Mitsuru Adachi ​

Mitsuru Adachi is a Japanese manga artist best known for his work in shōnen manga. His prominent works include Touch, Cross Game, and H2, among others. Adachi is revered for his intricate character development and romantic storylines which have drawn in readers of all ages.

Quick Facts ​

• Known as "The Master of Manga" in Japan.
• His works are translated into several languages.
• His manga series Touch was the bestselling weekly Shōnen Sunday manga of 1983 and 1984.
• Several of his works have been adapted into anime, including Touch and Cross Game.
• Honored at the 2009 Shogakukan Manga Awards for Cross Game.
• His works are predominantly of the sports and romance genres.

Background ​

Adachi was born in 1951 in Fukushima, Japan. He began his career as a manga artist in 1970s. His works are often about baseball, relationships, comedy, and slice of life genre. He is well known for mixing romantic comedy and sports genres in his works. Adachi is best known for his baseball manga, Touch, which was serialized from 1981 to 1986 in Weekly Shōnen Sunday. Other notable works of his include H2, Rough, and Mix. Most of his works have been adapted into anime. He has also won several awards for his contribution to manga, including Shogakukan Manga Award three times and the prestigious Kodansha Manga Award. He is still active and continues to create new works.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Adachi's writing style blends elements of comedy, drama, and romance, often set in the milieu of school life. He's regarded as a pioneer in the field of sports manga, making major contributions to the genre by integrating psychological growth and complex character development. His distinctive, detailed artwork has also been admired for bringing emotional depth. His work has had a profound influence on aspiring manga artists and has shaped narratives in subsequent manga series.

Notable Works ​

• Touch (1981)
• H2 (1992-1994)
• Cross Game (2005-2010)
• Mix (2012-2020)