Gen Urobuchi (Japanese: 虚淵 玄, Hepburn: Urobuchi Gen, born December 20, 1972) is a Japanese novelist, visual novel writer and anime screenwriter. He is known for being the co-creator of the highly acclaimed and commercially successful anime series Puella Magi Madoka Magica, which earned him the Tokyo Anime Award for Best Scriptwriter, as well as the writer of the 2003 visual novel Saya no Uta, the 2012 anime Psycho-Pass, the light novel and anime Fate/Zero, and the 2013–2014 tokusatsu show Kamen Rider Gaim. He currently works at Nitroplus and Nitro+chiral. Anime written by Urobuchi that have won the Newtype Anime Awards have been Puella Magi Madoka Magica in 2011, Fate/Zero in 2012 and Psycho-Pass: The Movie in 2015.
Gen Urobuchi | |
|---|---|
| Born | Wada (first name unknown) December 20, 1972 Tokyo, Japan |
| Occupation | Writer, scriptwriter |
| Education | Wakō University |
| Genre | Dark Fantasy, horror, thriller, sci-fi, tragedy[1] |
| Notable works | Puella Magi Madoka Magica Fate/Zero Psycho-Pass Saya no Uta Kamen Rider Gaim |
| Notable awards | 1st Newtype Anime Awards - Screenwriter Prize 11th Tokyo Anime Award for Best Screenplay |
| Relatives | Tsunashirō Wada (Great-grandfather) Sunao Ōtsubo (Grandfather) Shū Wada (Father) Natsuko Sebata (Mother) |
History
editUrobuchi graduated from Wako University with a degree in History.[2] He aspired to become a novelist and after seeing Shizuku and Kizuato by Leaf, he felt confident about the range of expression that games have.[3][4] He then started working at Nitroplus and worked on Phantom of Inferno as his debut series. As of 2024, Urobuchi is the vice-president of Nitroplus.[5]
Writing style
editIn choosing names for the characters he develops, Urobuchi has stated that he shies away from selecting generic names that would match their personalities and instead opts for more unusual names that he believes would eliminate noise when fans try finding information on the characters with search engines. In a discussion with Urobuchi, manga writer Kazuo Koike contrasted this decision with the naming style in his own works, which emphasized more forthright names that were easier to remember. However, he found that Urobuchi's method could be effective for allowing viewers to "involve themselves deeper into the story and actively work to understand the characters."[6] Urobuchi also said he attempts to keep at least one trait in common between each individual character and himself so that he can always identify with them on some level.[7]
Work
editVisual novels
edit| Year | Title | Developer | Platform(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Phantom of Inferno | Nitroplus | Windows, Mac, DVD-PG, PS2, Xbox 360 | Also director. Scenario and voice supervisor in latter ports. |
| 2001 | Vampirdzhija Vjedogonia (吸血殲鬼ヴェドゴニア) | Windows | Also director and planner. | |
| 2002 | Kikokugai: The Cyber Slayer (鬼哭街) | Windows, Mac | Also director and planner. | |
| "Hello, world." | Windows | Handled the original concept, planning and debug. Did not write scenario. | ||
| 2003 | Deus Machina Demonbane (斬魔大聖デモンベイン) | Windows, PS2 | Directed the original version, supervised. Did not write scenario. | |
| Jōka no Monshō (浄火の紋章, Emblem of the Sacred Flame) | Eerged | Windows | Takes place in the setting of Equilibrium, created by Kurt Wimmer. | |
| Saya no Uta (沙耶の唄) | Nitroplus | Windows, Android | Also director, supervisor. | |
