Hoshino Katsura talks about Kanda Yuu!

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What kind of impression of Kanda do you have, sensei?

“I was completely unaware of Kanda’s popularity at first. For better or for worse, I saw him as just one of the exorcists. But the way my editor was actively in favor of him and the fan’s cheers made me gradually realize that Kanda is a popular character. I stress about properly drawing him as a beauty. I can draw 10 older men like Leverrier and the Earl in the time it takes me to draw Kanda once (laughs).

What visual aspect do you pay most attention to?

“I guess his hair and eyes. Kanda is a person that “says things with his eyes”. That’s why I pay attention to his eyes in his battles. Also, I draw the highlights in his hair with more care than I do for the female Lenelee’s.”

What is Kanda’s image-color?

“Blue. His hair is also blue on the cover of Volume 20. Not too bright, not too dark… I guess navy blue-like.”

What’s the origin of the surname ‘Kanda’?/

“It’s written in Volume 20. Kanda was born as a Second Exorcist in the “Mitoshiro World”: a rice paddy for the gods… “Kanda” holds this meaning*. He was given the name “Kanda Yuu” because he needed a name upon entering the Order accompanied by General Tiedoll. Kanda remembers the past so he doesn’t want to be called Yuu by anyone but Alma. That’s why I think that it was lucky for Kanda to get a surname.”

*(T/N: mitoshiro (御戸代) has the same meaning as kanda (神田): a rice paddy of which its rice is offered the gods. Similar to how the Second Exorcists were also, in a way, sacrificed to the gods.)

Why does Kanda wear a ponytail?

“Wouldn’t his hair get in the way otherwise? (laughs). That’s why any kind of hair tie is fine as long as he can tie his hair. He isn’t particular, so even a ribbon would do. He normally uses Lenalee’s hair ties as well (laughs).”

Will Kanda appear again?

“I clearly established Kanda’s and Allen’s relationship inside me in the Alma Arc. They stopped simply being on bad terms and Kanda became a character that’s easy to move around. That’s why I want to have him appear properly when he returns. At this point I think he can become someone who supports Allen.”

       -Translations by: Verduister