Yuu Watase

Yuu Watase, born March 5, 1970, in Japan, is a manga artist best known for her long-running shōjo series *Fushigi Yûgi*, which became a global phenomenon. She debuted at age 18 in 1989 with the short story "Pajama de Ojama" and has since created over 50 volumes of work, including both one-shots and serialized epics. Her signature style blends fantasy, romance, and emotional drama, often exploring reincarnation and destiny. Watase won the 43rd Shogakukan Manga Award in the shōjo category in 1998 for *Ceres, Celestial Legend*, a dark fantasy rooted in Japanese mythology. She frequently collaborates with editors and assistants but remains the sole writer and artist for her series. Among her notable co-creations are *Absolute Boyfriend*, a sci-fi romance, and *Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden*, a prequel to her flagship work. In 2008, she launched *Arata: The Legend*, her first shōnen serialization, expanding her range beyond girls' comics. Watase's later career includes ongoing projects and re-releases of her classic titles. Her catalog in our database spans 57 issues from 2004 to 2016, with her most credited works including *Arata: The Legend*, *Fushigi Yuugi*, and *Absolute Boyfriend*. Her legacy endures as a defining voice in 1990s shōjo manga, influencing a generation of readers and creators.