What is the anime that influenced you the most?
Akira.
As you draw the manga, are you influenced at all by the anime version of Naruto?
Absolutely, very much.
Do you have a favorite episode of Naruto?
Episodes 17, 19, and 30.
Were you a fan of any of the Japanese voice actors before they were involved with Naruto?
Yes, I was a fan of Jyurota Kosugi, who plays Asuma, and Nozomu Sasaki, who plays Hayate.
For which character did you have the most trouble choosing colors?
Naruto.
Who is the voice actor you admire the most?
Akio Otsuka.
In regards to the sound design in the anime production, what was the most memorable?
The series of sounds during Zabuza’s appearance.
Do you watch the anime every week without missing an episode?
Of course!
Who would you be most proud to know watches the Naruto anime?
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
Please tell us about the top-secret episodes you’ve created with the anime production staff!
Oh! I hope we can make some in the future…Right now, there’s nothing to tell (really).
If you were to do a voice for the anime, which character would you like to perform?
Tsunade.
If you were to create an original story for the anime, what kind of story would it be?
I’d want to feature a generous robber like Goemon Ishikawa.
Since Naruto has become an anime, has your level of motivation changed?
I thought, “I have to work even harder. If I take a break, the story on TV is going to catch up to the manga!” I was sweating!
What will happen in the love lives of Ino, Sakura, and Hinata?
I hope something happens! Ha ha!
Which Naruto character is the most fun to draw?
Rock Lee.
If you were to become involved in the anime production, what would you like to be in charge of?
The original-picture guy.
Who are the scariest people involved in the anime?
Tetsuya Nishio and Hirofumi Suzuki (their drawings are so good, it’s scary!).
Do you sing the anime’s opening and ending theme songs at the karaoke?
I haven’t been to a karaoke since the serialization began…eep!
What was the biggest crisis in your life so far?
When a monkey attacked me.
Who is your favorite musician or band?
Oasis.
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