GJ8man
is born from the encounter with
Mr Nabata BOB Hiroo
Representative of LIGHTAIR, Nabata BOB Hiroo
We talked to Mr Nabata BOB Hiroo from Gujo Hachiman, the representative of LIGHTAIR, producer of GJ8man, about the charm of Gujo Hachiman, GJ8man, and Ms Momoko Sakura who loved Gujo Hachiman.
Interview with Mr Nabata BOB Hiroo
We are hearing the reason why Ms Sakura loved Gujo Hachiman and the secret story of the birth of GJ8man. He also talked about the reason why he continues to make it now.
We hit it off well together once we met and the birth of GJ8man!
I got to know Ms Sakura through a common friend. She loved Gujo Hachiman, so our common friend introduced me who is from Gujo Hachiman to her. Even before she actually visited Gujo Hachiman, Ms Sakura remembered her colleague from Gujo Hachiman talking about his hometown and what she saw on TV about the scenery at Gujo Hachiman. She was always enthusiastic about it. When she finally stopped by Gujo Hachiman because of her new job, she became completely captivated and came to Gujo Hachiman once a month. On the day we first met, we were so excited and talked until 5 o’clock in the morning! After that, I guided her around Gujo Hachiman. After meeting several times, Ms Sakura said “I created a hero for Gujo Hachiman!” and showed me GJ8man.
The birth of GJ8man!
From the picture written on a piece of paper like a memo, the story became bigger and bigger and I finally decided to make an animation series. As I just wanted to show how I am proud to be born in Gujo, I started with my close friends. Ms Sakura wrote the script, she even wrote the lyrics for the theme song and acted as the voice of the bad guys. I felt like I need to do this! So I was in charge of the voices of GJ8man and Water Fairy, and sang the theme song.
GJ8man manhole cover
which is hot among “Manholer (Manhole cover lovers)”, comes to Gujo Hachiman!
A manhole cover of GJ8man is said to be located in two places in Hachiman. Even if you are not a manhole cover fan, you will love to reach for this designed manhole cover installed near a famous place. The manhole cover of GJ8 Man was selected as the 13th manhole cover card too.
Representative of LIGHTAIR, Nabata BOB Hiroo
Born in Gujo Hachiman and grows up in Gujo Hachiman until high school. After he studied design in LA, USA, he started a design company, LIGHTAIR, in Tokyo in developing characters and contributing to the community.