Takehiko Inoue

Takehiko Inoue, born 12 January 1967 in Japan, is a manga artist renowned for two of the best-selling comic series in history: the high-energy basketball drama *Slam Dunk* (1990–1996) and the meditative samurai epic *Vagabond*. A lifelong basketball enthusiast, Inoue poured his passion for the sport into much of his work, including the wheelchair basketball series *Real*. His path into comics began with a deep love for drawing and storytelling, and he quickly made his mark with dynamic, expressive art that captures both athletic motion and quiet introspection. Inoue’s key collaborators include editors and assistants who helped shape his sprawling narratives, but his singular vision drives each page. He co-created *Slam Dunk*, *Vagabond*, and *Real*, all of which have been released in North America by Viz Media (with *Slam Dunk* initially translated by Gutsoon! Entertainment). In 2012, he became the first recipient of the Cultural Prize at the Asia Cosmopolitan Awards, and in 2024 he received the MEXT Arts Encouragement Prize in the Media Arts division. His legacy endures through these influential series, which continue to inspire readers and artists worldwide.