WR: I think we can agree that some things are more harmful than other things.

MI: Agreed.

WR: Whilst avoiding life's perils and pratfalls, one thing I do enjoy is seeing films with beautiful artwork and stunning storytelling. Skillful timing, sound and visual design, and a hint of mystery make the experience even better. I saw all of that in Blood: The Last Vampire. And I congratulate you on that.

MI: Thank you. I had highly qualified experts handling each section of the production. That's why we were able to make such a beautiful film.

WR: Speaking of your co-workers, something you said about some of them evoked noticeable merriment at the Academy.

Ishikawa-san with Kunihiko Ikuhara, the director of Sailor Moon and Revolutionary Girl Utena.

MI: Ah, yes. I said, "As a producer, the best directors I work with are all considered weirdos." But I didn't mean that in a bad way. They're considered a bit strange by society in general because, even though they are adults in age and appearance, they are still like children. They still haven't "grown up." They have their pure kid's mind in themselves. And this is not considered socially acceptable in some places. However, because they have that child-like purity, they are extremely talented filmmakers.

WR: If they had been regular "salary man" types, they would have been useless as filmmakers.

MI: But because they have that unique sense of mind, they make wonderful films.

WR: The "weirdos" line was a refreshingly direct way of stating that.

MI: I think it shows how close I am with the directors. Usually, if a person says somebody is "weird," they would probably upset that person. But I can guarantee that they are not upset by what I said, because we have a very good relationship between director and producer.

WR: You are the founder and president of five companies involved in the development, production, marketing and licensing of animated television shows, theatrical releases and games. What is your early background? Did you begin as an artist?

MI: I never went to art school. I produce. I studied economics, but in college I was already interested in traditional Japanese puppet plays. I worked as a puppetmaster.

WR: Sort of a "real-time" animator.

MI: Yes.

WR: Are there any American animated films that you've enjoyed over the years?

MI: Most recently, I liked Monsters, Inc.