How does Krashjapan exist?
_How Many of us cannot help but wonder, so I'll get right to the point. How exactly does Krashjapan manage to exist?"I think the question that should precede this is whether Krashjapan does exist."
_All right then, does KJ exist or not?
"…It does exist in a way. We have survived up to vol.6 and shipping a considerable number of copies overseas. However, from a financial view point, we do not function at all."
_Really?
"There are several advertisements in each volume. We are also actively collecting funds by setting up a sponsorship program.However, it is still not enough to cover all production fees. We've always exceeded our budget since our first volume up to vol.5."
_Then how do you make your living, chief?
"I rely mainly on part time jobs. I happen to have confidence in my physical strength you know."
KJ's final publication.vol. 10 coming out in March, 2010.
_Is the rumor true that KJ will end at vol.10?"Yes, it is. I'm actually the one spreading the story."
_Why quit at vol. 10?
"We're only a city with a population just short of 500,000 people. There are certain limits to discovering an interesting topic and introducing them in a way that will attract people's attention. There probably is a way to continue, but I'd rather not drive myself beyond my ability trying to cook up a topic. It's probably best if it can end while I'm still enjoying the process."
_Then do you already have a definite concept for each volume up to vol. 10?
"No, I'm not that prepared. But I'd like each volume to have a different theme allowing the reader who has read through all ten to picture a clear image of Kurashiki. That's what I try to keep in mind when editing. Upon successfully publishing the final volume, I plan on creating a special box to store all ten copies. I'm secretly planning on making a fortune selling this box."
_What are your plans after vol.10?
"I haven't made any plans, yet. Opening a café in a storage container set somewhere overlooking the ocean might be nice."
Gimmicks hidden in the Web site.
_Who makes KJ's Web site?
"A company called Reidex, based here in Okayama. Mr. Suwaki, a creator stationed in Tokyo is the mastermind behind it. He comes up with the ideas for each issue and I simply hand him the contents and proofread the text afterwards. I leave the rest of it up to him."
_I notice many gimmicks.
"Is that so? Name one."
_How about the cover page of vol.3, where images of well known faces like John Lennon and Einstein appear. There's one face that I cannot quite make out.
"That's a mystery all right!"
_There seem to be a lot more.
"Have you ever seen the cover page of vol.1?"
_A skull holding a flag, wasn't it?
"Yes. There's also a little gimmick hidden in that skull."
_Really? What is it?
"That's for the readers to discover. By the way, the [ Krash Column ] running on our site is receiving very favorable remarks from our readers."
_Isn't that your personal journal?
"It's being renewed every few days and I invite you to visit. You can get a taste of the tough life I lead."