Danica Davidson
July 14, 2023 
The popular anime My Love Story With Yamada-kun at Lv999 wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the original manga series by Mashiro, which is available in America exclusively through Mangamo. In fact, My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999 is one of the manga app’s most successful titles, and it comes out simultaneously with the Japanese release. It was also just announced that it will receive a print release through Penguin Random House’s Inklore on April 2, 2024.
In this interview Otaku USA spoke to creator Mashiro about the anime adaptation, favorite characters to draw, video games and more.
Otaku USA: How did you first get interested in creating manga?
Mashiro: My mother was aiming to be a manga artist when she was young. I grew up surrounded by manga manuscripts. I think this is why I got interested in creating manga.
What do you think of your manga being made into an anime? Are you involved with the anime’s creation?
I was really happy because I did not expect this series would receive an anime adaptation. I was involved with the anime’s creation and got to experience the production aspect including scenario meetings, casting, recording sessions, and supervising images.
What made you decide to create a manga centered around gaming culture?
I love games. I thought I could handle gaming culture in manga because there are some game titles I played a lot and I am well versed in games.
Do you have any favorite characters to write or draw?
I love all the members of ReDFOX who are playing a FPS game with Yamada: Yamada: Taniyan, Kim, Gobou, and Aqua.
Is there anything else you’d like your American fans to know?
Hello, fans in America!
I receive messages from foreigners on Twitter sometimes.
I am happy not only Japanese people, but also many people from all over the world enjoy this series. I appreciate your continuous support!
©MASHIRO/COMICSMART INC.
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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, plus its sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.
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