“Baki” and “BEASTARS” Creators Share Heartfelt Appreciation at Netflix Anniversary Event
Tokyo, Japan – A rare and touching moment unfolded in Tokyo this week as manga giants Keisuke Itagaki, creator of the iconic “Baki” series, and his daughter, Paru Itagaki, author of the critically acclaimed ”BEASTARS,” appeared together at a Netflix 10th Anniversary Special Talk Show.The event celebrated both series, currently streaming exclusively on netflix, and offered a glimpse into the unique bond and mutual respect between the two artists.
The father-daughter duo openly discussed their influences and admiration for each other’s work,providing a captivating insight into their creative processes. Paru Itagaki revealed that she grew up immersed in her father’s work, recalling how “Baki” was always present in their home.
“At first, it truly seems like a story about a man’s love life, but what I really loved were the poetic descriptions,” she shared, adding, “I realized my father was quite romantic.I think those emotional elements are the reason why more female readers were drawn to the series.”
keisuke Itagaki, in turn, didn’t hesitate to praise his daughter’s groundbreaking work, particularly the anime adaptation of “BEASTARS.” “Honestly, I think she’s a genius. It’s amazing,” he stated. he further revealed his early confidence in her talent, recalling, “Even before her debut, when I saw her work in elementary and middle school, I thought she would end up creating stories professionally.”
The conversation also touched upon the origins of “BEASTARS,” with Paru remembering her college days and the creation of the beloved character, Legoshi. She recounted her father’s prescient words: “Legoshi will feed you for life.” “At the time, I didn’t believe it, but looking back, he predicted the huge success of ‘BEASTARS.'”
The “Baki” series, boasting over 100 million copies sold, follows the relentless journey of Baki Hanma as he strives to surpass his legendary father, Yujiro Hanma – widely considered the “strongest creature on Earth” – and conquer the world of martial arts. Currently, fans can exclusively stream both “Baki” and “Baki Hanma” on Netflix.
Keywords: Baki,BEASTARS,Keisuke Itagaki,paru Itagaki,Netflix,Manga,Anime,Japanese Manga,Father-Daughter,Artist collaboration.