Shinichi Watanabe

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Shinichi Watanabe should not be confused with the similarly-named Shinichirō Watanabe, director of Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo
Shinichi Watanabe dressed in the style of his 'Nabeshin' character.
Shinichi Watanabe dressed in the style of his 'Nabeshin' character.

Shinichi Watanabe (渡邊 慎一 Watanabe Shin'ichi?) (born September 6, 1964) is a Japanese anime director. He is most well-known for his over-the-top adaptation of Rikdo Koshi's Excel Saga, in which he appears as the character Nabeshin. In addition to his appearance in Excel Saga and Puni Puni Poemy, his likeness has also appeared as NB in Tenchi Muyo! GXP, Inu-Afro in Dotto Koni-Chan and in a bit role in Mahoromatic. In addition, an unmistakable cameo of Nabeshin can be seen in Nurse Witch Komugi, although Watanabe had nothing to do with that project. He has also appeared in EyeShield 21. More recently he has made an appearance in episode 32 of Hayate no Gotoku.

Watanabe revealed that the nickname Nabeshin (which is a combination of "nabe" in Watanabe and "shin" in Shinichi) came to him from God.[1]

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[edit] As Nabeshin in Excel Saga and Nerima Daikon Brothers and other appearances

Nabeshin, with Rikdo in background.
Nabeshin, with Rikdo in background.

Nabeshin (ナベシン), since he is based on the director, only appears in the anime version of Excel Saga, and the spin-off series Puni Puni Poemi. Nabeshin is a peculiar character, since he appears in two capacities - acting as a director, working on the show and often battling with Rikdo (in a parody of the conflict that original writers sometimes find themselves in when their work is adapted), and as a character in the fictional universe of the show, playing a role as a devil-may-care vigilante. His design is a combination of stylish cool and over-the-top absurdity; he wears Lupin the Third's suit and a gigantic afro out of which he can pull out an endless supply of weapons. Nabeshin can be considered a parody of other directors who insert themselves into their shows to make themselves look cooler.

Nothing is ever really explained about Nabeshin, although it is hinted that he has a vast, complicated history. The series frequently features old allies and enemies of his, such as Space Butler XIII, Tetsuko, Red Beard and Antonio. He has had some prior encounters with the Puuchuu race, and he and Space Butler knew Hyatt and possibly Il Palazzo long before the events in Excel Saga. Nabeshin was involved in a dramatic battle at a location named Pogota (possibly after Bogotá), apparently involving That Man. Later in the series, Pedro and later his son Sandora are found to also have the "Power of the Afro", and Nabeshin becomes their partner in an offensive against That Man.

Nabeshin also appears as "Oya-san" (aka Pops), the rental store owner, in the musical comedy anime Nerima Daikon Brothers. Every episode he helps the three characters out of a predicament with a "rental," after they entertain him with a song.

Nabeshin also has made a brief appearance in Nurse Witch Komugi-chan, where he is supposed to direct her anime, but quit due to co-worker incompetence.

Nabeshin recently, made an appearance on Hayate the Combat Butler, notice that Excel Saga, and Nerima Daikon Brothers were on TV Tokyo.

The Path to Becoming a Lady
The Path to Becoming a Lady

His clothing style is an obvious reference to Lupin the Third's. This was referenced to in the Italian dub, as he was given the same voice actor as Lupin.

Nabeshin's likeness can also be seen in the anime Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge (USA: The Wallflower). The director appears in the 'Path to Becoming a Lady' (レデイへの道 redei e no michi) sections of the anime.

Nabeshin also makes a brief appearance in Eyeshield 21 as a mechanic during episode 16.

[edit] Works

Shinichi is the director of:

[edit] Notes and references

  1. ^ Zac Bertschy (May 24th, 2007). Interview: Shinichi "Nabeshin" Wantanabe. Anime News Network. Retrieved on 2007-05-24.

[edit] External links

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Municipal Force Daitenzin • Puni Puni Poemy • Rikdo Koshi • Shinichi Watanabe