Mizuki Kawashita

1.1. Birth and Background

Mizuki Kawashita was born on August 30, 1971, in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Her blood type is A.

1.2. Education and Early Aspirations

During her student years, Kawashita harbored a strong desire to become a shōjo manga artist. Despite this aspiration, she only submitted one work while attending a junior college, after which she initially took a job at a general company. However, her passion for manga persisted, leading her to eventually resume submitting her works to publishers.

1.3. Illustrator and Dōjinshi Work

Kawashita began her professional artistic career as an illustrator under the pen name 桃栗 みかん_{Mikan Momokuri}^Japanese. This started in 1992, following her submission to the "Keiko Takemiya's Drawing Class" section in the magazine JUNE (Magazine Magazine). Her first public work as an illustrator was the cover illustration for Shōsetsu JUNE No. 58, published in December 1992. Around the same time, she was approached by an editor from Shueisha's "Super Fantasy Bunko" imprint, marking the beginning of her long-standing relationship with the publisher. As an illustrator, she primarily contributed covers and illustrations to magazines like Shōsetsu JUNE and JUNE, as well as light novels published by Shueisha and Kadokawa Shoten.

In 1993, she also ventured into dōjinshi (self-published comics), collaborating with her friend Ryū Hoshizaki through a dōjinshi circle. Her involvement in dōjinshi activities continued until 1997. During this period, she was largely seen as a boys' love (BL) artist.

1.4. Professional Debut

Kawashita made her official professional manga artist debut in the autumn of 1994, when she began serializing 高校男子-BOYS-_{Kōkō Danshi -BOYS-}^Japanese, with a story by Sakurana Hanai, in Shueisha's Office You magazine. In 1997, she published 空の成分_{Sora no Seibun}^Japanese, after which she primarily handled both the story and art for her works.

2.1. Association with Shueisha and Early Works

Following her debut, Kawashita continued her professional relationship with Shueisha, primarily publishing works under the Mikan Momokuri pen name. From 1998, she began publishing shōjo manga such as あかねちゃん OVER DRIVE_{Akane-chan OVER DRIVE}^Japanese and かえで台風_{Kaede Typhoon}^Japanese in Shueisha's Bouquet and its special editions like Bouquet Deluxe. During this period, she adopted a more comedic style to suit the magazines, though her works also featured a notable number of suggestive scenes involving female characters, foreshadowing her later shōnen manga style. From 1999 to 2007, she focused almost exclusively on commercial manga and related works, reducing her dōjinshi and illustrator activities.

2.2. Shift to Shōnen Manga and Pen Name Change

In the spring of 2000, Kawashita transitioned her activities to Shueisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump, simultaneously adopting the pen name Mizuki Kawashita. This move was not initially her own aspiration but was prompted by an editor who had previously worked at Weekly Shōnen Jump, with the understanding that she would eventually return to Bouquet. However, Bouquet ceased publication, leading her to continue her work in Weekly Shōnen Jump. Her first work under the new name was りりむキッス_{Lilim Kiss}^Japanese, which became a serialized series in the autumn of the same year. Lilim Kiss, however, was canceled after about six months due to having too many shōjo manga elements, failing to resonate with or gain support from shōnen readers.

2.3. Notable Works and Genre Evolution

After publishing the one-shot "Natsuiro Graffiti" in 2001, Kawashita began serializing Strawberry 100% in 2002. This series ran for approximately three and a half years until 2005, becoming one of her most recognized works. Following this, she released the one-shot "Koorihime Kitan" in late 2005, and the full-color eight-page one-shots "Kanojo to Natsu to Boku" and "Akiiro Bōsō Biyori" in 2006. From October 2007 to May 2008, she serialized First Love Limited.

In June 2008, she contributed a one-page comic to "Seikore ISM GP," a photo book collaboration project for Weekly Young Jump's "National High School Girl Uniform Collection". In December 2008, she provided illustrations for Shiritsu El Niño Gakuen Densetsu Risshi-hen (written by SOW). She also provided interview cooperation for Hetappi Manga Kenkyūjo R.

Kawashita returned to Weekly Shōnen Jump in 2009, serializing Anedoki from issue 32 until issue 7 of 2010. In 2010, she drew the "WJ Heroine Hyakkaryōran Poster," an insert featuring heroines from currently serialized Weekly Shōnen Jump titles. From 2010 to 2012, she serialized (G)えでぃしょん_{(G) Edition}^Japanese in Jump SQ.19. From 2013 to 2014, she serialized てとくち_{Te to Kuchi}^Japanese in Jump Square, based on a story by Tomohito Ōsaki. In 2013, she also provided illustrations for Shinyū no Kanojo o Suki ni Natta Mukai Hironagi no Tsumi to Batsu (written by Mizuki Nomura). In 2015, she participated in the "Ōgiri" one-shot manga project with Nisio Isin, drawing "Bokura wa Zatsu ni wa Manabanai." She also contributed illustrations to Grand Jump in 2015.

