execute. It is one component of software, which also includes software documentation, documentation and other intangibl ...
who takes the form of an intergalactic
pop star
A pop icon is a celebrity, character, or object whose exposure in popular culture is regarded as constituting a defining characteristic of a given society or era. The usage of the term is largely subjective since there are no definitively object ...
.
The same year, he created ''
Macross 7'' (1994), which featured the
virtual band
In entertainment, a virtual band (also called a virtual idol, virtual singer, virtual group, virtual artists, cartoon group, cartoon idol, cartoon singer or cartoon band) is a band or music group whose depicted members are not people, but animate ...
Fire Bomber
Fire Bomber is a fictional rock band from the anime series '' Macross 7'' (and related projects such as '' Macross 7 Trash'', '' Macross 7 Encore'', and ''Macross Dynamite 7''). In real life, Fire Bomber's music was performed by Yoshiki Fukuya ...
who became a commercial success and spawned multiple CDs released in Japan. The ''Macross'' franchise set the template for later virtual idols in the early 21st century, such as
Hatsune Miku
, officially code-named CV01, is a Vocaloid software voicebank developed by Crypton Future Media. Its official mascot is depicted as a sixteen-year-old girl with long, turquoise twintails. Miku's personification has been marketed as a virt ...
and
Kizuna AI
is a Japanese virtual YouTuber (VTuber) and fictional character currently part of Kizuna AI Inc., a subsidiary of digital entertainment company Activ8. From her debut in 2016 until 2021, she was the most subscribed VTuber on YouTube, with ...
.
Another innovative character concept he came up with was the role of
Misa Hayase in ''Macross'' (called
Lisa Hayes
''Robotech'' is the American adaptation of three Japanese animated series: '' The Super Dimension Fortress Macross'', '' The Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross'', and '' Genesis Climber MOSPEADA'', as a single TV series. The series is divide ...
in ''Robotech''), who was one of the main commanders of the Macross battleship. She was the boss and commanding officer of the fighter pilot protagonist
Hikaru Ichijyo
Hikaru Ichijyo (一条 輝 ''Ichijō Hikaru'') is one of the main fictional characters of the '' Macross'' Japanese anime series.Character of Macross: Hikaru Ichijyo. Pages 102–105. ''Macross Perfect Memory''. Reference Book. 260 A4 pages. Mi ...
(called
Rick Hunter in ''Robotech''), and later his love interest. This was a scenario Kawamori came up with which he had not seen in any Hollywood movies before. A similar scenario, however, later appeared in the Hollywood movie ''
Top Gun
''Top Gun'' is a 1986 American action drama film directed by Tony Scott and produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer, with distribution by Paramount Pictures. The screenplay was written by Jim Cash and Jack Epps Jr., and was inspired ...
'' (1986). According to Kawamori, "Many people pointed out that later films like ''Top Gun'' copied that idea and setting, as well as including the combination of many songs and fighters too."
Works
Anime
''Macross'' series
*''
The Super Dimension Fortress Macross
is a Japanese science fiction anime television series. It is the first part of the ''Super Dimension'' trilogy and the ''Macross'' franchise. The series aired in Japan from October 1982 to June 1983. According to story creator Shoji Kawam ...
'' - Original Series Concept Creator, Production Supervisor, Mechanical Designer
*''
Macross: Do You Remember Love?'' - Movie Concept Creator, Director, Mechanical Designer, Series Script Supervisor, Movie Story
*''
The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Flash Back 2012'' - Executive Director, Compilation, Mechanical Designer
*''
Macross Plus
is a four-episode anime Original video animation, OVA and theatrical movie in the ''The Super Dimension Fortress Macross, Macross'' series. It was the first sequel to the original ''Macross'' television series that took place in the official ...
