Naoshi Arakawa

Naoshi Arakawa is a Japanese manga artist and illustrator known for his emotionally-driven storytelling and unique art style. He was born on February 4, 1986, in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Arakawa gained international recognition for his critically acclaimed manga series Your Lie in April, also known as Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso in Japanese. Arakawas journey as a manga artist began when he was still a student at Nagano Prefectural Iida High School. During this time, he submitted his works to various manga competitions and received recognition for his talent. In 2003, Arakawa won the prestigious Shonen Sunday Super Rookie Award for his one-shot manga titled Sayonara Bye-Bye. This achievement marked the beginning of his professional career in the manga industry. In 2006, Arakawa made his debut as a serialized manga artist with the release of Tsumetai Kousha no Toki wa Tomaru The Time at the Cold Classroom Stops in the magazine Monthly Shonen Sunday. Although this series was short-lived, it showcased Arakawa's ability to create compelling narratives that resonate with readers. However, it was Your Lie in April that propelled Arakawa to widespread acclaim. The series, which ran from 2011 to 2015, follows the story of Kousei Arima, a former child prodigy pianist who lost his ability to hear the sound of his own playing after a traumatic event. The narrative revolves around Kousei’s journey of rediscovering his passion for music through the guidance of a free-spirited violinist named Kaori Miyazono. Your Lie in April captivated readers with its poignant exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the power of music.