Ribon Issue : January 1999

Interview with Kurahashi Erika sensei about her manga

"Love Love Shock"

Q. What kind of girl is Mei chan?

A. If Mei thinks "I want to do this!" then she does it

without giving up. If she gets depressed, she'll cheer up quickly.

Q. Is that kind of Mei chan similar to you?

A. We're probably similar in that if we think of something,

we'll do it without thinking.

Q. Tell us about the band that appears, 'Sonic Boom'. Are

there any bands they are based on?

A. No. Their image is meant to be something like adding a

Janees type and a visual type and then halving them....

(note: I think 'Janees' type guys used to be a band....

similar to a typical boyband)

Q. Is Azusa kun like your type?

A. Azusa isn't really my type. I like more gentle people.

From famous people, I guess GLAY's Teru san or the morning

TV broadcaster Tsubai Naoki san. They look kind.

Q. Are you a follower of trends?

A. Well I wouldn't say so, but when I was old enough I had a

few favourite entertainers. I especially liked female idols

and I'd copy their hairstyles or memorise dance moves to

their songs with my friends. I watch all music programs on

TV. My favourite entertainer is LUNA SEA, but I have lots

of favourite female talents too.

Q. What was the reason for writing this story?

A. Well in fact, I saw someone who was in my year group

during senior high school on TV in a variety show as

an idol. I thought "These things do happen". Also, I saw

this audition program called "Asayan" and I wanted to

draw girls who dreamt of being famous talents...

Q. If there were any stories while you were writing,

please tell us.

A. Well I usually like drawing boys more, but this time

I found drawing Mei the most fun. Since it was an

entertainment industry thing, I wanted to draw lots

of cute clothes for her.

Q. Lastly, a message for our readers.

A. I actually wanted to draw/write this from quite

a while back so I'm really happy that it's

become a series. I want it to be a story that

people who aren't necessarily interested in

the entertainment industry can enjoy! I'd love

to hear about your favourite entertainers

or what you hope/expect of this story. Please support me.