Shokotan and mangaka Shigeru Mizuki hang out

In a recent Daily Yomiuri article by Ozaki Mio, Ozaki features a conversation by pop artist Nakagawa Shoko aka Shokotan and Mangaka Shigeru Mizuki.

Ozaki wrote, “It’s virtually impossible to discuss yokai, folkloric supernatural beings, without bringing up mangaka Shigeru Mizuki, who set Gegege no Kitaro in a shadowy, yokai-filled world. Midnight airings of Hakaba Kitaro–the newest take on Mizuki’s now-classic story–started this year, which also marks the 40th anniversary of the debut of the first Gegege no Kitaro animated TV series. With the release of a live action film, Gegege no Kitaro Sennen Noroi Uta, also this year, the “Mizuki World” is taking on a new luster.”

“Shoko “Shokotan” Nakagawa, an otaku personality, singer, voice actress and mangaka, as well as a great fan of Mizuki, recently had her first thrilling encounter with the yokai manga giant. Shokotan, almost too nervous to speak before the interview, did manage to say, “I may throw up.” But Mizuki, who met her at his office in Chofu, Tokyo, was very relaxed, which helped relieve Shokotan. The following are excerpts from their conversation.”

“Shoko “Shokotan” Nakagawa: When I was small, my father [the late actor and musician Katsuhiko Nakagawa] gave me the whole Gegege no Kitaro series as something I would have to read to become a grown-up.”

“By reading it while I was still young, I learned many things…Sorry, I’m too nervous to talk.”

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