Satellite Coin Laundry Vol. 2 Release Special Interview!
Today we bring you a special interview with the rising star manga artist duo Niwaka Ame to celebrate the release of volume 2 of the popular Satellite Coin Laundry, a ‘slice-of-life, heart-cleansing, sci-fi fantasy’.
They formed a successful collaboration
――Congratulations on the release of vol. 2!
Yoyohachi ＆ Natsunoame: Thank you!!
――Satellite Coin Laundry is the work of Niwakaame, comprised of Natsunoame-sensei in charge of the original script and Yoyohachi-sensei in charge of the artwork. Can you tell us how this collaboration came to be?
Natsunoame: Originally, we didn’t know each other. I couldn’t draw manga illustrations, so while I was studying manga and thinking about writing an original story, I was told by an acquaintance in the manga industry that they had connections to a a manga artist looking for an manga writer. They shared my drafts with the artist and showed me Yoyohachi’s artwork, and I loved it. We met and both decided that we wanted to work together as we also shared a love for the same manga, we then formed the duo in 2021.
――Liking the same manga means that your sensibilities align, right?
Yoyohachi: Yes, that’s right. Even during our discussions, when Natsuno-san says “I like this!” I often find myself saying “I like that too!”. It’s like we’re on the same page.
――By the way, what is the work that you both like?
Yoyohachi ＆ Natsunoame: It’s Girls’ Last Tour!
Illuminating hearts with sparkling ideas
――How was Satelight Coin Laundry born?
Yoyohachi: Natsuno showed me the initial concept, which became the foundation.
Natsunoame：It was one of several options I presented.
――Were the candidates all of a similar genre?
Natsunoame：I wanted something slightly mysterious, a blend of SF and daily life. One night, while walking my dog, I saw a coin laundry lit up, and it reminded me of the cosmos. That moment inspired the birth of Satelight Coin Laundry. At the time, COVID-19 was prevalent, and I wanted to create something that would brighten the readers’ spirits, something heartwarming. Staying true to that direction, I chose the universe as the theme, so readers would remember it when they see the stars every night.
――Did you also feel this was the best among the candidates, Yoyohachi?
Yoyohachi: I loved them all, but the idea of a coin laundry in space was something I hadn’t thought of, so I was really impressed!
Striking good fortune with talent
――From idea development to publication, it seems like a challenging journey. How was it for Satellite Coin Laundry?
Natsunoame：I consider it a fortunate pattern. Initially, we had a small buzz on Yoyohachi’s Twitter (now X).
Yoyohachi: Yes, that’s right. We received reactions in the tens of thousands.
――Were they posted on an episode-by-episode basis?
Yoyohachi: It was around the first half of the first episode. Thankfully, the response was amazing (laughs).
Natsunoame: At that time, we were contacted by an editor at KADOKAWA.
Yoyohachi: It was quite unexpected, really (laughs).
Natsunoame: I’ve had several exchanges with editors before, and usually the initial idea won’t get accepted as is; they tend to make significant revisions to the story. In the case of Satellite Coin Laundry, the editor said “I like the idea as it is!”, so it was really fortunate for us to be able to keep the manga as we’d created it.
The harmony of logical thinking and design
――How do you typically create your works together?
Natsunoame: I provide the foundation through a rough draft (using simple drawings and dialogue), which Yoyohachi then refines into a more manga-like format through redrawing it and bringing the artwork to life.
――How long does it usually take to create one episode?
Natsunoame: It varies, but it takes about two weeks on average to write one draft. However, if there are significant revisions, it can take longer. In lengthy cases, it can take up to a month.
Yoyohachi: I try to complete the artwork within approximately two weeks.
――How are the stories usually conceptualized?
Natsunoame: For each volume, we discuss with the editor to decide on the general direction. It doesn’t usually end up following the plan exactly though (laughs). What’s important is summarizing the essence of the story in a single sentence. For example, in the first story of the second volume, it could be something like ‘A sleepless dinosaur-like alien comes to wash its blanket in the laundromat and finds relief.’ We start by making it as simple as possible, then we draft the plot in text form, considering which developments will appear on which pages. Finally, we plan the dialogue line by line, shaping it into a rough draft. It’s a bit like solving a puzzle.
