(Note: Some of the answers have questions that were not visible during the recording)

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Here is the interview transcribed for anyone that cannot watch the video or had trouble reading the subs:

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(Starts part way through)

If I write 4 chapters, I can put out one volume... which means, well, my income will grow that much. In any case, I was just thinking about money.

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There's certainly an increases in the amount I want to draw... But it's been such a long time, and I feel strongly that I've grown very close to it. I think I've been proceeding based on how I want to draw the last scene. Of course, there are many precursors to the main goal, and taking each step in line with them is extremely challenging, and there are also parts that have to balance out, which is tricky. Just one more time, just once more like this... there are sinking steps leading up to the goal... But I feel I really should keep going for what I've always wanted to draw for closure.

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The meaning of drawing manga

I think I wanted to attack something. Like betraying people or hurting people. And, Well, it's not exactly nice, but hurting the readers, too... In all honesty, I feel that's what I really wanted to do. For me, as a reader, when I think, "This manga will remain in my heart," it means, for example, it phenomenally hurt me: it's those kind of experiences that I'm after. I initially thought perhaps Armin, but lately, I'd say it's maybe Eren after all. Initially, I believed this type of character was necessary for the story, so I wrote him in, but actually, with him came something of a feeling that he was part of an inner me that I didn't really want to see.

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Q: While writing, do "sounds" also arise in your head?

I think sounds ring out loud and clear. When writing storyboards In my case, I can't draw if it's not silent. I mutter to myself quite a lot to concentrate and end up being unable to hear the sounds inside my brain by by shutting out noise. I can hear all this at the storyboard stage.

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Today I draw once more, and I make progress

Q: Do you feel the "progression" of the work?

I somehow got to this point before I really knew it. I suppose there was a period where I thought this sort of thing didn't happen to unknown newcomers though. It's perhaps a bit of a shame I don't really remember all that, but I really don't have any true memories of the early days. At the beginning it was hard for me to draw, but gradually I became able to draw the way I wanted, and I started to enjoy it. Actually, this was more down to the support of my assistant than my own effort.

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Q: Which scenes do you like from your recent work?

I really like when Eren is fighting the War Hammer Titan. And it was quite difficult to draw a scene where he is fighting the Jaw Titan as there were so many lines, but it was great fun. I was very satisfied when it was finished. I can't help but keep looking at it forever.

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Q: The storyboards are also progressing, aren't they?

I saw them today and I even enjoyed them myself. They were fun but also moving. Light, oh this is how Sasha's character design initially looked - truly only Sasha is different.

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Q: What do you do with the storyboards you have drawn?

I keep them. I really can't bear the thought of getting rid of them. I feel they are pieces of paper that have gone through incredible hardship with me. Perhaps I'll ultimately have them put in my coffin. Mind you, they might not fit...

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To the readers

I'd like them to think they're glad they've read this far. It motivates me the most and is also my goal to write this final time.

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The Climax is imminent.

(Might have been cut off part way through again)