Amin Abbas

Nismogo “Gaz” has been animating for just under 2 years and started his career in 2021, so far he has worked on major Japanese anime projects such as: Boruto, Ousama Ranking, The Faraway Paladin, Assault Lily, Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon & Digimon: Ghost Game.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News Japan, Nismogo shared his inspiration for anime and manga, he said: “I feel as though, in terms of inspiration, my first bit of exposure to anime in general was the anime block ‘Toonami’ that would air at night on ‘Cartoon Network.’ On that channel I was exposed to a lot of what I guess today are considered the ‘Modern Classics’ of anime right? Naruto, Bleach, Dragon Ball Z, Inuyasha, Ghost in The Shell, Akira, Eureka Seven, Soul Eater, as well as quite a few Ghibli Films. In terms of Manga, I picked up Shounen Jump’s weekly magazine from the local library whenever I had the chance (which was almost every day). One of the first manga I ever remember being exposed to being Shaman King.”

“If I had to choose one, my favorite anime would definitely have to be the Monogatari Series. It’s unique direction and overall story and animation quality make for a unique experience that I feel resonates with me on quite the personal level. It’s always inspiring to go back and watch episodes because I feel as though I can always learn something from it whether it be in terms of writing, direction, or animation.”

Some of his favorite animators that inspired him include Nakayama Onsen, Ken Yamamoto, Shingo Yamashita, and Itsuki Tsuchigami.

Nismogo “began working on personal animations around June of 2020 I believe. I did a few trace studies to learn the program I was using (Clip Studio Paint EX), and then when I felt comfortable, I then began to move on towards more original animations. They were still bad though. I continued practicing for the entirety of that year.”

“To me, animation is the one true expression of creativity. To be able to breathe life into a drawing, and make it more than what it previously was. To be able to create scenes and life out of something that was once static is very powerful to me. Countless drawings all made to endlessly flow with one another seamlessly. It’s like a large puzzle that slowly gets pieced together to create something beautiful,” he continued. 

The first anime he worked on was Atelier Gokujou’s ‘Daicon Fantasy’ project in Fall of 2020, where he learned what it takes to work in the industry. 

“He’s a great mentor who still continues to offer advice whenever I am feeling clueless about something. I am very grateful,” Nismogo he shared. 

“Since then, I’ve gone on to work in anime and was given a chance to work on my first anime production in February of 2021. I was approached and asked to do key animation for the production of ‘Ousama Ranking’ that ended recently,” he added.

Regarding his upcoming projects, Nismogo has been working with studio Shaft rather consistently, and had the opportunity to work on a rather “large dream production of mine, that being the newly announced ‘RWBY’ anime adaptation that is being handled by studio Shaft. I hope that you can all watch it and enjoy the hard work that is being put into it.  There are many talented artists currently working on it, and I am very grateful to be able to learn and work beside them.” He has also had the opportunity to work on Magia Record. 

Nismogo admires  Japan’s overall work ethic, and constantly strives to be more dedicated, passionate and diligent.

The animator recommends that anyone aspiring to work in the industry should aim to exercise these traits by understanding and accepting them to ensure a long and prosperous career.