| 2005 | Togainu no Chi (咎狗の血) | Nitro+chiral | Windows, PS2, PSP, Android, iOS | Handled direction and supervision. Did not write scenario. |
| Jingai Makyō (塵骸魔京) | Nitroplus | Windows | Credited with "supervision". Did not write scenario. | |
| 2006 | Kishin Hishou Demonbane (斬魔大聖デモンベイン) | Windows | Only wrote the lyrics of the second opening theme. Did not write scenario. | |
| Lamento -BEYOND THE VOID- | Nitro+chiral | Windows | Credited with "game composition assistance". Did not write scenario. | |
| 2007 | Tre Donne Crudeli (続・殺戮のジャンゴ ─地獄の賞金首─, Zoku Satsuriku no Django -Jigoku no Shoukinkubi-) | Nitroplus | Windows | Also handled planning. |
| 2008 | sweet pool | Nitro+chiral | Windows, PS Vita | Credited as advisor. Did not write scenario. |
| 2015 | Psycho-Pass: Mandatory Happiness (サイコパス 選択なき幸福) | 5pb. | Xbox One, PS4, PS Vita, Windows | Handled project planning and supervision.[8] Did not write scenario. |
Manga
edit- Vampirdzhija Vjedogonia (with Tetsuya Sakata). Serialized in Comic Dragon, 2 volumes published by Dragon Comics (Kadokawa Shoten). August 2001, February 2002. ISBN 4049261774 ISBN 4049261936
- Ancient Misty (with Tetsuya Nakamura). Serialized in Dengeki Comic Gao!, 1 volume published by Dengeki Comics (MediaWorks). August 27, 2007. ISBN 978-4840240178
Light novels
edit| Title | Illustrator | Publisher | Volumes | ISBN | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kikokugai: The Cyber Slayer (鬼哭街) | Higashiguchi Chūō | Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko (1st editions) Sai Zen Sen Fictions (Star Seas) (2nd edition) |
2 "Violet Lightning Palm" (紫電掌) "Demon-Eyed Beauty" (鬼眼麗人) Single volume (2nd edition) |
4-04-427809-1 (vol 1) 4-04-427810-5 (vol 2) 978-4-06-138955-7 (2nd edition) |
December 25, 2004 (vol 1) February 2005 (vol 2) December 11, 2013 (2nd edition) |
| [[[Hakubō no Dendōshi]]] Error: {{nihongo}}: transliteration text not Latin script (pos 97) (help) (白貌の伝道師) | kamiwata (1st edition) Akira Yasuda (2nd edition) |
Nitroplus Books (1st edition) Sai Zen Sen Fictions (Star Seas) (2nd edition) |
Single volume | 4-902138-02-6 (1st edition) 4-061388-24-X (2nd edition) |
December 29, 2004 (1st edition) March 15, 2012 (2nd edition) |
| Fate/Zero | Takashi Takeuchi | Type-Moon Books (1st edition) Sai Zen Sen Fictions (Star Seas) (2nd edition) |
4 (1st edition) "The Untold Story of the Fourth Holy Grail War" (第四次聖杯戦争秘話) "The Mad Feast of Kings" (王たちの狂宴) "The Scattered Ones" (散りゆく者たち) "Flames of Purgatory" (煉獄の炎) 6 (2nd edition) vol 2 - "The Gathering of Spirits" (英霊参集) vol 5 - "The Quickening of Darkness" (闇の胎動) |
978-4-06-138903-8 978-4-06-138904-5 978-4-06-138906-9 978-4-06-138908-3 978-4-06-138910-6 978-4-06-138912-0 (2nd edition) |
1st edition: December 29, 2006 March 31, 2007 July 27, 2007 December 29, 2007 2nd edition: January 11, 2011 February 9, 2011 March 10, 2011 April 7, 2011 May 11, 2011 June 10, 2011 |
| Black Lagoon (ブラック・ラグーン) | Rei Hiroe | Gagaga Bunko | 2 "Shaitane Badi" (シェイターネ・バーディ) "Ballad of the Sinful Wizard" (罪深き魔術師の哀歌) |
4-09-451079-6 4-09-451249-7 |
July 18, 2008 (vol 1) January 18, 2011 (vol 2) |
| Eisen Flügel (アイゼンフリューゲル) | Higashiguchi Chūō | Gagaga Bunko | 2 | 978-4-09-451146-8 978-4-09-451180-2 |
July 17, 2009 (vol 1) December 18, 2009 (vol 2) |
| Kin no Hitomi to Tetsu no Ken (金の瞳と鉄の剣) | Yun Kōga | Sai Zen Sen Fictions (Star Seas) | Single volume | 4-06-138802-9 | April 14, 2011 |
