Katsuya Terada, the celebrated Japanese manga artist known for his distinctive fusion of Eastern and Western comic art styles, has shared intimate insights into his creative process and artistic development in a comprehensive interview. Born in Japan during the 1960s, Terada has built an international reputation through his unique approach that seamlessly blends expressive linework and shading techniques from both Asian and Western comic traditions, earning him a devoted global fanbase and exhibition opportunities across the Pacific.

Growing up in Tamano, located in western Japan's Okayama Prefecture, Terada's formative years were shaped by his geographical distance from Japan's major cultural centers. This sense of isolation during the pre-internet era fostered what he describes as "a fundamental desire to go somewhere that isn't here." The artist recalls a pivotal moment at age 15 when he encountered an illustration by French comic artist Moebius in a magazine, which served as a major source of inspiration. Additionally, Terada credits his father as another significant influence on his artistic development.

When asked about advice he would offer his younger self, Terada's response reflects his humble nature and emphasis on human connection. "I don't have any real memory of paving my own way, so there isn't much advice I could give," he explains. "If anything, I'd just say be kind to others." His first paid commission came at age 20, when an art school teacher asked him to create a juice packaging illustration for a design meeting with a major company. Although the artwork wasn't used for production, the compensation was substantial, marking the beginning of his professional career.

Terada's most recent work includes pieces created specifically for his solo exhibition in Los Angeles, demonstrating his continued evolution as an artist. Reflecting on his career trajectory, he admits that making a living as an artist hasn't unfolded as he initially expected. "When I was younger, I had no vision of the future at all – all I wanted to do was get to a place where I could make a living by drawing," he reveals. "Even now, I don't always see myself as an artist."

Regarding changes in the art industry, Terada acknowledges his limited knowledge of the broader art world but observes a significant shift in the positioning of manga within the artistic landscape. "I do feel that the boundary between manga and art – which is where I seem to belong – has expanded over time," he notes. This evolution has allowed artists like himself to occupy a unique space that bridges traditional manga and fine art.

Currently, Terada is working on a piece inspired by the 16th-century Chinese novel "Journey to the West," with which he feels a strong personal connection to the protagonist. He explains that new characters emerge with each of his exhibitions, leading him to contemplate their backstories and potential futures. This ongoing creative process reflects his deep engagement with storytelling and character development.

Looking toward the future, Terada faces the challenge of aging as an artist while maintaining his creative output. "The first challenge will be learning how to face myself as my hands and eyes lose their youthfulness – in other words, as I age," he acknowledges. Despite these concerns, he remains optimistic about his artistic journey, expressing hope that "there's someone to watch over me." His ambitious goal is to continue drawing until age 90, which would give him approximately 30 more years to "debut something new and create more meaningful artwork."

Terada will serve as one of the featured speakers, or "Senseis," at the upcoming THU Storytelling event in Japan this September, where he will likely share more insights about his creative process and artistic philosophy. His work continues to represent a fascinating intersection between traditional manga and contemporary fine art, positioning him as a unique voice in the global art community.