Producer Ryoya Arisawa answered fan questions about the BLUE LOCK anime, including whether he is satisfied with the adaptation, the possibility of a Season 3, and the noticeable changes in animation between Season 1 and Season 2. The anime will conclude with a 2-episode special finale on December 28.
The questions were submitted on BLUE LOCK’s official Instagram account. Among the highlights, Arisawa explained the reasons behind the differences in animation between the two seasons, how Sae knew about Ryusei Shido and why he chose him, and he said that he thinks that the anime can continue after Season 2 with the fan support. You can see all of Ryoya Arisawa’s answers below.
Q: What was your favorite part of BLUE LOCK’s Production?
A: It would have to be the time spent deepening my understanding of BLUE LOCK with the author, Muneyuki Kaneshiro, and then creating the script for the anime during our scenario meetings. Both have been highly meaningful and positive experiences for me.
Q: Do you think BLUE LOCK will have a huge impact in Japan the way Captain Tsubasa did back in the 80s?
A: That’s what I believe. We are creating BLUE LOCK with the goal of having such a significant impact, not only in Japan but also around the world.
Q: Will we ever see a day in the lives of the characters outside of soccer?
A: The main focus of BLUE LOCK has always been fiery soccer, however we also aim to depict as much of the characters’ everyday lives as possible. With that in mind we made the decision to produce the “Additional Time!” shorts at the end of every episode.
Q: How and why did Sae Itoshi know of and pick Shidou to play in the U-20 Match?
A: Sae Itoshi reviewed almost all of the information and match footage within BLUE LOCK before accepting the offer to participate in this match. He did this deliberately to determine whether the opponents were worth his time. Among the players, he became particularly intrigued by Shidou, who stands out as the most unconventional figure, breaking away from the norms of traditional Japanese soccer.
Q: Are you happy with the anime adaptation?
A: I am far from satisfied. BLUE LOCK is a story about pursuing one’s “ego” to achieve greater strength, and in a way, satisfaction signifies the end of growth. Characters, like Isagi and the others, relentlessly seek greater strength with insatiable determination, whether they win or lose and the same applies to me and everyone involved in the BLUE LOCK anime. To those ends, I believe we will never allow ourselves to feel fully satisfied moving forward.
Q: Why is there a major difference between Season 1 animation and Season 2?
A: Having battled exclusively within a closed facility until now, the characters will, for the first time, battle on a grand stage that captures the attention of all of Japan. To fully express this shift, we have increased depictions of the outside world and the audience, elements that were rarely seen before. Additionally, reflecting on the lessons and feedback from the first season, we have enhanced aspects such as monitor work, imagery sequences, and aura effects. I believe these differences in approach are evident in the animation style this season. Of course, even in the production process of Season 2, we continue to iterate and fine-tune, aiming to build up to an exciting climax.
Q: Is there gonna be a [BLUE LOCK] Season 3? And will you be a part of Season 3 as well?
A: With everyone’s support, I believe we can continue the series, so I kindly ask for your continued support for BLUE LOCK.
Q: Do you watch soccer yourself?
A: I do watch Japan’s national team matches, and occasionally, I’d go to the stadium when invited by friends. Since becoming involved with BLUE LOCK, however, the opportunities to watch have increased significantly.
Q: Who do you relate to most within the show and what has been your favorite memory so far?
A: In terms of position, it would be Anri-chan, but mentally, I think I’m most like Isagi. Despite having more losses than victories, he’s always striving for the next win, which I feel is similar to me. I also aspire to be like Isagi. Since encountering this series, I can say without a doubt that my own ego has grown stronger (laughs).
Q: Favorite character in BLUE LOCK?
A: I love all the characters, and one of BLUE LOCK’s greatest charms is that every character has something admirable. If I had to choose one, it would be Anri-chan, as I find a lot to relate to in my role as a producer. Although she’s often treated like a mascot or someone who handles odd jobs, she’s the driving force behind this project. She’s the one who inspired many adults, including Ego-san, to take action and achieve these results. I truly think she’s an amazing producer.
Q: If you could pick 1 character to win the whole thing, who would it be?
A: I can’t choose, and I’m on the edge of my seat with excitement and anticipation, following attentively on who will be the last one standing in the end.
Q: What’s your opinion on Nagi/Reo?
A: Both of them are incredibly human and captivating, making it impossible to take your eyes off them. Reo is a bit emotionally immature and childlike—despite pursuing the same dream as Nagi, he ends up demanding that Nagi walk the same path with him. In contrast, Nagi has a more detached perspective. He genuinely believes in their shared dream and promise, which allows him to choose a different path without hesitation because he truly wants to fulfill it. This disconnect between them is so human and compelling. On top of that, both of their soccer plays are dazzling and cool, which makes them such an amazing duo.
Q: When Rin was introduced, Isagi’s progress began to slow down. Do you think Rin is the true main character of the story?
A: Rather than saying he’s slowing down, I think Rin’s presence has made the wall that Isagi must overcome even larger and clearer. While Rin is certainly one of the main characters in Season 2, I still believe that the true protagonist of BLUE LOCK is Yoichi Isagi.
Q: Will we get a spinoff about what happened in Spain with Sae Itoshi?
A: At the moment, nothing like that exists, but I would love to see it.
Q: Are you looking forward to animating the Neo Egoist League?
A: I personally want to see more and more of the BLUE LOCK anime, so I’d like to ask again for your continued support so that we may continue the series. That would make me incredibly happy!
We actually had a chance to speak directly with the producer at this year’s Anime Expo, when he also told us more about working on the anime.
Muneyuki Kaneshiro writes the BLUE LOCK manga, with art by Yusuke Nomura. Kodansha is publishing the manga in English. The story follows BLUE LOCK, the project to create the ultimate egoistical striker that will take Japan to a World Cup trophy. They are now facing the U-20 Japan, although Shido Ryusei is yet to make his debut.
The full staff for BLUE LOCK Season 2 consists of:
- General Director: Yuji Haibara
- Director: Shintaro Inokawa
- Series Composition/Screenplay: Taku Kishimoto
- Story supervisor: Muneyuki Kaneshiro
- Character Design / Chief Animation Director: Kenji Tanabe
- Chief Animation Director: Tomoko Mori, Sorato Shimizu
- Action Director: Tadami Okimura
- Chief 3D Layout Artist: Mio Sakuma
- Prop and costume design: Tomoko Mori, Kaho Iida
- Animation Special Effects: Akane
- Color Design: Sakura Komatsu
- Art Setting: Mio Sakuma
- Art Director: Masakazu Miyake
- Background: Creative Freaks
- Director of Photography: Yasuhiro Asagi
- Photography: Chiptune
- 3DCG Director: Tomoki Yamashita, Yuji Haibara
- 3DCG Chief Animator: Norimitsu Hirosawa
- 3DCG: Aura Studio
- Special Compositor and Graphic Work: Yuji Haibara
- Special Effects Processing: Kanako Yamada
- Edit: Mai Hasegawa
- Sound Director: Fumiyuki Go
- Sound Production: Bit Groove Promotion
- Music: Jun Murayama
- Producers: Ryoya Arisawa, Naoya Sato, Yusuke Kawakatsu, Hiroshi Yanai
- Animation Producer: Hidenori Kosuge
- Animation Production: 8Bit
Crunchyroll is streaming the anime.
Source: Press Release
©Muneyuki Kaneshiro, Yusuke Nomura, Kodansha/”Blue Lock” Production Committee
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