Did you know that David Namisato first started his comic strip, Life After the B.O.E, for the JETAA Toronto Newsletter? His widely popular comic, which has been taken up by multiple sites, is now available in book form. We catch up with David and talk about his time on JET, work as an illustrator, and future goals.
Q: To start at the beginning, what inspired you to go to Japan?
A: It really wasn’t inspiration. I was in the process of quitting animation school, and didn’t want to pursue a career in art anymore, so I was looking for something to switch to that would make use of my non-art skills. The JET CIR position seemed like a good fit.
Q: Let’s say someone creates a shiny time machine and you’re transported back to your first day in Japan. It’s 2002, you’re a fresh-faced CIR but you have all the experience that allowed you to create Life After the BOE. Anything you would do differently?
A: I’d elbow my way to the front of the line at the Tokyo Orientation welcome reception buffet line. I was at the back, and by the time I reached the food, all the meat was gone.Seriously though, I think I would take more risks, go on more adventures, and get involved more in the local community.
Q: What first drew you to making comics?
A: As a kid, it was the only thing I wanted to do. I guess it was because I enjoyed reading comics that I wanted to make my own.
Q: You first started the comic strip for our very own JETAA Toronto Newsletter, how long before you began to get requests from other JET-related groups to use it?
A: I honestly cannot remember. It’s a blur, but I think it took a year or two.
Q: What made you decide on creating the book?
A: I had no plans for a book, but Lynn Miyauchi, JET Coordinator in Seattle convinced me of the benefits of having an actual book that could be given to people.
Q: The book is a compilation of the strips collected over the years. Can we expect to also see some new ones?
A: There are a number of new comics in the book. I hope they will be well-received like the ones on the website.
Q: What’s your favourite strip and why?
A: If I had to pick only one, it would be “Reasons” (It’s just titled “The End” on the website, but in the book, it’s not the last comic, so it uses its original title) It’s not a funny comic, but I think it captures our transformation during our time in Japan; from seeing Japan as a cool place with cool technology and culture, to seeing Japan as a second home filled with friends.
Q: Does all your material come from personal experience?
A: I’d say it 50-50. Half are my experiences, half are from the experience of my JET friends and colleagues.
Q: As an artist, what else is on your plate at the moment?
A: I still do the occasional magazine job, and I have a Japanese-language comic called “Mark to Minna” (Mark and the Gang) in Torja, a free Japanese-language magazine in Toronto. I also provide illustrations for the romantic comedy serial “Moshikano” (Imaginary Girlfriend) which also appears in Torja. You can read Torja online for free at torja.ca
Q: In terms of future plans, what’s your ideal project?
A: To have a major publisher publish one of my graphic novel ideas.
Q: Any advice for aspiring Japanophile artists out there?
A: Put something together and share it with the world. It’s so easy to do now with the internet and social media.
We know what you’re thinking – great holiday gift, right? Want to give Life After the B.O.E to your JET friends? Click here for amazon and here for CreateSpace.
Are you an aspiring artist? Want to meet the author? We’ll be hosting a book launch in February.