Shigeru Mizuki author page

Shigeru Mizuki biography

Shigeru Mizuki was a Japanese manga artist known for his influential work in the field of children’s and young adult literature, particularly in the genre of yokai (supernatural creatures) stories. Born as Shigeru Mura, he became widely recognised for his distinctive artistic style and his contributions to Japanese manga culture.

Mizuki’s most notable work is GeGeGe no Kitarō, a manga series that popularised many traditional Japanese folk tales and supernatural beings. The series began in 1960 and has been adapted into various anime and live-action formats. Mizuki’s storytelling often drew on his deep interest in folklore, history, and the supernatural, making his works accessible and engaging for younger readers while also appealing to adults.

In addition to GeGeGe no Kitarō, Mizuki created other significant works such as NonNonBa and Onward Towards Our Noble Deaths. NonNonBa is a semi-autobiographical manga that explores his childhood experiences and his relationship with a wise elderly woman who introduced him to the world of spirits and legends. Onward Towards Our Noble Deaths is based on his experiences as a soldier during the Second World War and is noted for its historical perspective.

Mizuki’s work has been published internationally, including English-language editions by Drawn & Quarterly. He received several awards during his career, including the Best Album award at the Angoulême International Comics Festival in 2007 for NonNonBa.