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All incarnations of Utena share two things in common: they were created in some way as a group effort by Be-Papas, and they all require, at times, that Be-Papas answer for these crimes. Magazines in Japan that cater to the anime culture there have always been eager for creator interviews, and American audiences gobble up discussion panels. Be-Papas has lost no opportunity to discuss its work, the process of creating, and the success of the result.
This is a difficult section to parse, since various combinations of members of Be-Papas have participated in the content. It is sorted loosely by date in reverse order. The nature of this content kind of precludes me trying to finger which pieces are more fruitful than others; explore and see what you find!
Unless otherwise noted in italics, these pages are entirely the content as it was found or produced, with the translators where appropriate crediting themselves.
Amazing Top Tier Content
Disturbing, Traversing, Borderless, Shaking Sexuality:
The Place where Revolutionary Girl Utena was Born - (Ikuhara and Mari Kotani) Published in Musashino University's scholarly publication, 'Actual Sexuality,' from January 2000. Translated by Youzicha, acquired, scanned, compiled, and coded by Giovanna. *NEW 6/19*
This absolute beast is a real treat and treasure, a very long moderated discussion between Ikuhara and a well-regarded science fiction/cultural critic/analyst in Japan, about the inspirations and themes of Utena, especially in regards to sexuality and historical queer culture. There are a couple nude images, so head's up.
Eulogy for the Fool: Ikuhara Kunihiko & Ohtsuki Kana Discussion - (Ikuhara & Kana) Published in the Ikuhara retrospective publication by Eureka, 2017 *NEW 12/18*
A fascinating long-form back and forth discussion between Ikuhara and the artist Ohtsuki Kana, delving into the themes not only of Revolutionary Girl Utena, but Penguindrum and Yurikuma, as this was published in the analysis and discussion special volume book entirely about Ikuhara. Translated by why1798.
Animage Be-Papas Interview - (Be-Papas) Animage Magazine, November 1999
This is a very long set of interviews between Ikuhara and other members of be-Papas, with some really amazing discussion bounced back and forth especially between him and Enokido, who we don't hear from enough, IMO. Scanned by Clarice, translated by gumi.
Interviews & Discussions
Akadot: Coming to America - (Ikuhara) Akadot article and interview, 2001
Akadot Interview: Tom Cruise Goes Random - (Ikuhara) Akadot website, 2000
Interview with Ikuhara for the Japanese LD - (Ikuhara) Released as an extra, 1998
What the Avant-Gardsmen Have to Say - (Anno & Ikuhara) Newtype Magazine, October 1998
Whisperings of a Rose - (Saito & Ikuhara) Published in Newtype magazine, 1997 *NEW 12/18*
Content for English-Speaking Media
Central Park Media Interviews Ikuhara - (Ikuhara) At BAAF, presented as an extra on 2 CPM DVDs, 2002
Chiho Saito and Kunihiko Ikuhara - (Saito & Ikuhara) By Julie Davis and Bill Flanagan - Animerica Magazine, 2001
Interview with Utena Creator Kunihiko Ikuhara - (Ikuhara) Anime News Network (Justin Sevakis), April 2001
Chiho Saito IRC Chat Interview - (Saito) Moderated chat for SciFi.com, circa 2001
Kunihiko Ikuhara IRC Chat Interview - (Ikuhara) IRC Chat, October 8, 2000, during the New York Anime Festival
Chiho Saito and Kunihiko Ikuhara - (Saito & IKuhara) By Julie Davis and Bill Flanagan - Animerica Extra Magazine, 2000
Commentaries (Episodes & Movie)
Ikuhara & Saito Audio Commentary: Episode 39 - Bonus material on CPM's Finale DVD, 2003
Ikuhara & Saito Audio Commentary: Episode 38 - Bonus material on CPM's Finale DVD, 2003
Ikuhara & Saito Audio Commentary: Episode 37 - Bonus material on CPM's Finale DVD, 2003
Ikuhara Audio Commentary: Adolescence of Utena - Bonus material on CPM's Utena Movie DVD, 2001
![](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="719" height="6"><rect fill-opacity="0"/></svg>)
Shoujo Kakumei Utena (Revolutionary Girl Utena) is © Kunihiko Ikuhara, Chiho Saito, Shogakukan and bePapas/TV Tokyo and/or their respective copyright holders. The US release of the Revolutionary Girl Utena series and movie was © Central Park Media and now belongs to Right Stuf. The US release of the Utena manga is © VIZ. The various sources used in this site are noted where their content is presented. Don't sue us, seriously. Blood. Stone.
This is a difficult section to parse, since various combinations of members of Be-Papas have participated in the content. It is sorted loosely by date in reverse order. The nature of this content kind of precludes me trying to finger which pieces are more fruitful than others; explore and see what you find!
Unless otherwise noted in italics, these pages are entirely the content as it was found or produced, with the translators where appropriate crediting themselves.
Amazing Top Tier Content
This absolute beast is a real treat and treasure, a very long moderated discussion between Ikuhara and a well-regarded science fiction/cultural critic/analyst in Japan, about the inspirations and themes of Utena, especially in regards to sexuality and historical queer culture. There are a couple nude images, so head's up.
A fascinating long-form back and forth discussion between Ikuhara and the artist Ohtsuki Kana, delving into the themes not only of Revolutionary Girl Utena, but Penguindrum and Yurikuma, as this was published in the analysis and discussion special volume book entirely about Ikuhara. Translated by why1798.
This is a very long set of interviews between Ikuhara and other members of be-Papas, with some really amazing discussion bounced back and forth especially between him and Enokido, who we don't hear from enough, IMO. Scanned by Clarice, translated by gumi.
Interviews & Discussions
Content for English-Speaking Media
Commentaries (Episodes & Movie)
Shoujo Kakumei Utena (Revolutionary Girl Utena) is © Kunihiko Ikuhara, Chiho Saito, Shogakukan and bePapas/TV Tokyo and/or their respective copyright holders. The US release of the Revolutionary Girl Utena series and movie was © Central Park Media and now belongs to Right Stuf. The US release of the Utena manga is © VIZ. The various sources used in this site are noted where their content is presented. Don't sue us, seriously. Blood. Stone.