Particular about a Gentle World
――Is there anything that you’re conscious of in the way you depict characters and the overall story?
Yoyohachi: Like Natsuno, I love gentle worlds, so I want all the characters to be good and kind, even if they’re not perfect people. In terms of design, I like soft and round shapes, so many of the characters might be quite rotund (laughs).
――Creating a consistent world is crucial.
Yoyohachi: Also, I personally like characters that are more gender-neutral rather than clearly defined as boys or girls, which you may be able to notice in our characters.
Natsunoame: They do all seem androgynous, don’t they? Also, my scripts are separated into just three columns on the draft, the paneling and composition are organised by Yoyohachi. Do you have any particular focus there?
Yoyohachi: Hmm, do I? Well, I still find it quite challenging (laughs). I’m always working on it, referring to other mangas to see how they do it.
The source of imagination lies in children’s literature.
――Are there any works that have influenced you personally?
Natsunoame: Not only for Satellite Coin Laundry, but in terms of why I personally want to write stories, it goes right back to my childhood when I would constantly read fantasy books. Children’s literature had gotten really popular, and I would read books like Harry Potter, The Saga of Darren Shan and Deltora Quest until late every night. I think that’s when my imagination and creativity developed and I wanted to write similar stories, like tales of islands flying in the sky, so I used to write a lot of these stories in my notebook. Looking back, I think the children’s literature I read back then inspired my imagination. After that, films like Jurassic Park and E.T. by director Steven Spielberg had a big impact on me. My imagination grew through both my love of the fantasy genre and my admiration for sci-fi movies.
――Even as an adult there are things that can impact and inspire you, but the influence of your childhood experiences is also significant. How about you, Yoyohachi-sensei?
Yoyohachi: I also loved books when I was a child. I was quite precocious, so I often read books intended for adults (laughs). I particularly loved the works of Kenji Miyazawa, and Michael Ende’s Momo and The Neverending Story. Although I enjoyed drawing, I used to prefer writing novels back then. I was a child who spent a lot of time writing on Microsoft Word. That’s how I spent much of my free time during elementary school, but when I entered middle school, the otaku boom hit and it was like a whirlwind from there. From then on, I became deeply interested in light novels and anime; I didn’t read so much manga but I really loved anime and watched various shows, and that’s kind of how I got to where I am today.
――What kind of anime did you watch at that time?
Yoyohachi: Hmm, what was it…? Probably Madoka Magica, I watched it a lot around 2010.
――Are there any other anime you like?
Yoyohachi: There are many, but currently my number one favorite is A Silent Voice. It’s originally a manga but I really love the anime and I’ve been watching it for a long time.
――A Silent Voice is a truly touching work!
Select Favorite Mangas
――Our manga review site ‘ComicAddict‘ has a feature that allows you to pick your favorite mangas and recommend them to others. If you had to choose three favorite works from those you’ve read so far, what would you choose?
Natsunoame: What should I do…? Yoyohachi, please go first (laughs).
Yoyohachi: One I particularly like is Yotsuba&! It was recommended to me during my college days, I read it and got hooked. I was surprised at how incredibly entertaining it was – it’s definitely a one-of-a-kind manga!
――That kind of manga setting is irresistibly charming, isn’t it? Now, how about you, Natsuno-sensei?
Natsunoame: For me, it’s Phoenix. I can’t really leave this one out.
――Truly a masterpiece in the manga world. The story must be amazing from the perspective of an original author, right?
Natsunoame: Yes. Drawing that level of sci-fi in that era is amazing. It has elements of a multiverse and it’s truly remarkable.
――Now, back to you, Yoyohachi-sensei. Please tell us your second choice.
Yoyohachi: Well, my second choice is probably ARIA. It’s a work with a gentle world, and I use it as a reference for drawing, especially in regards to paneling.
――ARIA gives a strong impression with its intricate details. Do you have any thoughts from the perspective of a manga artist?
Yoyohachi: If it were me, drawing such art every month might be a bit tough. In terms of composition, the scenes with large illustrations are amazing so I feel like I’d want to use inspiration from that.
