By Stephanie H., staff writer, Inside AX- Anime Expo

Izumi Matsumoto is a name that many older anime and manga fans might recognize. Why you ask? Mr. Matsumoto is the creator of the popular romantic comedy manga, Kimagure Orange Road,which was first published in “Weekly Shonen Jump” in 1984. Kimagure Orange Road has been adapted into an anime series, novels, and even a radio drama. Coming from a younger generation of manga and anime fans, I personally didn’t know much about this acclaimed manga as other fans might. However, that didn’t stop this writer from enjoying the panel! Read on to find out the intriguing answers to many questions that fans had for Izumi Matsumoto and Kimagure Orange Road.

What inspiried you to create Kimagure Orange Road?

I read a lot of manga and watch many anime series, but I think that music really helped me. The way music flows helps to energize me and get ideas. I listen to a lot of rock music actually.

Any inspiration from American films?

Of course! The list would be too long but some that come to mind are Star Wars, Back to the Future, and Superman.

How did you feel about your serires getting publication in Shonen Jump?

I never expected it to happen. So I guess I was really lucky. [laughs]

How did your series get published? Did you enter it into a contest and recieve an award?

I actually just walked into the office and met with an editor. Normally you’d enter it into a contest to get recognized first.

The character Yusaku Hino essentially got left out later on in the series, have you gotten complaints about this?

Pretty much I forgot about the character… [laughs] But really there wasn’t room for him.

Much of the new generation is not familiar with your work. Is your best work yet to come?

It has been some time since publication so not a lot of people will know about it. I am creating more projects of course. Maybe there is more Kimagure Orange Road to come?

How have you matured as an artist?

Manga writing is tough. But knowing that people read it helps me through it, it is my dream after all.

If there was a reboot of Kimagure Orange Road, what changes would be made?

There would be tweaks for sure. Kimagure Orange Road is a little out-dated. Probably there would be more relevant technology usage.

In regards to your affliction with  cerebrospinal fluid disease, how has this shaped you?

I wanted to write a manga so that people could relate to it, and to spread more awareness about the disease. I was involved in a car accident as a child and because I didn’t get it checked out. I ended up suffering for it later. Please get yourselves checked out.

How should Kimagure Orange Road be remembered?

Remember it as a love story. Please remember the characters with all of their charms and hardships.

Even though Kimagure Orange Road was published in 1984,I am honored that so many fans attended this panel. Through some way, I’d like to retell Kimagure Orange Road for enjoyment.

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Tags: Anime Expo 2011, goh, Izumi Matsumoto