The author of Kagurabachi shares how his popular manga was inspired by one of the biggest shonen manga ever.
Kagurabachi, a manga published by Shueisha, has quickly gained recognition since its release. The author, Takeru Hokazono, was recently interviewed by Asahi Shimbun where he shared his sources of inspiration and other influences that contributed to the success of his work.
The author revealed that his motivation to become a mangaka stemmed from his love for another popular shonen manga. He attributes Naruto as the driving force behind his decision to enter the manga industry.
Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto, is a globally renowned manga that has also gained widespread recognition as one of the most iconic anime series. Since its inception in 1999, it has captivated audiences for 18 years before concluding with Naruto Shippuden in 2017, cementing its place as a beloved staple of the genre.
Similar to how Naruto dominated the shonen genre, Kagurabachi is also rapidly rising in popularity. The manga quickly became a sensation when it was first published in 2023, earning a spot in the top three manga on Manga Plus. This achievement surpassed even well-established franchises such as Jujutsu Kaisen, My Hero Academia, and Black Clover.
Hokazono expressed his thoughts on the growing popularity of Kagurabachi, stating, “Initially, I was quite intimidated. The sudden increase in viewers made me hesitant to produce new episodes every week. However, I am grateful that more people have come to appreciate my work.”
Hokazono expressed his admiration for the John Wick movies as well. This is evident in the expertly choreographed fight scenes in Kagurabachi, showcasing his love for adrenaline-fueled action films. He also shared his appreciation for foreign cinema and cited Quentin Tarantino, Christopher Nolan, and David Fincher as some of his favorite directors.
In addition, he shared his approach and methods for staying motivated, stating, “When I create art, I always aim to produce images that go beyond what I have already created. My goal is to draw pieces that evoke a sense of awe within myself.”
The author’s manga is receiving widespread praise from readers globally, and there is a growing desire for an anime adaptation. It continues to hold its position as one of the most popular manga on Manga Plus. This is the author’s third manga, following the success of two one-shots titled ‘Farewell!! Cherry Boy!’ and ‘Roku no Pact’.
Despite Hokazono’s exceptional artwork, one recurring theme in his work is revenge. From his one-shots to Kagurabachi, the theme of revenge is prevalent. The story centers around Chihiro, whose father, a skilled swordsmith, was murdered by a group of individuals seeking a unique sword. Upon his father’s death, Chihiro claimed the sword as his own and made a vow to seek revenge for his father’s death.
If you are a fan of Kagurabachi and shonen manga, we have even more for you. Learn about Kagurabachi’s ultimate objective and the recognition they received from the Singapore government. You can also find out the current status of popular manga titles like Kaiju No 8 and Demon Slayer.
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