Biography

Shin'ichirō Watanabe was born on May 24, 1965 in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan. He is a writer and director, known for Lazarus (2025), Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (2001) and The Animatrix (2003).

In both the "Cowboy Bebop" series and "the Animatrix; Kid's Story" the focus of the viewer is repeatedly drawn to the main character's eyes. Both have scenes where the main character is falling headfirst toward the ground, and we can see the reflection of the sky in his eyes.

His work is known for blending both various film and music genres

Watanable believes music is a universal language, and is very particular and distinct about using the proper score/songs in his animes.

He is sometimes referred to as the "Quentin Tarantino of anime".

He cites the film-noir series Lupin the Third Part 1 (1971) as a major influence on his work.

Gives a series of two lectures in Michigan, on the 8th at the Detroit Film Theater, and 9th at Michigan State University. Shortly thereafter, he flies to Huston, Texas for another two lectures on the 11th and 12th at the Huston Museum of Natural Science.

Not to be confused with similarly named 'Excel Saga' director, Shinichi Watanabe.

It actually kind of sucks having to be a director. Once you do it, you discover how hard it really is. This is no kind of a job for a human being, let me tell you. I think I ought to quit, but I can't really do anything else! [When asked what the worst elements of his job are, Newtype USA Magazine, July 2005]

I wanted to create something that had never been seen. You've seen a lot in the past, and find things you like. These days, many people try to create what they've seen. That's not what I wanted to do. I probably included what I've seen and liked... but the overall picture will become something totally new. Create something never seen before... was my goal... sort of. - On Cowboy Bebop.