Q. Was there a different art style you wanted to try out or themes that you wanted to explore that you wouldn't have been able to do in shojo?

A. I made the art style and composition cleaner. It's easy to draw. I just had to write about the theme of the bonds that connect people together, especially friendship.

Q. What are some challenges that you've experienced while working on Arata: The Legend that you didn't expect? (Or has it been smooth sailing?)

A. Working with the presentation and structure of a weekly format. Before now, I had many pages to work with to take my time to build up the story. I'm going to have to learn that from here on.

Q. Who is your favorite character to draw so far? What is it about this character that you like so much?

A. Kannagi. He wasn't a character I was really conscious of, but surprisingly, he can easily pull off both the serious and the comical. He's easy to draw because it feels like he takes on a life of his own.

Q. What sort of artistic inspiration did you draw from to create the look of the various Hayagami? Do you have a favorite one?

A. Basically, I look at reference materials for weapons from around the world, but I create them with the image of each character and its function in mind. My favorite is…Orochi. I think I was able to recreate my vision of pain and misfortune. [Editor's note: Orochi will first appear in volume 5.]

Q. It's interesting to see both the modern world and the mythical world together in Arata: The Legend. Do you personally prefer writing stories that take place in a modern setting or a mythical one?

A. Actually, I most prefer a modern world where fantastic events can occur. But if nothing like that is there, then a modern setting is too convenient and is uninteresting.

Q. Do you plot out your story for Arata: The Legend way in advance or on a week-to-week basis? Do you ever get writer's block?

A. I see about two to three volumes ahead. Then for each chapter, I think about how I can successfully bring the story along to that point.

Q. When you work on Arata: The Legend, what background music or TV shows do you have on to help with the manga-making mood or process? (Or do you prefer silence?)

A. I create stories from music, so music that matches my vision of the series is essential. I often listen to video game music featuring traditional Japanese instruments by artists such as Rin' and Yuki Kajiura.

Q. What sort of hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?

A. Watching movies. I am very drawn to the composition and production of video and film. I hardly have the time, but as much as I can, I prefer to see movies at the theater. And later, I am also interested in things like the production commentary. I can learn from it, and I like knowing about it.

Q. Do you currently have a favorite manga series that you read for fun?

A. Not in particular. I don't have the opportunity to read other people's work… I have my hands full with my own work.

Q. When you think of all the various manga titles you've worked on, which one makes you feel the most proud or has a special place in your heart?

A. My most representative work would be Fushigi Yûgi, which has come to be known around the world. A title that is special for me is Sakuragari, which recently ended. The story and the manner in which it is portrayed are extreme, so it hasn't been released in many different countries. But in terms of artwork and presentation, I feel that I was able to express myself purely without holding back. I created it as a human drama with a theme that presents certain issues. It was a turning point for me as an author, and from here on I would like to utilize what I have gained from this and incorporate it into the deep creation process of my other series such as Arata: The Legend.