NEW![K-9: Public Security Bureau, Division 9 – Special Abilities Countermeasure] Coolness is a Weapon – Interview with Tetsuya Okuyama – Part 2

Interviews #K MANGA October 16, 2026

This article was originally published on 27 May 2026.

Welcome back to this special interview with the creator of K-9. Tetsuya Okuyama! If you missed part 1, you can catch it here. Let’s jump back in!

Art Skills Improving in Battle—The Latest Chapter is Always the Most Fun!

—Is there a particular chapter that was especially fun to draw?

My art skills level up every time I draw, so the newest chapter is always the most fun! (laughs)
If I had to pick one, it would be Jin’s fight in Akihabara. I feel like I was able to wrap it up in a really satisfying way, and I got to showcase his best side, so I’d love for readers to pay special attention to it.

—On the flip side, were there any chapters that were difficult?

The backstory chapter for Eve Matsurika, the boss of the organization known as “Eden.” There’s a scene where Eve’s best friend strikes a classmate over the head with a guitar, and that entire sequence is completely silent – no dialogue and no sound effects. It’s really difficult to get things across without those. I remember agonizing over it, trying to use the rain to add to the atmosphere

A Battle of Words

—Is there anything that changed, consciously or unconsciously, compared to your previous work?

The way I communicate with my editor, who has taken care of me for years, changed. Up until now, I used to take everything he said at face value, but lately, I’ve been pushing back a little (laughs).
It’s been great, though. Because we both put what we want into words and clash head-on, we end up with great storyboards every week.

—We’re curious what kind of battles you actually engage in! (laughs)

It gets incredibly detailed! We don’t just argue over the art, but down to the choice of a single grammar point. He’ll give me really precise feedback on things like whether to include “I” at the start of a sentence, and it’s not unusual for our meetings to last two full hours.

Beneath the Surface of Division 9’s Core Four

—Which character holds a particularly special place in your heart?

I love all the characters, but if I had to pick just one, it might be Kagari. He’s so laid-back that he softens the room. If it were just Ren, Oboro, and Jin, the atmosphere would inevitably get tense, so he brings a great balance to their dynamic.

—Are there any upcoming story developments readers should look out for?

I’ve come up with pretty detailed backstories for the cast, centered around Division 9’s main four. Beyond their surface coolness, I’ll be showing the lives each character has lived, so I’d be thrilled if readers paid close attention to that as well.

—Are there any other series you’re currently following?

Idolatry (Original Story: Shin Otaka / Art: Homare). I’m enjoying the current arc, but Chapter 1 in particular was truly shocking. I’m also keeping an eye on GALAXIAS by Ao Hatesaka, whom I knew even before either of our serializations started. All our series release on the same day of the week, so I want to do my best alongside them!

—Finally, do you have a message for your readers?

Of course I appreciate fan letters, but comments and reactions on social media are a huge source of motivation for me. And I’m not just saying that – it genuinely is. I’ll continue drawing with a heart full of gratitude and work hard to create something that meets everyone’s expectations, so I’d be overjoyed if you keep reading!

Read K-9 on K MANGA!