Kiong Hee Huat Tsai! This weekend (January 25-26) is Otaku Expo 2020 at Megatrade Hall 1 of SM Megamall. I’ve been invited by Ozine to feature the event on keepsakes.
The event’s guests include illustrator Nao Shirahane (DMYO), who did illustrations for Danny Choo’s Culture Japan, DJMAX, Battle Spirits, Soccer Spirits, and much more.
She has been through many countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Germany, and USA. This is her second time in the Philippines.
Shirahane-sensei’s past engagements include a collaboration with Taiwanese cosplayer Stayxxx called “Sleeping Child.”
She had an interview 6 years ago which details her beginnings prior to this, so it’s time to ask her thoughts on the illustrator scene so far, and what may happen in the future.
Azeleia Salvatore helped me with this interview as Shirahane-sensei’s translator. The answers were supposed to be in third-person but I made necessary edits for clarity.
How is your second time in the Philippines so far?
I’m really happy that Ozine has invited me back, and I’m looking for future featured appearances here in the Philippines.
What has changed in the illustration scene in the past few years?
There’s a lot happening in the illustrators’ scene, especially that it was influenced by western culture. Before, we use pencils and brushes; and now we have these digital gadgets to improve our artworks.
Do you have any prediction of what’s to come in the next few years? (for example, VR, Live2D, etc.)
Maybe there will be 3D or 5D artworks in the future.
Which do you prefer, working on solo projects or as a circle?
It’s better for me to work alone because she could express my feelings and my own ideas, because when she’s asking through my other teammates, sometimes they disagree with my ideas.
Any message before we wrap up?
Thank you for the followers and fans especially on Facebook and Twitter for showing your support for DMYO-san.
That wraps up our quick Q&A with Shirahane-sensei. Thank you very much to the Ozine Team for making this possible.
Now, if you have seen this story as soon as it is published, I’ll be at Day 2 of Otaku Expo as well to talk to all of you. See you there!