'' - Creator, Executive Director, Writer, Mechanical Design
*''
Macross 7'' - Creator, Writer, Supervisor, Mechanical Designer
*''
Macross Dynamite 7
is an anime television series. It is a sequel to the show ''The Super Dimension Fortress Macross'' that takes place many years after the events of the first series following a cast of mostly new characters. The show ran from October 16, ...
'' - Creator, Series Script Supervisor, Mechanical Designer, Ending Photography
*''
Macross Zero
is an anime prequel OVA to ''The Super Dimension Fortress Macross'' released for the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the ''Macross'' franchise during 2002 in Japan. It was created and directed by Shoji Kawamori and produced by Satelig ...
'' - Creator, Director, Writer, Mechanical Designer
*''
Macross Frontier
is a Japanese anime television series and the third Japanese anime television series set in the ''Macross'' universe. It was broadcast on MBS from April 4, 2008 to September 26, 2008.
''Macross Frontier'' is the story of a human spa ...
'' - Creator, Supervising Director, Story Composition, Mechanical Designer
*''
Macross FB 7: Ore no Uta o Kike!'' - Original Creator, Valkyrie Design
*''
Macross Delta
is a science fiction anime television series that aired on Tokyo MX in Japan from April 3, 2016, to September 25, 2016. The fourth television series set in the ''Macross'' universe, it is directed by Kenji Yasuda and written by Toshizo Nem ...
'' - Creator, Main Director, Writer, Valkyrie Mechanical Designer
Note: ''
Macross II'' is the only animated ''Macross'' project in which Kawamori had no involvement.
Other anime
*''
Space Battleship Yamato
is a Japanese science fiction anime series written by Yoshinobu Nishizaki, directed by manga artist Leiji Matsumoto, and produced by Academy Productions. The series aired in Yomiuri TV from October 6, 1974 to March 30, 1975, totaling u ...
'' series - Spaceship Mechanical Design (Uncredited)
*''
Future GPX Cyber Formula
is a Japanese futuristic motorsports anime television series produced by the advertising agency Asatsu-DK, the Tokyo-based entertainment producer VAP (Video & Audio Project), and the animation studio Sunrise. The series originally aired ...
'' - Machine Design
*''
Future GPX Cyber Formula SIN'' - Machine Design
*''
The Vision of Escaflowne'' - Original Creator, Series Script Supervisor
*''
Spring and Chaos
is a 1996 Japanese anime television special inspired by the life of poet Kenji Miyazawa, released in Japan to mark the 100th anniversary of Miyazawa's birth. It was directed by Shoji Kawamori. It was released in North America by Tokyopop. Mi ...
'' - Director, Screenplay
*''
Earth Maiden Arjuna
is a Japanese anime television series created by Shoji Kawamori. The series follows Juna Ariyoshi, a high school girl chosen to be the "Avatar of Time" and entrusted with saving the dying Earth. ''Arjuna'' aired for 12 episodes on TV Tokyo ...
'' - Original Creator, Director, Series Script Supervisor
*''
The Family's Defensive Alliance'' - Original Creator, Series Planner
*''
Genesis of Aquarion'' - Original Creator, Director, Series Script Supervisor, Aquarion Design
*''
Genesis of Aquarion (OVA)'' - Director, Series Composition, Original Creator
*''
Aquarion Evol'' - Original Creator, Director, Series Script Supervisor, Aquarion Design
*''
Aquarion: Myth of Emotions'' - Original Creator, Supervisor, Aquarion Design
*''
Patlabor: The Movie'' - Mechanical Design (''Credited as Masaharu Kawamori'')
*''
Patlabor 2: The Movie'' - Mechanical Design (''Credited as Masaharu Kawamori'')
*''
WXIII: Patlabor the Movie 3'' - Mechanical Design
*''
Eureka Seven'' - Main Mechanic Design
*''
Eureka Seven: AO'' - Nirvash Design
*''
Engage Planet Kiss Dum'' - Main Mechanical Design
*''
Kishin Taisen Gigantic Formula
, also known as '' Apo Mekhanes Theos Gigantic Formula'', is a Japanese anime television series that aired on TV Tokyo from April 4, 2007, to September 26, 2007. A manga adaptation by Shōhei Oka was serialized concurrently in '' Dengeki Dai ...
