Katsuhiro Otomo's 1988 classic Akira is Kanye West's "biggest creative inspiration."
West shouted out the hugely influential cinematic landmark in a series of tweets Monday morning. He also shared a photo of Katsuhiro Otomo, who directed and co-wrote the film, holding up a pair of Yeezys. "This is not only the greatest animation achievement in history," West said. "The subject matter is so relevant to the current state of the world."
Though the influence on West's own work is most obvious in his 2007 video for "Stronger," directed by Hype Williams, West has often pointed to the film when discussing his personal favorites. Back in 2015, he named it alongside Paul Thomas Anderson's There Will Be Blood as "equally" his two favorite movies.
Other films to have received the public Kanye co-sign include The Holy Mountain (think Yeezus tour design), Tron, American Psycho, Wreck-It Ralph, and The Walk.
Akira turned 30 years young in July, an anniversary celebrated with a welcomed assortment of essays on the film's continued pop culture influence. I recommend this one.