――Natsuno-sensei, we’ve returned to you. Please share your second choice!
Natsunoame: There are too many to choose from, but I’d say Hoshitabi Shounen by Sakana Sakatsuki. When I saw it at a bookstore, I was completely blown away. The art and the world the author and artist have created are truly amazing, but what I really love are the themes it tackles—a gentle world tinged with loneliness, different from the gentle world of Satellite Coin Laundry, with a depth that only Sakatsuki can bring. It’s a work I want to read in the middle of the night in a pitch-black room before going to bed.
――It has a deeply resonating and wonderful atmosphere, doesn’t it?
Natsunoame: Yes, it’s a lovely work that makes you want to step into that world.
――Now, Yoyohachi-sensei, please tell us your last choice.
Yoyohachi: I’d like to say Girls’ Last Tour, but I already mentioned it earlier (laughs). Let’s put that one aside for now. Another one I really like is Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou. I’d highly recommended it since Satellite Coin Laundry was influenced by this work.
――(The staff present nod vigorously.)
――Natsuno-san, it’s back to you. Please share your last choice!
Natsunoame: It’s a bit different from the manga mentioned so far, but I also love Doubutsu no Oishasan. I really like its sense of humor. Even though the work feels so realistic, the conversations between the humans are so funny and the animals are cute. I’ve been reading it for a long time, it truly makes me think ‘this is such a lovely world.’
――It has a truly unique world view, and the sense of humor is irresistible.
Natsunoame: Exactly. I just love the uniqueness of the dialogue and the witty comebacks. I think that the fun of that work comes from a balance built on meticulous research, and it makes you want to become a veterinarian when you read it (laughs).
A work imbued with all emotions
――Is there a particular audience you would like to read Satellite Coin Laundry?
Natsunoame: If somewhere were to happen to me for whatever reason, this is the work which holds all the messages I want to convey to the world. So, of course, I would like the people close to me to read it, but I also want young children to read it. I don’t intend to impose my messages on them at all, but since I’ve included everything I personally feel is important to know in life in the story, I would be happy if children could read it.
――The passion you put into the work resonates deeply in the story. How about you, Yoyohachi-sensei?
Yoyohachi: I’m pretty much on the same page as Natsuno-san. I create manga that is easy to understand because I really want young children to read it. I’m consciously trying to create works with similar to Anpanman or Ojarumaru, so, if possible, kindergarten and elementary school children can read it, which would make me incredibly happy.
――For those with children, it’s a work you’d want to read together with them. We have great expectations for its future anime adaptation!
Creating a work that will be loved for years to come
――So, please tell us about your future goals and ambitions.
Yoyohachi: First and foremost, I hope to continue creating works as ‘Niwaka Ame’ for a long time. Of course, I’ll continue ‘Satellite Coin Laundry’, but I also want to create new works and keep drawing through different projects.
Natsunoame: Since it’s still our first work, the most important thing is to see how long we can keep it going. Also, I work as a full-time employee while doing this, so I hope to convey to people who want to engage in creative activities that this kind of work style is possible. I’d like to contribute to a space where working professionals can engage in creative work.
Thanks to the readers and related parties
――Finally, please share a few words with the fans who have been eagerly awaiting your new release.
Natsunoame: There are times when I find it difficult to write, but during those times, I draw strength from the messages and fan art I receive. Knowing that there are people reading and supporting my work keeps me going. I am truly filled with gratitude!
Yoyohachi: This book was created with the support of many people, including the fans and our editor. I worked seriously and put my heart and soul into this book to meet those expectations (laughs). If you enjoy it, I’m extremely honoured and grateful.
――Thank you both for your time today!
Yoyohachi ＆ Natsunoame：Thank you very much!
Satellite Coin Laundry Vol. 2 now available!
”A slice-of-life, heart-cleansing, Sci-Fi Fantasy’ A highly acclaimed work supported by a diverse range of manga enthusiasts. A story set in a corner of the universe at a coin laundromat – will it soothe your soul too?
The first Satellite Coin Laundry is here
