Last spring I had the absolute pleasure of meeting and talking with the creator of the delightful Kase-san series at Toronto Comic Arts Festival. At that time I asked her if she would do an interview for us here on Okazu. Graciously, she agreed. We both had a busy summer, so thank you for your patience. ^_^

In the meantime, the Kase-san and Morning Glories OVA was released in English by Sentai Filmworks, and the 6th volume of the manga, Kase-san and Yamada will be released in February 2020 from Seven Seas!

I apologize to my readers and to Takashima-sensei for the long delay. But today it is my very great pleasure to bring you a short interview with the creator of one of my favorite series of the 2010’s, Takashima Hiromi-sensei!

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Q1: Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
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I am Japanese manga artist, Takashima Hiromi. I love to draw.
 

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Q2: How did you become a manga artist? Was it something you wanted to do as a child?

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I was scouted at Tokyo Comic Market Comiket。
It has been my dream to become a manga artist since I was a child.
 

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Q3: Which artists are your role models?
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There are so many. Mainly manga artists, but there are too many to choose between.
 

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Q4: If you were not a manga artist, what kind of work would you be doing?
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I can’t imagine anything other than drawing manga, so maybe I’d be a manga artist’s assistant?
 

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Q5: Please tell us a little bit about your process. How long does it take you to draw a chapter?
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If one chapter is 24 pages, it would take me 10-14 days.
The “Nemu” (storyboard) takes about a week.
 

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Q5.2: How many assistants do you have? What is the first task you have to do and what is the last task?
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3-4 people.

As I sketch and ink the characters, I’ll have my assistants draw the background at the same time.

Then I ask the assistants to apply tone, after which I finish it.
 

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Q6: What does the success of Kase-san mean to you?

The [Kase-san] animation became a great learning experience, because I was able to learn about a completely different world. From now on I will keep working hard!
 

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Q7: What have you learned in the production of the Kase-san manga?

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Can [a scene] be drawn so that the character’s personality and actions are not disturbed?
 

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Q8: Do You read any Yuri Manga? If so, what series?

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I read a great deal of manga. The first Yuri manga I ever read was Morinaga Milk-sensei’s GIRL FRIENDS.
 

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Q9: Is there something you would like to say to overseas fans?
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There are cases where Japanese culture is depicted in the comics, but is there anything that you wonder about?
A rice ball bentou. Girls going together to the bathroom.

(Erica here: It seems to be universal that girls go to the bathroom together! It seems normal to me. ^_^)

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Q10: Do you have any advice for young people who would like to become a writer, artist or mangaka?
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When I was young, I think my mental perspective changed frequently.
Still, it is the most difficult thing to continue creating without lowering one’s motivation.
Don’t overdo it, don’t compromise, keep going for the long haul.
I will also do my best.
 

Thank you very much Takashima-sensei for your time and advice! We will continue to read and enjoy your work.