You might have heard (or noticed) we reached our first goal of $5,000 for the translation of Hi! My Name is Loco and I am a Racist.”

YIPPEE!!

But what you might not have noticed is:

WE’RE NOT DONE!!

I’m so grateful to all of you and continue to be amazed by the support flowing in to help me realize this dream of bringing this work to the people of Japan. But now let’s take the next step!

FIRST STRETCH GOAL! —$10K

I’ve done a poll of backers and supporters and the poll resulted in a tie. Two ideas rose to the top. The first was the idea of the additional funds being used for a National Reading / Lecture / Workshop Tour around Japan (Maybe 5-10 cities nationwide), coordinated with supporters, backers, and interested parties in those cities. The funds would be used for travel expenses.

I’ve done MANY such talks and events since coming to Japan, at universities and townhalls and cafes and such. I’ve even done a few in the US. And they’re always well-attended and well-received.

However MOST of these talks have been relegated to the Tokyo / Yokohama area. So I relish the idea of meeting people nationwide! I’m very excited about this opportunity and, I suspect some of you are, as well.

So here’s what you can do:

Just click HERE! Then hit the green button that says “Back This Project” at the top-right of the Kickstarter page to get started.

SECOND STRETCH GOAL – $15K

The second goal is the manga-ization of “Loco in Yokohama”

Those of you who’ve read LIY know these hilarious misadventures and poignant portraits of life in a Japanese Junior high School are perfect for illustration!

Original artwork for “Hi! My Name is Loco…” cover

Characters like Matsui-kun and Mika-chan, Miss Betty and Loco-Sensei himself, beg to be seen in color!

So let’s make it happen!

(Those of you who haven’t read the book(s), here’s your chance – again, click HERE. Then just hit the green button that says “Back This Project” at the top-right of the Kickstarter page and you’re well on your way!)

The funds will be used to enlist and pay the artist and publish the book. I’ve already approached several artists of note previously — for I’ve been looking to do this for some time– and though several of these illustrators were interested, the funding was never there.

Let’s change that TODAY!

Help me get this campaign to $15K and we’ll do just that!

Best regards,

Loco