I landed in Japan in March 2010 with my sister and my friend, meeting up our mutual friend M who had lived in Tokyo for 2 years. She guided us around and we did a bunch of fun things like onsen bath, Fuji-Q Highlands, etc.

Then came the day of my planned meeting. My friend M was to be my interpreter at the meeting, and my sister and our friend was to tag along. M instructed us all to wear black, as that is more a business color.

We arrived early (too early!) and entered the Shueisha building. We had to wait in the entrance hall where they had booths for editors and artists to meet at, just like you can read about in Bakuman. During our wait, we could overhear the meeting between an artist and an editor. The editor gave their opinion on the artist's namu and then stood up an left. Very interesting...

After some time, editor Y greeted us. She had even learned a Swedish phrase to greet us properly, haha. So kind. We expected the meeting to take place in the entrance hall, but then she invited us up to their editorial office instead!!
So, we all took the elevator up to the Ribon editorial level. While doing so, the elevator stopped at Shonen Jump's level too. We all felt an epic aura of the place. How many famous creators had not stood in this elevator!? We where starstruck!

More in part 3...