Anime
editSeries
edit| Year | Series | Studio | Role | Episodes | Scripts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Blassreiter | Gonzo | Series composition, script | 24 | 8 (10–12, 15–17, 22–23) |
| 2009 | Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom | Bee Train | Original scenario, script | 26 | 3 (6, 18, 25) |
| 2011 | Puella Magi Madoka Magica | Shaft | Original creator, series composition, script | 12 | 12 |
| 2011 | Fate/Zero | Ufotable | Original creator, script supervision | 13 | — |
| 2012 | Fate/Zero (second season) | Ufotable | Original creator | 12 | — |
| 2012 | Psycho-Pass | Production I.G | Story concept, series composition, script | 22 | 21 (all but episode 12) |
| 2013 | Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet | Production I.G | Story concept, series composition, script | 13 | 2 (1, 13) |
| 2014 | Aldnoah.Zero | A-1 Pictures Troyca |
Original creator, script | 12 | 3 (1–3) |
| 2014 | Psycho-Pass 2 | Tatsunoko Production | Planning supervision, story concept | 11 | — |
| 2015 | Aldnoah.Zero (second season) | A-1 Pictures Troyca |
Original creator | 12 | — |
| 2015 | Gunslinger Stratos: The Animation | A-1 Pictures | Original scenario | 12 | — |
| 2015 | Chaos Dragon | Silver Link Connect |
Original creator | 12 | — |
| 2015 | Wooser's Hand-to-Mouth Life: Phantasmagoric Arc | Sanzigen | Script | 13 | 1 (13) |
| 2016 | Concrete Revolutio: The Last Song | Bones | Script | 11 | 1 (20) |
| 2019 | Obsolete[9] | Buemon | Original creator, series composition, script | 12 | 7 (1–4, 7, 9–10) |
| 2022 | RWBY: Ice Queendom | Shaft | Animation concept | 12 | — |
| 2023 | Revenger | Ajia-do Animation Works | Original scenario, series composition, script | 12 | 7 (1–6, 8) |
Movies
edit| Year | Series | Studio |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part 1: Beginnings | Shaft |
| 2012 | Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part 2: Eternal | Shaft |
| 2013 | Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part 3: Rebellion | Shaft |
| 2014 | Expelled from Paradise | Graphinica |
| 2015 | Psycho-Pass: The Movie | Production I.G |
| 2016 | Garm Wars: The Last Druid | Production I.G |
| 2017 | Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters | Polygon Pictures |
| 2018 | Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle | Polygon Pictures |
| 2018 | Godzilla: The Planet Eater | Polygon Pictures |
| 2022 | Bubble | Wit Studio |
| 2025 | Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Walpurgisnacht: Rising | Shaft |
Sound dramas
edit- Kikokugai: The Cyber Slayer (2004) — Script
- Fate/Zero (2008–2013) — Original creator, script (BD boxsets bonus)
Other video games
edit| Year | Title | Developer | Platform(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Puella Magi Madoka Magica Portable | Bandai Namco | PSP | Handled project planning and supervision.[10] Did not write scenario. |
| 2012-2016 | Gunslinger Stratos series | Byking, Taito | Arcade, Windows | Only wrote original scenario. |
| 2012 | Take Off! Super Dimensional Trouble Hanafuda Epic Battle (とびたて！超時空トラぶる花札大作戦) | Type-Moon | PSP | Only wrote the Despicable Victories Husband (卑劣必勝ハズバンド) and Elegance and Pleasure Club (優雅なる愉悦倶楽部) teams. Fate/stay night Réalta Nua downloadable bonus;[11] Urobuchi is listed under "special thanks" in the original release of the game. |
