Yutaka Hara ​

Yutaka Hara is a Japanese author best known for his Kaibutsu Kun series, which has been adapted into an animated television series, a live-action TV drama, and live-action and animated films. His works are beloved for their humorous and heartfelt explorations of friendship and adventure.

Quick Facts ​

• Famous for creating the comic series "Kaibutsu-kun", which was also adapted into an anime series.
• Has written various other Manga, mainly targeted towards children.
• Many of his works have been translated into several languages.
• Sold thousands of copies of his comic series worldwide.
• Was awarded with the Children’s Manga Award at the Shogakukan Manga Awards in the year 1981 for his work on "Kaibutsu-kun".

Background ​

Hara was born in 1957 in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. He started his career in advertising, while drawing manga as a hobby. His first success came when he won a Semi-Grand Prize in 1983 for his work in the Shogakukan New Comic Contest, with his short piece "GO! Go! Kikaku". He then went on to create several other manga series, his most notable being the long-lasting and popular franchise, "Super Kabuto". His work "Kaiketsu Zorori," a children's series, was adapted into several animated series and films, theatrical plays, and was even used as a theme for elementary school ethics textbooks. As a manga artist, Hara has won several awards, among them, the Shogakukan Manga Award for children's manga in 1997. His work has been translated into various languages, expanding his reach beyond Japan.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Hara's writing style is light-hearted and humorous, often incorporating slice-of-life stories within his work. His use of vibrant and energetic illustrations brings life to his characters, making it engaging for young readers. Although his stories revolve around the everyday life and fun adventures of a cat, he has been praised for subtly weaving life lessons throughout his narratives. His works have brought a unique take on children's literature, making it appealing to kids as well as adults.

Notable Works ​

• Kaibutsu-kun (1980-1982)
• Super Mario-kun (1990-present)
• The Diary of Ochibi (2013-2014)
• Korosuke-kun (2016-2019)