Lightasus's Favorite

So it's been a while since I translated Ayano's French interviews. Here's one to help waiting the next release (in 1 week (≧∀≦)). From 2010!

- Hi Ayano Yamane. For starters, how did you become a mangaka?
A: In fact, I started as a doujinshi artist. At the time, I was having fun drawing a BL version of a known manga. A publisher then noticed my work and I became a professional mangaka. But now I create my own characters.

- Who are your reference authors?
A: I have a lot ! (laughs)
They are mainly shonen manga authors like Masami Kurumada and Takehiko Inoue.

- What are your sources of inspiration for drawing your male characters?
A: For the Uke, Akihito, I draw inspiration from characters typically shonen. For the Seme, Asami, it's just my fantasy (laughs).

- What is the ideal man to you?
A: Beautiful, rich, gentleman and kind. Here you go ! (laughs)

- As far as your works are concerned, what are your limitations when it comes to censorship?
A: In Japan, censorship is very harsh. But truth is, I put myself my own limits, especially in certain scenes so that it doesn't go too far, that it doesn't get too raw. I prefer to respect the artistic side. My editors do not forbid me anything actually. It's actually the opposite, they prefer to push the author rather than censure them. (laughs)

- The BL genre has arrived quite recently in France, but has quickly conquered a predominantly female audience. What do you think are the reasons for its success?
A: Initially, it was mysterious to me too. But when I discovered and started reading BL, it didn't displease me. In fact, I think it's the same for all women. Because women love this purely romanticized and romantic side. There are no women and therefore they cannot identify with the characters. They find themselves immersed in a typically masculine world to which they cannot access or participate. And somewhere, there is admiration for this inaccessible world.

- Have you ever fantasized about someone you knew and put them in one of your mangas?
A: No, because that would prevent me from fantasizing. Knowing the person takes away from the dreamy part. So it would cool me off and I would not be interested anymore...

- In the end the secret of BL would be fantasy and its inaccessible aspect?
A: Yes, indeed. The attraction of BL lies in the imagination, what happens in women's heads, the things they imagine about men and what happens between them. This has nothing to do with manga aimed at a gay audience, which are more realistic, where the authors do research in Shinjuku (gay district in Tokyo). In BL everything comes from imagination. Maybe what I write doesn't match with the reality but that isn't the intention to begin with.

- Have you ever considered writing in another genre? Like shojo mangas?
A: In fact, I am a fan of shonen and don't read much shojo. So I could not even if I wanted to.

- Currently, what are you working on?
A: I work on two series at the same time: Crimson Spell and Viewfinder

- And you have many assistants to help you?
A: No, two assistants. The chief assistant and another for the frames. And if necessary, a friend comes and gives a hand. But even with more assistants, I wouldn't go faster. Everything depends on me since I draw all the boards.

- What is your pace of publication?
A: I only do 20 pages a month. For a mangaka, it is really little. Once, I made 40 pages in a month to complete a series but I nearly died, I couldn't take it anymore. (laughs)

- This is the first time you have come to France. Were you able to enjoy it outside of Japan Expo?
A: Yes, I was able to make some visits. As I also draw a fantasy manga, I took the opportunity to document on architecture, especially castles. It was very beautiful, and very different from what I can see in Japan. I have been to the Chateau de Loire and to the Chateau de Versailles. I was in total awe.

- A final word for your French fans?
A: I will try to draw a beautiful love story. Be patients, I'm working for you. Thank you very much.