The anime world often faces interesting conflicts during adaptations. A notable example is Bocchi the Rock!, where the screenwriter revealed they were asked to remove sensitive elements and even reduce the main character’s bust size at the author’s request.
However, this is completely opposite to Kakeru Kobashiri, author of the popular light novel Mahoutsukai Reimeiki (The Dawn of the Witch). In a 2022 interview, she shockingly admitted she asked the anime production team to enlarge the hips and thighs of the character Holt, calling it the “ideal feminine feature” she wanted to convey.
Mahoutsukai Reimeiki author requested bigger hips and thighs for Holt in the anime
Speaking with Mipon, Kakeru Kobashiri explained the character design process for Holt: “I decided almost everything myself. For Holt, I wanted her to embody the ideal feminine charms: large breasts, wide hips, a gentle smile, and a cheerful personality. I also imagined a darker side to her.”
This confession made it clear that Holt’s striking figure was no accident but a deliberate request from her creator.
The most surprising part came when Kobashiri revealed the special instructions she gave for the anime adaptation. Instead of asking for restraint, she urged the production team to emphasize Holt’s physical traits even more:
“I was very clear with Iwasaki-sensei (illustrator), Tatsuwo-sensei, and the anime character designer: make Holt’s hips and thighs bigger. I told them, ‘Remember, her hips are big!’ (laughs).”
This request shows Kobashiri is not shy about supporting increased fanservice and character body features, completely opposite to the recent trend of toning down sensitive elements in many adaptations.
This sparked an interesting debate online about the creator’s authority and intentions during adaptations. It confirms that the visual appeal (fanservice) in Mahoutsukai Reimeiki is a purposeful choice by the creator, not an arbitrary addition by the studio.
Additionally, fans noticed how much influence an author can have on character design in anime, whether pushing for censorship or enhancement of physical traits.
What do you think? Is an author’s request to emphasize a character’s appearance a good way to ensure faithfulness to their artistic vision?