Introduction

Before we get started I would like to point out that you explained to me Kotaro that you were born in Japan in 1987, moved to Nova Scotia in or around 1990, then in 1995 you moved back to your home country (Japan), where you currently live. To help those of you reading this with the math on that, you are now 14 years old, which proves the point that talent has no age barriers! I wanted to get that out of the way first, because I am sure that many are going to be quite surprised that someone of your young age has shown such a high level of expertise toward high quality FS aircraft design.

Bear: So, my first question is to find out if this B-52 was your first attempt at FS design or have you designed other aircraft for Flight Simulator (or other sims) previously?

Kotaro: The B-52 is my 5th design that successfully made it "out the door." Other aircraft include the F-22A Raptor, F-15C Eagle and F-15E Strike Eagle. If you count the ones that "didn't make it out," the total would be closer to a dozen or so. Designing for FS was the first time I ever designed anything.

Bear: How long ago or at what age did you first start with Flight Simulator?

Kotaro: I think I got my first Flight Simulator for Macintosh, I don't remember what version, but it had those 3D white buildings and gray strips called "runways." I still remember flying around Chicago in the Cessna. This, however didn't hook me onto FS. The first FS I liked was FS98.

Bear: It is obvious that you've never had any experience flying a real-world B-52, but are there any particular reasons why you choose to design this aircraft?

Kotaro: Well, I cannot say there was any single reason behind the decision to build the B-52, but it was mostly the number of people looking for one, and the fact that none was being built. I also bought CFS2 around that time, and I wanted to build something that could carry a large number of ordnance (For obvious reasons ;)

Bear: I would imagine that it took a bit of time to complete this project, so could you tell us how many days or weeks did this require?

Kotaro: The initial decision to start working on one was around March 2001. Work started at around July 2001, and I worked on it on and off. Work times slumped at around September where I got involved with other projects and didn't have the time to work on it. Peak was at around January 2002, when I was regularly putting in 4 to 5 hours each day into it.

Bear: I understand that you had some help with the design work concerning not only the appearance, but also with the flight characteristics. This help came by way of your beta testers, which included (ret.) Maj. Clayton T. Dopke USAF (commander of a B-52D/G over Vietnam) and Jason Peters, currently a Crew Chief for a B-52H, so I was wondering how you came about to meet these fellows?

Kotaro: I don't remember too well about how I met those great guys, but I believe they found me, instead of me finding them. I announced the B-52 first at the Simviation forums, and then a few months later, "officially" announced it at my website. Jason Peters joined first, by mailing me and telling me some brief history about himself. I gladly accepted him in. Next came Clayton, again mailing me if he could join. I couldn't believe myself when these two great guys decided they wanted to join me. This was the first time I had people with real-world experience help me out on designing.

Bear: Being as you have moved around a bit, particularly for someone your age, is your father in the military and if so, is this part of the reason for your interest in designing the B-52?

Kotaro: No. My Father isn't in the Military and really doesn't have anything to do with the Military, but he introduced me to the strange machine called "Airplanes" when I was still very young. This led me to flight simulators and designing.

Although my Father wasn't involved with the Military, my Grandfathers were. My Grandfather (Mother's father) studied aircraft manufacturing and had wanted to design aircraft, but due to post-WW2 slumps in the aircraft industry, he instead joined a motor company. My other Grandfather was training to fly the reconnaissance version of the A6M Zero, but the war ended before he finished his training.

Bear: Considering how pleased so many are with your work with the B-52H, are you planning on designing anything else and if so, would you care to share with us what that project is?

Kotaro: I have 3 projects ongoing, and the B-52H is being done with Gmax right now. Many more features will be added with Gmax, and hopefully fix all the problems in the current version. Some exciting things are planned for the B-52. Other projects are the Vought A-7 Corsair II, McDonnell Douglass F-4 Phantom II, and the Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot. All of these projects will be done in Gmax.

Bear: Kotaro, it is a pleasure to see someone at your age with a keen interest in graphical design, particularly someone with your obvious talent and although it is a bit early, are you thinking of a career in the arts, specifically in graphic arts or some related field!

Kotaro: Well, I don't have any plans right now. I don't think my interest will go on to actually pursuing a career. I do, however intend to keep on designing for FS!!

Bear: Kotaro, I want to thank you for answering my questions today and we all hope to see great things in the future for you and hopefully more aircraft on the quality level of your B-52H! Thanks!