On 21st June 2024, Hakuhodo DY Music & Pictures Inc. (株式会社博報堂DYミュージック&ピクチャーズ), the company that previously released the anime “Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion” (コードギアス 反逆のルルーシュ), introduced a continuation of the series titled “Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture” (コードギアス 奪還のロゼ). This new anime centres around the main character, Rozé (ロゼ), whose journey is to save Princess Sakuya (皇サクヤ) who was kidnapped by the Neo-Britannian Empire(ネオ・ブリタニア帝国).
We recently spoke to director Yoshimitsu Ohashi (大橋 誉志光) and producer Kojiro Taniguchi about their new project. During the interview, both Yoshimitsu and Kojiro talked about the importance on distinguishing “Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion” from its original series, a special key character, and a funny behind-the-scenes moment.
1. What inspired you to create “Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture”, and how does it connect to the original “Code Geass” series?
Kojiro: The first inspiration was to create a new era of “Code Geass”. I would like to create something out of the original series that continue from the Leluoch(ルルーシュ) character. There is connection between the original and the new series. The focus on the first part was the peacefulness that Leluoch has created, therefore it is very important to continue the peacefulness into the new series.
2. How did you approach balancing the legacy of the original series while introducing fresh elements in the new series?
Yoshimitsu: At first, I did not put too much focus on the balancing of the original legacy versus the new one. I think by focusing too much on it will be a bit difficult to balance it up as well.
Kojiro: Actually, the balancing between the creative department and the production department is very different. As a producer, I think it is very important to create a balance between the old characters and the new characters.
Yoshimitsu: I think one part that I want to highlight is that the difficulty if we place too much focus into the new series and put less focus on the legacy of “Code Geass”, it will become worse for both sides. Therefore, I think the part from the previous anime is very important too.
Kojiro: For me, I think it is very important to maintain the distance between the legacy and the new work which with the sort of distance will create a new work.
3. What themes or messages do you hope to convey through this new chapter in the “Code Geass” universe?
Kojiro: Regarding the theme, actually there’s an overall big theme revolve around it, which is revenge. From the previous series, Leluoch part was revenge for the country that has already disregard him, but for Rozé’s part, her revenge is for her parents and siblings. Even though it’s the same concept, it’s actually a bit different.
Yoshimitsu: For me, I think one of the new themes that I would like to convey is how both Leluoch and Rozé have the same power and gesture but since they are different individual, they are going to convey the usage of the same single power differently.
4. Do any of the characters in the new series have any special role or any significance in the story?
Yoshimitsu: I think that one of the key characters is Sumeragi Jugo (皇 重護), who is the key character connecting these 44 characters around the story. I think he is considered to have a very special role and significance within the new series.
5. Can you share any behind-the-scenes moments or interesting anecdotes from the production of the new series?
Kojiro: If I had to say, it is after recording because this is a very short series. Initially I expected the cast of the voice actors would be unable to connect well with the characters they were assigned, but they actually connect very well, and I think I really enjoy building the relationship at work with the voice actors.
Yoshimitsu: Suddenly, I thought of something after hearing from Taniguchi. After recording, one of the casts actually brings in the dog, and the dog will bark during the sessions. I think that is something fun coming out of producing this.
Sakinah and Justin contributed to this article.
