Akadot had the opportunity to interview Nobuhiko Horie, once the editor-in-chief that lead Shonen Jump to sell 6,530,000 copies, the highest the manga magazine ever recorded. A few years later, Horie started to edit magazines such as the popular Men's Nonno. But, wanting to move on to new and better things, Horie submitted his resignation in May 2000 and launched his own manga company Coamix, which is responsible for the manga magazine Weely Comic Bunch. This December, Horie will release Raijin Comics the first weekly manga magazine to be released in America. Horie talks to Akadot about his manga background and expectations for Raijin Comics in America. He also has a little advice and opportunities for aspiring manga artists.

Akadot: When did you decide to quit the big company Shueisha in Japan and launch your own company, Coamix? Also, what inspired you to do so?

Nobuhiko Horie: In 1996, I started thinking about leaving Shonen Jump. After Jump, I started working for other magazines, such as a fashion magazine and a journal magazine. But I still wanted to work with manga. Although I wanted to do that, I couldn't because of the company's policy. That's why I launched my own company.

Akadot: When you were working for Shonen Jump, were you thinking about releasing a manga magazine abroad?

NH: Yes. But nobody was interested in the idea to release Manga abroad at that time.

Akadot: What made you addicted to Manga?

NH: Manga has been read in Europe and Asia. I thought that Americans would enjoy reading the manga titles that are read all over the world. I wanted to introduce Japanese manga in America as well.

Akadot: So from the beginning, did you plan to release manga in America too?

NH: I decided to go to America because it has a difficult and huge market. It was a challenge for me.

Akadot: I heard Raijin was released in Korea.

NH: Not Raijin, but Bunch was released in Korea. Raijin is not only a part of Bunch, but also from another magazines.

Akadot: Raijin will be released in America, but do you think the American manga market is smaller than the market in Europe or Asia?

NH: Yes, it is. That's why I'm having fun starting all over again with this new challenge.

Akadot: Do you have confidence in Raijin?

NH: I'm 100% sure that you can enjoy fans will enjoy reading Raijin. It's hard to make non-manga fans in America to actually buy manga though.

Akadot: There are American comics in America. Do you think American people will accept Japanese Manga?

NH: Yes, if they read it.

Akadot: Is there any difference between the way Japanese and American comics are produced and released?

NH: A lot! Especially, the distribution system. There are many differences! I get surprised everyday.

Akadot: What aspect is the most different?

NH: Business (dealing) conditions are very severe. The conditions are easier in Japan. It is a hard situation for publishers in America. And the deadlines are different. Anyways, you can't bring the Japanese way to America. Comics are expensive in America unlike Japan.

Akadot: Why it's more expensive?

NH: Of course, less circulation. So production cost is higher.

Akadot: So, if it gets popular, the price might go down?

NH: Yes. I want to make it cheaper.