Yumiko Kayukawa mentions some books she has enjoyed, including some manga…

READERSVOICE.COM: What are some other favorite books you’ve read in recent years, fiction or nonfiction?

YUMIKO KAYUKAWA: Since I’m into trick training with my dog, I really enjoyed Chaser: Unlocking the Genius of the Dog Who knows a Thousand Words [by John W. Pilley].

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17415012-chaser.

Also I’m reading Miyuki Miyabe’s book Koujin right now. So far pretty good :)

https://www.yesasia.com/global/koujin/1036527515-0-0-0-en/info.html

RV: You started out drawing manga and your paintings have a big manga influence. You’ve said you liked Tsubame Kamogawa and his manga Macaroni Horenso. What do you like about this manga and what do you look for in manga?

YK: Macaroni Horenso is a comedy but it reflects the Japanese subculture, music, art and fashion of the 70s and 80’s. The story is crazy, but it’s more than just a manga. It was popular for young adults or older kids at the time. I was in 4th grade when I discovered it and it made me feel that I was cooler because I knew about it.

RV: Are there any other manga you could recommend?

YK: Gon. Japanese comic but no dialog, so anybody can enjoy it. Amazing artwork!

RV: What is some advice you could give for people who want to be painters or artists?

YK: Be you, and meet your deadlines!

– see yumikokayukawa.com for some of her beautiful paintings.