Q: How did you start out in your career? Did you intend to become a manga editor or did you fall into it?

A: I began work in editing and writing when a friend who worked at a publisher introduced me to an editorial production company that was recruiting. They were making business books and other nonfiction—not manga.

I had always enjoyed reading everything from manga to novels to nonfiction, so I wanted to work in editing.

By chance, I had the opportunity to meet Egami-san, IKKI's editor in chief. He said they were looking for new editors and asked if I'd like to give it a try. I was surprised by the sudden offer to join the staff, but I was interested in manga editing, I had always liked IKKI, and I'd been subscribing to it ever since the first issue, so I decided to accept the job.

Q: How did you come to work with Q Hayashida? Have you been editing Dorohedoro since the beginning of the series?

A: I took over as Hayashida Sensei's editor when my predecessor quit. Since becoming her editor, I haven't quite completed one volume of graphic novel yet.

Q: How far ahead do you and Hayashida Sensei plot out the story? Do you already have an idea how Dorohedoro will end?

A: When I became Hayashida Sensei's editor, the story had just started turning towards its ending. So the plot up until to the end was taking shape and certain basic ideas had been decided upon.

Q: What is the extent of your collaboration with Hayashida Sensei regarding the manga pages? Does she show you rough sketches beforehand, or do you comment on the page layouts?

A: When Hayashida sensei and I meet to discuss each chapter, first I read a plot she has prepared. Then, together with Mechikuro-san, the composition editor, we discuss it. Based on that, Hayashida Sensei draws up storyboards, and I bring up anything that catches my attention.

Mechikuro-san and I check each stage of development—plotting, rough sketches (storyboards) and layouts (rough drafts)—and react, bringing up what we like and proposing ways to improve it.

Q: Do you prefer to work in any particular genre?

A: As a manga reader, I like everything from science fiction to romance. So I guess as an editor I don't prefer any particular genre. As long as it's a manga I find interesting, I'm willing to work in any genre.

Q: Were you a fan of manga before you became an editor? Have you ever created manga on your own, or have you wanted to?

A: I've liked and read manga ever since I was in kindergarten. I never created manga on my own. I never felt I wanted to try either. I think I admired people who could make manga, but saw myself strictly as a reader.

Q: Please name a couple of manga that you particularly admire, and tell us what it is you like about them.

A: Hiroshi Masumura's Atagoul series, because it makes me realize the vast variety of forms that human imagination can come up with.

And Hitoshi Ashinano's Yokohama Kaidashi Kiko [Yokohama Shopping Travelogue], because by portraying normal, everyday living, he shows us the kinds of special times you wouldn't trade for anything in the world.

And Kenji Tsuruta's Spirit of Wonder, because just as the title implies it shows us the true soul of science fiction.