Haruka Takachiho

Haruka Takachiho, born Kimiyoshi Takekawa on November 7, 1951, in Nagoya, Japan, is a science fiction author and the founder of Studio Nue. While still a student at Hosei University, he established the anime production house in 1972, working as a producer and scenario writer before graduating in social science in 1975. Takachiho made his authorial debut in 1977 with the novel *Crusher Joe: Crisis on Solidarity Planet Pizan*, launching his signature creation. He is best known for conceiving the *Crusher Joe* and *Dirty Pair* franchises, the latter including *Dirty Pair Flash*. His stories have earned two Seiun Awards: "Great Adventure of The Dirty Pair" for Best Japanese Short Story in 1980 and "The Dirty Pair Strike Again" for Best Japanese Novel in 1986. Helen McCarthy later described him as one of Japan's leading pulp novelists. Takachiho held the title of Executive Secretary of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of Japan until the end of 1997. His work in comics spans from 1988 to 2019, with notable credits including *Dirty Pair II*, *Dirty Pair*, and *Crusher Joe*. His legacy endures as a foundational figure in Japanese sci-fi and anime.