'' - Mechanical designer (Junova-VIII)
*''
Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory'' - Designed the RX-78GP01 "Zephyranthes" and the RX-78GP02A "Physalis" Gundams
*''
Ulysses 31
is an anime series (1981) that updates the Greek mythology of Odysseus (known as "Ulixes" or "Ulysses" in Latin) to the 31st century. The show comprises 26 half-hour episodes as a co-production between DIC Audiovisuel and Tokyo Movie Shinsha ...
'' - Mechanical Design
*''
Dangaioh'' - Mechanical Design, key animation
*''
Ghost in the Shell
''Ghost in the Shell'' is a Japanese cyberpunk media franchise based on the manga series of the same name written and illustrated by Masamune Shirow. The manga, first serialized between 1989 and 1991, is set in mid-21st century Japan and tel ...
'' - Mechanical Design
*''
Basquash!'' - Original Concept, Project Director
*''
Outlaw Star
is a media franchise#Japan, Japanese media mix primarily consisting of an anime Television show, television series produced by Sunrise (now a division of Bandai Namco Filmworks) and a corresponding Seinen manga, ''seinen'' manga series w ...
'' - Designed the ship XGP15A-II
*''
Tōshō Daimos
is a Japanese anime television series produced by Toei Company and animated by Nippon Sunrise, directed by Tadao Nagahama as his last work. It is the third and final installment of the ''Robot Romance Trilogy'', following ''Chōdenji Robo C ...
'' - Guest Mechanical Designer
*''
Gordian Warrior
is a Japanese anime television series that aired in 1979 to 1981. There were 73 episodes. It is also referred to as ''Champion of Gordian'' or ''Gardian''.
Original story
The Earth has become a wasteland of deserts as the survivors work to r ...
'' - Guest Mechanical Designer
*''
Golden Warrior Gold Lightan'' - Guest Mechanical Designer
*''
Anyamaru Tantei Kiruminzuu
is a Japanese magical comedy anime series created by Shōji Kawamori; it is Kawamori's first '' shōjo'' title. The series premiered in Japan on TV Tokyo on October 5, 2009. A manga spinoff is serialized in Shueisha's ''shōjo'' magazine '' ...
'' - Original Creator
*''
AKB0048'' - Original Creator, Director, Mechanical Design
*''
Ani*Kuri15'' - Director (ep. 4)
*''
Robotech
''Robotech'' is an American-Japanese science fiction Media franchise, franchise that began with an 85-episode anime television series produced by Harmony Gold USA in association with Tatsunoko Production; it was first released in the United St ...
'' - Adapted from ''Macross''
*''
Cowboy Bebop
is a 1998 Japanese neo-noir space Western anime television series that aired on TV Tokyo and Wowow from 1998 to 1999. It was created and animated by Sunrise (company), Sunrise, led by a production team of director Shinichirō Watanabe, ...
'' - Script (ep. 18), Stage Setting Cooperation
*''
Glass Fleet
, subtitled ''La Légende du Vent de l'Univers'' (lit. ''the Legend of the Wind of the Universe''), is a Japanese anime television series, co-produced by Satelight and Gonzo (company), Gonzo, which first aired in Japan on Asahi Broadcasting Cor ...
'' - Mechanical Design
*''
M3: Sono Kuroki Hagane'' - Mechanical Design
*''
Nobunaga the Fool'' - Original Creator
*''
Last Hope'' - Original Creator, Director
*''
Noein
, also known simply as ''Noein'', is a Japanese science fiction anime television series directed by Kazuki Akane and produced by Satelight. The series has 24 episodes which make up a complete storyline. The English version was produced and dub ...
