Co-founder of Giant Robot
About a month and a half ago I started compiling a list of people I wanted to feature in this issue. The list started off with about 25 people. In a matter of only a few hours the list grew to 50. I needed to stop. Over the course of a few days I fine-tuned that list to 10 people. One individual that had to be a part of our inaugural zine was Eric Nakamura. Eric is the co-founder and publisher of Giant Robot. After graduating from UCLA in East Asian Studies Eric began working at Larry Flint Publications. During his time there Eric came up with the idea for publishing a magazine focused on Asian pop culture here in the states. Giant Robot's first issue was released by Eric and co-founder Martin Wong in 1994 in the form of a photocopied and stapled zine. Now almost 16 years later Giant Robot has grown into an internationally distributed magazine with boutique/stores/galleries throughout Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco. The success that Eric has received is well deserved. His integrity, vision and ideals are unmatched. It was a pleasure to sit down with Eric and talk about Roosters and giant robots.
One of the things I love about Giant Robot's success is that it started off as a zine. Have you ever wanted to put out a zine issue? Cut and paste, photocopied, black and white, scanned in the photocopied pages and still have the glossy cover and quality pages in between?
All the time. But scan it? The idea would be to submit it as is and let the printer deal with it. I don't know if that would be a goal, but making zines is one of the best things you can do. It takes little money and a lot of effort. The more soul, the better the zine.
Alright Eric, you win the Lottery, two million dollars right in your lap, but here is the kicker, you have to spend it all within the next 2 weeks. What do you do with it?
Difficult, it's not enough money. I think I'd just upgrade my work tools and work spaces. 2 million may not really cover that, but it would be a great start. I can buy stuff too I guess, but I have plenty of stuff already.
What’s the worst interview question you have ever been asked?
I hope it’s not the “you hit the jack pot” one I just asked.
There are no bad questions, just unresearched ones.
Years ago people would ask, for some odd reason, if we were associated or owned by the Beastie Boys. It was offensive then. Maybe it's because we were doing something new, did it on our own and then hearing that people thought we were owned by a band was a big let down.
Asian American students have asked, "how much money do you make?" It's an honest question and not a bad one, but why are they always Asian American?
The most tiring question is "why are you called Giant Robot?"
Where do you see yourself in 15 years?
I honestly don't look that far. I only hope I'm satisfied with myself then.
According to Chinese Astrology 2007 will be the year of the Pig. What is your sign?
Rooster.
What are the characteristics of a Rooster?
I'm not sure honestly. All I know is that growing up, it was referred to as cock and now it's rooster. I miss being known as a cock. Maybe that's a characteristic.
I found this online, "People born in the Year of the Rooster are deep thinkers, capable, and talented. They like to be busy and are devoted beyond their capabilities and are deeply disappointed if they fail. People born in the Rooster Year are often a bit eccentric, and often have rather difficult relationship with others. They always think they are right and usually are. They frequently are loners and though they give the outward impression of being adventurous, they are timid. Rooster peoples emotions like their fortunes, swing very high to very low. They can be selfish and too outspoken, but are always interesting and can be extremely brave. They are most compatible with Ox, Snake, and Dragon.> I just looked it up for our benefit."
Are any of these attributes true?
Probably all of them. It's a bit weird to read it and see myself in everything, however, if I look up any other attributes, I fit those too. I hear I'm a typical Leo, so I'm sure I'm the typical Rooster. I hope being "typical" is a good thing, I grew up thinking it wasn't.
Do you follow Astrology?
I don't follow zodiacs. But I have AB blood, and I hear I fit the profile of an AB blood having person. I guess I have two parts to myself. Most people don't know their blood type in America, but in Japan, it's important.
What do you wish more of in 2007?
More of the good parts from each year in the past. The bad will come with it regardless. I suppose this means there's no point in wishing, but it's fun, isn't it?
How did 2006 treat you?
This was a great year for me. A lot happened and I got to do many things. I think I took 20 roundtrip flights and flew around the world. Paris, Newcastle, Madrid, Tokyo, Hong Kong and more. I don't have a favorite memory, I think they all weigh in the same. I curated an art show at a university, did many cool speaking events, and met great people. If you gave me an hour I could tell you more about this year.
Which of the Voltron Lions is the weakest? I think the Black Lion would whoop the piss out of Optimus Prime, your thoughts.
I didn't grow up watching Voltron. I'm one generation or so back.
Mazinger Z would have killed them all anyway.
These next two questions were not in the zine but I wanted to include them here:
What did Eric Nakamura want to be when he was a kid?
I wanted to be a world champion pro tennis player with the style of Bjorn Borg and the heart of John McEnroe.
Why did you start Giant Robot?
Tennis wasn't going as well as I hoped, but making zines and putting projects together is something I've always been into doing. There were no magazines I was interested in, so GR is sort of everything I'd want in a magazine. Art, design, history, culture, travel, idiots, and more.
More information about Eric Nakamura here:
www.giantrobot.com
Eric's blog
** Warning about his blog: He always posts pictures of delicious food. Going to his blog will induce hunger.
interview by: duane fernandez
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