Takeover Tuesday with Sawako Kabuki
Q&A with Sawako Kabuki, a freelance Illustrator and Animator based in Tokyo who started off her career working for a popular Japanese porn video company.
Sawako graduated with a bachelor’s in graphic design from Tama Art University and later completed her master's. Her films have been awarded at more than 20 international festivals such as Zagreb, Rotterdam, Annecy, Ottawa, and SXSW.
Q&A with Sawako Kabuki
Read time: 3min
Madison Caprara:
Hi Sawako! Thank you for taking the time to speak with me! Why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Sawako Kabuki:
Hello! I am a freelance Animator and Illustrator. Though I mainly work on animations, which can be hard and tiring, I try to do some illustrative work once in a while. It’s a good change and sort of an escape from reality.
Madison Caprara:
You are based in Tokyo, correct? What is the creative industry like there?
Sawako Kabuki:
I don't think it's that different from the U.S. Though when I usually tell people that I work in animation, they immediately think of Japanese "anime". Therefore, in moments when I don't want to have a conversation taking the time to explain, because it can be too much trouble, for example, at a hair salon, I’ll lie and say I'm a web designer or something similar.
Madison Caprara:
That’s funny! I imagine it can get a bit exhausting having to constantly explain what you do for a living.
Madison Caprara:
I see on your website that you originally started out working for a porn video company. That’s a really unique segway into the industry. I was wondering if you could tell us a little about that?
Sawako Kabuki:
When I was looking for a job in my fourth year of university, I saw a posting on a job-search website. The largest adult video company in Japan was hiring. I thought it was cool! So, I applied and was accepted after three interviews and an internship. I quit after about six months.
Madison Caprara:
You have a very distinct style. I’m a big fan! What went into figuring out your unique look?
Sawako Kabuki:
Thank you so much! I don't know to be honest, but I draw butts a lot because I find them calming to look at and draw.
Madison Caprara:
Speaking of butts, you utilize a lot of nudity and sexual references within your work. Do you believe your time within the porn industry played an influence or is that all you?
Sawako Kabuki:
I don’t think it acted as an influence at all because I had many works with these themes, even before I entered the porn industry.
Madison Caprara:
And is there any overlying message you continuously try to portray within your works? Anything specific you feel passionate about - other than butts?
Sawako Kabuki:
Honestly, I want kids to be fascinated and influenced by my work.
Madison Caprara:
Now you’ve had a crazy variety when it comes to projects, from animated music videos to illustrated narratives. Are there any particularly crazy client stories you can share?
Sawako Kabuki:
When I made a music video for a rock band, the animation was a little too extreme for them. It had to be released on a limited basis, meaning, only the people who bought the CD could see it. I don’t think that was very punk rock of them.
Madison Caprara:
Not very punk rock at all. Looking forward, are there any new projects we should be watching out for from you?
Sawako Kabuki:
I’ve been working on an original short film with MIYU productions in France, and it’s almost finished. The title is, I'm late. It’s an animated documentary that focuses on the experiences of people missing their period or being “late.”
Madison Caprara:
Something I’m sure a lot of women can level with. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for that one!
Madison Caprara:
Having both partnered with studies and gone solo, how do you prefer to work? Individually or on a team?
Sawako Kabuki:
I definitely prefer to work individually.
Madison Caprara:
And has the pandemic affected that at all? Whether it be with your access to work/clients or your creativity levels?
Sawako Kabuki:
I have an installation work that I spent a lot of time on, but because of the pandemic, I couldn't show it to the public. The project team was disbanded. I’m still sad about it.
Madison Caprara:
Damn, I’m really sorry to hear that. I’m sure it was really disappointing to put in all the work, just for it to fall through. Hopefully, with numbers dropping and the world beginning to slowly open up, it’s something you can circle back to.
I know a lot of creatives were dealing with that inspiration rut during the lockdown, when you find yourself going through something similar, where do you go for inspiration?
Sawako Kabuki:
I have a stair climber in my room, and I get a lot of inspiration when I'm on it.
Madison Caprara:
That’s a first! Well, you’ve been a delight, Sawako. To wrap it up for the good readers, do you have any closing points you’d like to end on?
Sawako Kabuki:
I hope for happy sex for all humanity!