press conferences: 199, 1998, 1999

autograph sessions: 1999, 21

reporter interviews: 21 (because aika doesn't like to be interviewed, there are not many interviews! ) aika's Special Interview

[The following aika's special interview is aimed at aika's personal life and some cartoons]

Reporter (hereinafter referred to as Q): Aika, to tell you the truth, I am actually your anime fan!

Alpine Love (hereinafter referred to as A): Really? (Laughter)

Q: Which cartoon does the teacher like best?

A: the sea in the wind.

Q: why?

A: Actually, The Sea in the Wind was conceived as a child (the audience was in uproar). I just had no experience and ability to create cartoons when I was a child. But it's the first dream I'm determined to achieve in my life.

Q: then you finished the sea in the wind?

A: yes, this work took me a lot of time, because I have to revise it at the same time as I want to recall it. After all, The Sea in the Wind was what I thought when I was a child, and the plot may be too simple, so I have to revise it, especially the parts of "fighting" and "psychology".

Q: what do you think of the teacher of the sea in the wind?

A: I was so happy that I wanted to dance (the whole audience was laughing) after the completion of "The Sea in the Wind". After all, it was the first dream in my life.

Q: many people have said that the sea in the wind is the best proof of your style change and your most successful work. what do you think of this statement?

A: is it proof of my style change? I don't know, maybe. After all, I have added a lot of personal opinions to this work, which is so personal! Said it was the most successful? I really don't know, haha (laughs)

Q: Although you think "The Sea in the Wind" is too personal, it highlights your personality and is sought after by many people.

A: yes, many people say that my works have great personality, which makes me happy to death (laughs).

Q: that is to say, your cartoon has another title called "aika"! This is enough to prove your achievements.

A: I'm so happy that I want to dance, but it would be rude (laughs).

Q: I'm not the only one who praises you. I praise you on behalf of all your fans! (All fans shout "aika") Look, you are really popular!

A: thank you (laughs)! (The audience shouted "aika" again, and the atmosphere was even more warm! )

Q: but since your work is so popular, why did you suddenly announce a "break"?

A: actually, I've wanted to rest for a long time. after all, after 11 years, I feel very tired. although I'm only 26 years old now, I'd rather have fun when I was young.

Q: so, teacher, how are you going to spend your holiday?

A: I guess I'll sleep at home and get full, or I'll travel.

Q: why did you choose these two things?

A: because of work, I am often sleepy and tired, and I have been eager to travel everywhere since I was a child, so I hope to combine "rest" with "travel".

Q: it seems that the serialization of comics is quite hard.

A: it's true that my work is very busy, and I often forget to sleep, but I also enjoy this busy life. after all, I like being a cartoonist very much.

Q: it seems that the teacher really enjoyed it. Although the teacher is a workaholic, but in the busy work, the teacher is still a beautiful girl, and the teacher is very young and only 26 years old, but the teacher's life seems to be covered by work, no love?

A: no. I was in love when I was in high school, but I broke up less than a year later.

Q: what a pity. why? Is it related to the fact that you became a cartoonist in junior high school?

A: relevant. Indeed, I became a cartoonist when I was in junior high school, and I was busier at work when I was in high school. I didn't have much energy to devote to love when I was concentrating on my work and study, and my relationship ended in vain. After that, I felt that as a workaholic, I was not suitable for love for the time being.

Q: so you stopped falling in love?

A: yes.

Q: it's a pity that you are so beautiful, teacher!

A: I'll feel embarrassed if you say that (laughs)!

Q: (laughs) so will you associate with others during the next break?

A: not necessarily. Because I find that I seem to like a person's life better, but it's okay. If I don't fall in love, I can still keep a longing for love (laughs).

Q: (laughs) that's a pity! In addition, I heard that teachers usually like to stay at home, even when they are working.

A: yes, I don't like going out, except traveling, of course!

Q: how does the teacher usually seek inspiration?

A: it's hard to say. Most of them are thought of when standing on the balcony at home watching the scenery.

Q: it's the first time I've heard of such a method of finding inspiration. no wonder everyone who has worked with teachers says that teachers have great personality!

A: I can't help it, this is me!

Q: (laughs). Teacher, as a junior high school student, you have become a very famous cartoonist. Will your busy work affect your study?

A: it has a little effect, especially in terms of rest. I often get insufficient sleep.

Q: did the family object to your becoming a cartoonist?

A: no, they have always supported me. I really appreciate them.

Q: so are your classmates surprised by your status as a cartoonist?

A: yes. However, they all knew that I was "mountain love" in "Sea in the Wind".

Q: huh? ! Why?

A: Because in Love, Song? I didn't meet with you when I published the pamphlet. Everyone only knew that the author was "Alpine Love". Although there was only one word difference between "Alpine Love" and "Alpine Love Jia", the name was always different, so everyone didn't find my identity. However, because people don't know that I am Takayama Ai, I can praise my cartoons. Whenever I hear them say that my cartoons are good-looking, I will be very happy.

Q: but one year later, teacher, your painting Life will be with me! After it was officially launched, it caused great repercussions again, so a meeting was held. At that time, you officially met with everyone as a cartoonist. How did your classmates react?

A: of course I was surprised!

Q: Teacher, the time of serializing your works is very close, and even two or three works will be serialized on RIBON at the same time. Everyone is surprised, teacher. Did you finish so many high-quality works at the same time? Not only speed, but also quality. Do you have any secrets, teacher?

A: the secret is that the works are serialized at the same time, but they are not created at the same time. I always write during my usual breaks.

Q: I see. So, the teacher insisted on working during the vacation. I really admire him!

A: thank you.

Q: Teacher, you have become a cartoonist of RIBON. Moreover, your comic works have won many awards. Not only that, your works are very popular not only in Japan, but also abroad. What do you think about it?

A: I don't know how to describe the happy mood (the audience laughed because the answer was too brief).

Q: well, the visit time is over. Thank you very much, Mr. aika, for accepting our interview! I hope we will meet again!

A: ok, I hope so too.

(Applause)

The details of the above interview may be overlooked because it is limited to the written form. If you want to watch all the interviews clearly, please watch the interview video of that year online.