Hidetaka Tenjin stands by the window of the Novotel Hotel in Custom House watching airplanes on their approach back down to earth, London City Airport only a mile away. There is a look of childlike wonder gracing his face, the likes of which are seldom seen in an adult. As one of Japan’s top mechanical artists, it is endearing to see him so fascinated by the products he illustrates on a regular basis for anime franchises such as Macross and Gundam. It is only a brief respite for him, though, before he settles down to discuss his life and career in the world of mechanical animation.

The 41-year-old is charming and friendly, making jokes and often alternating between English slang and Japanese during the conversation. Here a day ahead of his appearance at MCM Comic Con as the anime guest of honour, he is flattered to be part of…