With five previous prizes you have now won the Grand Prize. What pushed you to continue this far?

I guess I just really like to draw. Even when I ran out of ideas, just drawing a simple line across the paper makes me feel excited. I think my motivation comes from the fact that I like to draw. I continued to enter the Grand Prix because I had the goal to have my book published. When I am drawing, I am in my own world of self-satisfaction, but I am sure there is a different excitement when others read what I have drawn. This gave me my drive.

What materials and techniques do you utilize?

Until now I have always used clear water colors, but this time I used acrylic paints. I had no intention of changing my methods, but since I entered the Grand Prix each year, I felt a need to add some new flavor to my work. The judges evaluated my drawings as being "too weak," so by changing my materials and strengthening the contour of my drawings while keeping my personal style, I was able to achieve a positive result.

What made you start creating picture books?

I have loved drawing from a young age, and have done it ever since. Once I drew a picture on a large canvas the size of a tatami mat, but I sealed it away about ten years ago. I can never stop drawing, but there are limits in my living space, so now I draw pictures of a size that can be done on a desk. This idea arrived at the same time as my baby was born, so I decided to draw picture books.

What gave you the idea for "Suika Bozu"?

When I participated in a seminar after winning one of the prizes, a judge advised me, "Do not focus only on fantasy. It is important to expand your imagination through everyday life by looking closely at what surrounds you." When I was stuck without ideas, I remembered the judge's advice and looked closely at what was around me. Then I found the inspiration for the story right around me.

What did you find difficult about creating your book?

It is very difficult work to continue drawing a book. I am continuously contemplating subject matter, but even when I cannot think of anything, I just start to draw something. When I do so, I begin to see a story in the making. However, the stories that are born at that stage are definitely not interesting enough. So, I start to think what needs to be changed, trying out many different stories, and sometimes I return to the beginning to rethink the whole story and slowly pull things together. From repeating these processes, a story is finally born.

What is your next goal?

For now, I have achieved my goal of releasing a book for children to read. I guess my goal from now on is to continue publishing picture books. I have already finished preparations for my next work, and I am hoping to get comments from the judges after the awards ceremony. I think that the true challenge is just beginning,but I want to continue to publish books for children to read.