Rapper Kanye West has just shared one of his biggest inspirations, and fans are here for it.
On Monday, he tweeted out a photo of Katsuhiro Otomo, creator of the anime masterpiece Akira, captioning the film as his “biggest creative inspiration.”
https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/1034101919340347392
Akira, the 1988 film following biker gang leader Kaneda and childhood friend Tetsuo as they grapple with a dystopian hellscape (and Tetsuo’s burgeoning telekinetic powers), is considered one of the greatest animated films of all time. It’s also one of the reasons anime was able to secure such a strong influence in America today.
The film is clearly extremely important to Kanye, as he continued to tweet about it beyond his first shout-out.
Every stage show I’ve ever worked on Every video not just Stronger every product even when I was in the hospital I would think… oh shit this is like Akira
— ye (@kanyewest) August 27, 2018
This is not only the greatest animation achievement in history the subject matter is so relevant to the current state of the world
— ye (@kanyewest) August 27, 2018
This isn’t the first time Kanye’s given Akira its fair due, though. As he mentioned on Twitter, the rapper even paid tribute to the film with his techno-thriller video for his 2007 single “Stronger.”
Several scenes were taken from the movie shot-for-shot, including medical machines, motorcycle sequences, and the overall vibe. He’s never been shy about voicing his love for the film, though it’s a bit unclear as to why he chose today to sing its praises once more.
Fans are certainly excited about the reference, though—and they’re even prompting Yeezy to make his own anime.
Make an anime , kanye
— stevie (@SteveThaGamer) August 27, 2018
https://twitter.com/MasterBatman3/status/1034102831651975174
So you like anime you say Kanye? Well then do me @belegassi @MaxSlusky and @UncleTizzle have an idea for you we just need one DM message and we’ll have you hooked we’ve literally been working on it for months and it’s about you and anime and you’ll love it PLEASE
— Short King ™️ (@Garrett_ftw) August 27, 2018
Direct an anime for us YE!
— Maple Jordan & Tsunami Pippen (@mangojuicepapi) August 27, 2018
https://twitter.com/MemeMan47445195/status/1034105298397655040
https://twitter.com/BILLYOCEAN_RSA/status/1034104864345870337
https://twitter.com/GaraDabrielle/status/1034105012983615489
Considering the bomb job he did with “Stronger,” it would probably be a pretty awesome concept.
Fans are also calling for a Yeezy x Akira collab of some sort, too. Sign us up.
I want an AKIRA inspired Yeezy season and a prog hip hop album that runs for 2 hours based on AKIRA.
— Dan (@strawberrydan) August 27, 2018
https://twitter.com/EgoIsShit/status/1034102863956459525
Make Akira sneakers and now we talkin
— Prabaker the Punjabi (@Punjabstani) August 27, 2018
Everyone else wants to talk anime and Akira with ‘Ye. And honestly, we’re very here for that.
Is kanye a weeb
— Sad man (@MLGBigBoss) August 27, 2018
Whatchu know about Akira, Ye pic.twitter.com/MQHJ1E9Olv
— See You At The TOP (@itsreallyZona) August 27, 2018
Have you read the manga? It enhances the movie a lot; check it out if you haven't
— DAVE (@QQQQO) August 27, 2018
U gotta read the full comic book if u havent Akira gets deep much deeper than the movie.
— Friendswithyou (@Friendswithyou) August 27, 2018
— afkumono (@afkumono) August 27, 2018
Come through, Kanye. And while you’re at it, go ahead and share the rest of your inspirations with us, too.