(Kansas City, MO & Nagano Prefecture, Japan) Inspired by past trips to Disney’s "It’s a Small World" amusement ride, Micah Laaker today announced his first overseas publishing efforts.

Commissioned by overseas correspondent Kathy "Chatterbox" Wearne to create an illustration depicting her, Mr. Laaker slowly sprung to action, finally delivering said illustration months after the initial request. Also slowed by her Japanese editor’s desires for her to look more "cutesy" and "American," Mr. Laaker spent a grueling second hour fixing the initial drawing to more accurately depict Ms. Wearne.

The illustration has run, for several issues, in Nagano’s "Koho Shiojiri" online magazine. This magazine, most noted for its whimsical use of clip art and weekly photos of "Miss Fresh" and "Mister Fresh" now also features the "Chatterbox" column. Among pictures of young women intrigued by rocks and some young gentlemen taunting cardboard crowns, Mr. Laaker’s illustration appears in the orange type-laden call-out box.

Currently, there are no plans to translate this publication into English.

The illustration and columns are currently available for immediate viewing. (Miss Fresh is also available for viewing.)

Mr. Laaker is currently accepting vacation suggestions that could lead to similar results.