WSJ 2019_26 
Thank you so much for the comment, Tabata Sensei! I'm so glad to be reunited with you here in Shonen Jump!
Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru
WSJ 2019_28
I'm so happy I got to be in the same magazine as Ikemoto Sensei! I'll be looking forward to future issues of V Jump!
Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru
WSJ 2019_30
I'm so happy that How to Train Your Dragon 3 seems to be getting a Japanese theatrical release!
Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru
WSJ 2019_32
Ever since I was a kid, I've been excited for the start of summer. This year I want to do fireworks and eat watermelon.
Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru
WSJ 2019_34
They're releasing a Legend of Zelda sequel and a remake. I'm already super hyped. Not that I'll have time to play it...
Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru
WSJ 2019_3637
I got sore muscles from my assistant, who knows a lot about working out, just showing me the ropes. I'm so out of shape!
Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru
WSJ 2019_39
I gave an assistant a piece of my houseplant, and it seems like it took root. I'm so glad.
Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru
WSJ 2019_41
I want to watch Dragon Quest, Lion King and Toy Story 4! I love CGI animated movies!
Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru
WSJ 2019_43
My first graphic novel will go on sale on 10/4 in Japan! Everyone, please check it out!
Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru
WSJ 2019_45
I'm almost out of my stock of the soft mint-blue lead that is out of production. I'm in trouble.
Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru
WSJ 2019_47
The Kagawa udon I got from my staff was delicious! I'd love to go there and eat it fresh someday!
Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru
WSJ 2019_49
The cheese-flavored kaki no tane snacks my editor brought back from Hokkaido are a huge hit with my assistants.
Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru
WSJ 2019_51
My assistant gave me two good luck charms, so something nice is bound to happen.
Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru
WSJ 2020_01
So far it's still warm and comfortable this year. I'm not good with the cold, so I'm quite happy.
Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru
WSJ 2020_03
I draw all the rough drafts of the manga with a blue pencil. It's great because the lines are sharp and you don't need to erase them.
Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru
WSJ 2020_09
I caught my first cold of this serialization. I'm glad it was during the end of the year when things were a little less hectic.
Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru
WSJ 2020_11
I was blown away by the hand-drawn animation in Klaus. It looked like 3DCG!
Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru
WSJ 2020_13
The movies I've recently seen are How to Train Your Dragon 3, Sing and 3 Idiots. They were all really good.
Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru
WSJ 2020_15
I'm reading all the fan mail I receive. The letters keep me motivated.
Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru
WSJ 2020_17
Thank you for all of your support. I had such a great time. See you again someday.
Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru
Akira Okubo
WSJ 2019_24
Nice to meet you! I'm so happy to get to draw manga. I'll put everything I have into it! Thanks for the support!Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru