What inspired you to create a title that takes place in so many unique places around the world?

It was a collaborative decision with my editor.

When you go on vacation to another country, you come to realize that even though we all live on the same planet, our culture and way of thinking is so different. A fresh look at the scenery can be deeply inspiring and moving for me.

Truthfully, I was terrified of airplanes and didn’t quite have the courage to make a trip of my own, but once I did it, it was so much fun, and I was able to broaden my horizons. I wanted this title to motivate others to go abroad to experience it too. I also wanted to make a manga that would be enjoyable for people who for many reasons aren’t able to travel.

What made you choose those countries? How did you research them?

To put it simply, lots of reasons: countries I’ve visited, countries I want to visit, countries I’m interested in, countries lots of people have visited (and vice versa).

My research was a combination of my own and my editor’s experiences, talking with friends, browsing the internet, reading books and so on.

If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and why?

I’d love to go blue whale spotting in Sri Lanka.

Do you know Asahi and Mitsuki’s future travel plans, or do you map out their itinerary as you go?

It’s roughly already decided, but sometimes I change it up while I’m drawing.

What was your biggest challenge when creating Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide?

Maintaining a balance of drama and tourism. The artwork was pretty tough too.

Mitsuki and Asahi meet some truly unforgettable and wonderful characters on their journey. Are any of them inspired by people you know in real life?

There are some characters modeled on actual people, but for the most part they’re original characters.

Did you train as an artist, or are you self-taught?

I learned basic sketching during middle and high school, but learning how to make a manga was all self-study. I didn’t go to university at all.

Who are your manga and anime inspirations? What series did you grow up with?

When I was a child, I loved Ghibli and Disney and would watch them over and over every day. I still love them now! I watched pretty much anything animated. Ghibli probably influenced my art style where characters smile with their mouth wide open.

I took a lot of inspiration from Taiyō Matsumoto’s manga (Ping Pong, Sunny), and I love the work of Ai Yazawa (Princess Ai, Nana) too.

Was it always your goal to become a mangaka?

When I was a child, I wanted to work at an aquarium.

Title: Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide
Creator: Mone Sorai
Trim size: 5"W x 7.5"H
Cover: Softcover
Interior: B&W (some color)
Print volumes: 2 (ongoing)
Digital volumes: 2 (ongoing)