| 2016 | Fate/Grand Order | Delightworks | Android, iOS | "Fate/Accel Zero Order" event, "Lostbelt 3: Sin" scenario writer.[12] |
| 2025 | Rusty Rabbit | Nitroplus | PS5, Windows | Original Concept/Script[13] |
Other
editSeries
edit| Year | Series | Studio | Role | Episodes | Scripts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Kamen Rider Gaim | Toei | Series composition, script | 47 | 44 (all but 30, 37, 47) |
| 2016 | Thunderbolt Fantasy (season 1) | PILI | Original creator, chief supervision, script | 13 | 13 |
| 2018 | Thunderbolt Fantasy (season 2) | PILI | Original creator, chief supervision, script | 13 | 13 |
| 2021 | Thunderbolt Fantasy (season 3) | PILI | Original creator, chief supervision, script | 13 | 13 |
| 2024 | Thunderbolt Fantasy (season 4) | PILI | Original creator, chief supervision, script | 13 | 13 |
Movies
edit| Year | Series | Studio | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Kamen Rider Gaim: Great Soccer Battle! Golden Fruits Cup! | Toei | Original creator, script supervision |
| 2014 | Garm Wars: The Last Druid | Production I.G | Japanese script |
| 2017 | Thunderbolt Fantasy: The Sword of Life and Death | PILI | Original creator, chief supervision, script |
| 2019 | Thunderbolt Fantasy: Bewitching Melody of the West | PILI | Original creator, chief supervision, script |
| 2025 | Thunderbolt Fantasy finale | PILI | Original creator, chief supervision, script |
Awards
edit| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1st Newtype Anime Awards | Best Screenplay | Puella Magi Madoka Magica | Won |
| 2012 | 11th Tokyo Anime Awards | |||
| 2015 | 5th Newtype Anime Awards | Psycho-Pass: The Movie |
References
edit- ^ "[ Fate / Zero ] Volume 1".
- ^ "萌え系だけど過酷 アニメ「まどか☆マギカ」の型破り 制作者が語るヒットの秘密" (in Japanese). The Nikkei. August 11, 2011. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
- ^ 金の瞳と鉄の剣 (in Japanese). April 4, 2011.
- ^ Urobuchi, Gen (May 24, 2010). "続編の構想もあった――Xbox 360版『ファントム』虚淵玄さんインタビュー" (Interview) (in Japanese). Japan: Dengeki Online. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
- ^ サイバーエージェントグループ参画のお知らせ [Announcement of Participation in CyberAgent Group]. Nitroplus (in Japanese). June 26, 2024. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
- ^ Ransom, Ko (January 29, 2012). "Report: Kazuo Koike and Gen Urobuchi Chat". Anime News Network. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
- ^ Sevakis, Justin (July 27, 2012). "Gen Urobuchi Focus panel". Anime News Network. Retrieved May 8, 2014.
- ^ "Psycho-Pass Anime Gets Xbox One Game by 5pb". Anime News Network. Anime News Network. May 27, 2014. Retrieved August 19, 2016.
- ^ "Gen Urobuchi Writes Robotic Mecha 3D CG Anime 'OBSOLETE'". Anime News Network. Anime News Network. September 24, 2019. Retrieved November 24, 2019.
- ^ "Madoka Magica Gets PSP Game with Gen Urobuchi". Anime News Network. Anime News Network. August 9, 2011. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
- ^ "Three New Teams Revealed for "Fate/Zero" Hanafuda Epic Battle".
- ^ "第2部 第3章「Lostbelt No.3 人智統合真国 シン 紅の月下美人」開幕！".
- ^ Cryer, Hirun (November 27, 2023). "One tweet about a mecha Sylvanian Family doll inspired an acclaimed anime writer to make a Metroidvania starring a 'sh**ty father' rabbit". GamesRadar+. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
External links
edit- Gen Urobuchi at Anime News Network's encyclopedia
- Gen Urobuchi at IMDb
- Gen Urobuchi on Twitter
