In the Original Video Animation "I.R.I.A" you designed the character, but how was that compared to actual comics work? It was really fun, and unlike comics, I wasn't in charge of the whole thing (laughs). It wasn't too much trouble, because I was able to draw as I liked. I feel that I was successful regarding Iria's face. I think I was able to bring out the character's personality well with the way her hair on the left side was slightly aggressive, and the way her right part's roll brought out her femininity. If I get another chance, I'd like to do this sort of work again. Many of your friends are illustrators and model creators, do you influence each other? Yes, I do get influenced by some. But Takayuki Taketani and Terada-kun, film director Amamiya, and Yasushi Nirazawa are serious creators and drawers, my drawings of girls are like water and oil·so my work probably doesn't influence them. (laughs) Even my cartoonist friend Toriyama-san (Dragon Ball series) doesn't understand my love comics (laughs). Well, "love" is his weakest point, as one can see. I feel that compared to other people, I still haven't fully matured. One day, I hope to be able to draw "proper" comics.

4C means the 4 types of Colors for the manuscripts. In color printing, by mixing the four colors of black, red, blue, and yellow, you can show all colors...4 COLORS, so 4C. The illustrations in this book come mostly from Jump's 4 Color pages, so that's how I came up with the title. But to be honest, in this book we used 1 more special color so it became 5 color printing (laughs). Because it's my first illustration collection, I was happy, but also embarrassed. (laughs) Looking back at what I've done, I'm shocked. I didn't mind the fact that the pictures looked different in those days, but there were so many I thought I'd put so much effort in to and I when I saw them I went "What's THIS?!" (laughs).

Are there any favorite pictures?

Hmm, not really. Regarding pictures, I feel that I've just made it to my starting point. It's just that when I see a work of an illustrator or a designer which makes me go "wow!", I think I've got to work harder. I only illustrate in color only once in a while, I just can't beat people who do it all the time. I can't compete with professional color painters, but I still want to illustrate in color. I think I should stick to being a cartoonist. That's my dilemma.

What kind of comic would you like to work on in the future?

Definately a hero story. I think I'd like to draw "Zetman" once more. I want to draw a Zetman that everyone would feel for.

Would you like to give a message to the readers?

I am really grateful to all the readers. Even though there are some pictures that I now think aren't very good, if you find something good in them, I'll be happy. I'll try my best with everyone's support and encouragement.

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