'' - Storyboard (ep. 20)
*''
RahXephon
is a Japanese anime television series created and directed by Yutaka Izubuchi. The series follows 17-year-old Ayato Kamina, his ability to control a mecha known as the RahXephon, and his inner journey to find a place in the world. His li ...
'' - Storyboard (ep. 9)
*''
Techno Police 21C
, also known as simply ''Techno Police'', is a 1982 Japanese mecha police anime film made by Wiz Corporation (later renamed Artmic) and released on 7 August 1982. It was dubbed into English by Hong Kong voice actors.
The anime film's premise in ...
'' - Action Choreography Assistance and Mechanical Design
*''
The Ultraman'' - Mechanical Design
Video games
*''
Ace Combat Assault Horizon'' - Guest Designer
*''
Armored Core'' - Mechanic Designer
*''
Armored Core: Project Phantasma'' - Mechanic Designer
*''
Armored Core: Master of Arena'' - Mechanic Designer
*''
Armored Core 2'' - Mechanic Concept Designer
*''
Armored Core 2: Another Age'' - Mechanic Concept Designer
*''
Armored Core 3
''Armored Core 3'' is a 2002 third-person shooter mecha video game developed by FromSoftware for the PlayStation 2. It is the sixth entry in the '' Armored Core'' series. ''Armored Core 3'' acts as a reboot for the franchise and begins a storyli ...
'' - Mechanic Concept Designer
*''
Silent Line: Armored Core'' - Guest Designer
*''
Armored Core: Nexus'' - Mechanic Concept Designer
*''
Armored Core: For Answer'' - Mechanic Concept Designer
*''
Eureka Seven vol. 1: The New Wave'' - Main Mechanical Designer
*''
Eureka Seven vol. 2: The New Vision'' - Main Mechanical Designer
*''
MechWarrior 3050'' - Cover Art (Japanese Version)
*''
Omega Boost'' - Mechanical Design Advisor, Supervisor, Mechanical/Costume Designer, Opening/Ending Movie Director
*''
Tech Romancer'' - Mechanical Design, Original Concept
*''
Macross 30: The Voice that Connects the Galaxy'' - Supervisor, Mechanical Designer, Animated Sequences Director
*''
Daemon X Machina
''Daemon X Machina'' is a 2019 action game developed and published by Marvelous (company), Marvelous for the Nintendo Switch. A Windows port was released in 2020. A sequel, ''Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion'' is in development.
Gameplay
In the g ...
'' - Mechanic Designer
*''
Devil May Cry 5'' - Designed the robotic arms, "Devil Breakers", found throughout the game. Gerbera GP01 was designed with Shoji Kawamori's past works in mind as inspiration.
*''
Call of Duty: Mobile'' - Designed the Reaper skin, titled "Ashura".
*''Super Mecha Champions'' — Designed Playable Mecha "Pulsar"
*''
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon'' - Mechanical Designer
* ''
The Alchemist Code'' - Animation Director
Other work
*''
Diaclone'' (1980-1982, toyline) - Mecha design
*''
Transformers
''Transformers'' is a media franchise produced by American toy company Hasbro and Japanese toy company Tomy, Takara Tomy. It primarily follows the heroic Autobots and the villainous Decepticons, two Extraterrestrials in fiction, alien robot fac ...
'' (1984, 2006, toyline) - Adapted from ''Diaclone'', mecha design
*''
Gunhed'' (1989, live action film) - Mechanical Design
*''
The Vision of Escaflowne'' (1994, manga) - Writer
*
''Thunderbirds Are Go'' (2015, animated TV series) - Mechanical Design
References
External links
*Official site
JapaneseEnglishShoji Kawamori Official site (Satelight)*
*
at th
Macross CompendiumShoji Kawamorientry a
Gears Online
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kawamori, Shoji
1960 births
Anime directors
Anime screenwriters
Mechanical designers (mecha)
Macross
Living people
Satelight
Sunrise (company) people
Toy inventors
Keio Senior High School alumni
Keio University alumni