We had the honor of meeting and speaking with Makoto Yukimura, author of Vinland Saga, at Kodansha House this year. Between the show and the fun installation at the manga-themed pop-up, we chatted with Yukimura-sensei about his inspiration for Vinland Saga, how he conceptualized the interactions between the characters character, the iconic line “I have no enemies” and about the upcoming ending of the film. series.
Portions of this interview have been lightly edited for clarity.
Create stories
Initially, it makes sense to know where the inspiration behind Vinland Saga came from. The author explains that the original idea came from reading stories about Europeans coming to America, a process he imagined must have been arduous. While researching why Europeans came to the Americas, he decided he could write a fictional story about such journeys. When asked if any major aspects of the premise had changed from the time he started thinking about it until he submitted it for publication, Yukimura-sensei explained that not much had changed. difference between what he thought when he first started. and what he has been thinking for the past 20 years.
“What I thought from the beginning when I started writing and now, 20 years later when the end is approaching, there is not a big difference. I believe I am developing the story the way I originally thought.”
The way the story is executed is excellent, especially when achieving a careful balance between entertaining action and thought-provoking character development. Delving into what Yukimura-sensei has in mind to maintain that balance and make sure things don't lean too much in one direction, he humbly explains that he's actually not sure if he's achieved the right balance. Is that balance or not?
“Whether I can balance those two things or not, I'm not really sure. But I tried my best to do that and if readers feel like it's a good balance then I feel like I've accomplished what I was trying to do.”
I Have No Enemies
Vinland Saga has a lot of iconic moments, but one that stands out in the manga and especially what has been adapted so far in the anime is the line “I have no enemies.” Yukimura-sensei, like many fans, felt that the line was a good one, however, curiously, he noted that he was unaware of how widespread the line was online (and how much meme it created) until I explained it to him. during our time together. Regarding the product line, I want to know specifically about the process of deciding on that line.
“This quote, 'I have no enemies,' if something was trendy, I would want it to be something like this quote. And I think it would be a good thing if the feeling that none of us has enemies could be accepted by many people. I think that will leave a positive impact on this world and if that happens, I will be proud of it.”
Character development, message and ending of Vinland Saga
Next, I wanted to get Yukimura-sensei's idea of the process of creating the characters, planning their arcs, and understanding how those arcs would work independently and in relation to each other. In Vinland Saga, the development of many characters runs parallel to each other, especially when it comes to themes of legacy and revenge.
On that note, I asked Yukimura-sensei how he decided where to place different types of development for different characters, and if he knew from the beginning what each character's backstory would be. Are not. He explained that he developed the character arcs by making sure they were all distinct from each other.
“I think you're talking about the characters Thorfinn and Canute. Each character, besides those two, all the characters in the story have different perspectives and they don't understand each other very much. But they're living their own lives and the way those paths cross, I think that's the essence of the story. I felt very connected to how Thorfinn felt in this story. But I also don't want to suggest that Thorfinn's only way of life is the right way to live. That means I'm rejecting other ways of living. That will also cause division. Others will be able to pursue their lives with their own beliefs. There is no particular right way to live. To portray this, I tried to describe each character in the story as detailed and distinct as possible.”
As we look back over the years of Vinland Saga, I want to know if the author has decided how the series will end. He has something to say.
“(laughs) As of now, October [18] In 2024, I only have a few more chapters left to write for the story of Vinland Saga. I've gotten this far according to my plan, but honestly from this point on, I don't know what will happen. Honestly, I don't know how this will play out in the end. However, I will try my best.”
Finally, I asked if Yukimura-sensei hopes that the message of Vinland Saga will lead the world to a better place.
“I hope so. Once, 20 years ago, someone told me that we should think about war when there is no war. Because it was too late while the war was going on to think about that. I hope now people will think about war and then hope for peace. If that message is conveyed to more and more people around the world [càng tốt] then that would make me really happy.”
We'd like to thank Makoto Yukimura for taking the time to talk to us about Vinland Saga, and thank the folks at Kodansha House for organizing such an incredible event and hosting so many manga creators last month. .
Kodansha USA licensed the Vinland Saga manga in English and has published translated volumes up to Volume 13. Netflix and Crunchyroll are streaming the anime.
© Makoto Yukimura, Kodansha/VINLAND SAGA SEASON 2 Project
