Hirohiko Araki

**Hirohiko Araki** (荒木 飛呂彦, _Araki Hirohiko_; born June 7, 1960) is a Japanese manga artist best known for creating the long-running series _JoJo's Bizarre Adventure_, which began serialization in 1987 in _Weekly Shōnen Jump_. The series is notable for its unique art style, dynamic poses, and creative supernatural powers known as _Stands_.

Araki is regarded as one of the most influential manga artists of all time, and _JoJo's Bizarre Adventure_ has become one of the best-selling manga series in history, inspiring multiple anime, video game adaptations, and a large international fanbase.

## Early life

Araki was born in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. He grew up with twin younger sisters and credits them as part of the reason he spent a lot of time reading manga alone. Inspired by artists such as Osamu Tezuka and the French painter Paul Gauguin, Araki began drawing manga as a child.

He submitted several works to publishers while still in high school, eventually making his professional debut in 1980 with the manga _Poker Under Arms_, published in _Weekly Shōnen Jump_.

## Career

Araki's first serialized work was _Cool Shock B.T._ (1983), followed by the science fiction action series _Baoh_ (1984–1985). However, he achieved major success with _JoJo's Bizarre Adventure_, which began in 1987 and is split into multiple parts, each with a different protagonist and storyline. The series is recognized for its distinctive art style, fashion-inspired character designs, and innovative use of sound effects and panel layout.

Besides _JoJo_, Araki has released several one-shots and artbooks, including _Rohan at the Louvre_ (2010), created in collaboration with the Louvre Museum. He has also contributed artwork for fashion brands and exhibitions, furthering his reputation as both a manga artist and fine artist.

## Style and influences

Araki's work is heavily influenced by Western music, fashion, and classical art. Many characters and Stands in _JoJo's Bizarre Adventure_ are named after musicians, bands, or songs. His art style evolved dramatically over time, moving from the muscular, action-oriented look of the 1980s to a more elegant and fashion-forward aesthetic.

## Legacy

_JoJo's Bizarre Adventure_ is one of the longest-running manga series, and its influence is evident in both Japanese and international pop culture. Araki is known for his youthful appearance despite his age, leading fans to jokingly call him "immortal."

## Works

- _Poker Under Arms_ (1980, one-shot)
- _Cool Shock B.T._ (1983)
- _Baoh, the Visitor_ (1984–1985)
- _Gorgeous Irene_ (1985)
- _JoJo's Bizarre Adventure_ (1987–present)
- _Rohan at the Louvre_ (2010)
- Various artbooks, such as _JoJo6251_, _JOJOVELLER_, and _Hirohiko Araki Works_

## Related pages

- JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
- List of characters in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
- Manga

## Infobox (writer)

- **name**: Hirohiko Araki
- **image**: Hirohiko Araki 2013 - cropped.jpg
- **caption**: Araki in 2013
- **birth place**: Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Miyagi, Japan
- **occupation**: Mangaka, Manga artist, artist
- **nationality**: Japanese people, Japanese
- **period**: 1980–present
- **genre**: Action genre, Action, adventure, supernatural
- **subject**: Shōnen manga, seinen manga
- **spouse**: Asami Araki
- **children**: 2