2.4. Resumption of "Mikan Momokuri" Pen Name

In June 2015, Kawashita began publishing works under her Mikan Momokuri pen name again, after a hiatus of 15 years and three months. Her new series, 群青にサイレン_{Gunjō ni Siren}^Japanese, was serialized in Shueisha's josei manga magazine YOU. After YOU ceased publication in November 2018, the series transferred to the online platform Shōnen Jump+, where it continued until August 3, 2020, completing a five-year run since its start in YOU.

This serialization marked a clear public distinction in her use of the two pen names by both Kawashita and Shueisha. For instance, in August 2016, she contributed illustrations to Kochikame Jump under the Mizuki Kawashita name, demonstrating the parallel use of both pseudonyms, which had not been common before.

3.1. Works as Mikan Momokuri

Under the pen name Mikan Momokuri, Kawashita has published the following manga series and short works:

She also contributed numerous illustrations under this name, including covers and inserts for Shōsetsu JUNE, JUNE, Cobalt, and Gekkan Wings. Notable illustration series include:

• Enrai no Legend series (5 volumes, by Yumitaka Aoki)
• Kaigara ni Walkman (by Natsuki Matsuoka)
• Ankoku Jukaden series (2 volumes, by Mayumi Koyama)
• Toki no Ryū to Mizu no Yubiwa (Part 1 & 2, 2 volumes, by Satomi Kigawa)
• Bōsō Boys series (3 volumes, by Yukisato Suwa)
• Al-Nagukroon no Kokuin series (5 volumes, by Kana Hibikino)

3.2. Works as Mizuki Kawashita

Under the pen name Mizuki Kawashita, she has published the following manga series and one-shots:

Her illustration works under this name, excluding those for her own manga's media adaptations, include:

• Kamedas2 (bonus book for Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo) - illustration and comment
• Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo Volume 142 - illustration and comment
• Chō Kochikame - illustration and comment
• Kochikame Jump - illustration and comment
• Seikore ISM GP 2008 - "Koi ni Koi shita Onnanoko" for Makoto Kawahara (a 1-page comic collaboration)
• Shiritsu El Niño Gakuen Densetsu Risshi-hen (by SOW) - first novel illustration under this name in 10 years
• Shiritsu El Niño Gakuen Densetsu Seiun-hen (by SOW, co-illustrated with Tōgi Kusashi)
• Naruto Hiden Min no Sho Official Premium Fan Book - illustration and comment
• Takekurabe (by Ichiyō Higuchi) - Shueisha Bunko 10th printing, Natsuichi 2010 special cover
• WJ Heroine Hyakkaryōran Poster - Weekly Shōnen Jump 2010 No. 35-36 combined issue
• Maihime (by Ōgai Mori) - Shueisha Bunko 14th printing, Natsuichi 2011 special cover
• Shinyū no Kanojo o Suki ni Natta Mukai Hironagi no Tsumi to Batsu (by Mizuki Nomura)
• New Society Member Support Special Project 1 Mizuki Kawashita / Takamichi Special W Pin-up - Grand Jump 2015 No. 9 issue
• Kaitan Kaidanshi Rin (by Saitō Taichi)

3.3. Media Adaptations

Several of Mizuki Kawashita's manga series have been adapted into other media.
Strawberry 100% received an anime television series adaptation that first aired in Japan in 2005, alongside an OVA series.
Her work First Love Limited was also adapted into a 12-episode anime television series, which aired in 2009.

4.1. Drawing Style and Work Methods

Kawashita's artwork is known for its delicate touch. She employs an unconventional posture when drawing: she typically sits on a zaisu (a Japanese legless chair) or a regular chair, placing a sketchbook on her lap, and then her manuscript on top of the sketchbook. She states that this position makes it easier for her to draw. Fellow manga artist Yusuke Murata has noted her reputation as a fast artist among her peers, suggesting that her light pen pressure might contribute to her quick drawing speed. She performs all stages of her work, from rough drafts to inking and coloring, while seated. To facilitate this, she keeps most of her tools on a movable wagon placed within easy reach.

When drawing suggestive scenes involving female characters, Kawashita sometimes references gravure idol photo books or figures. While working for Weekly Shōnen Jump, there was a general guideline that "breast exposure should not exceed 50%." However, in her one-shot 曽根崎心中!_{Sonezaki Shinjū!}^Japanese published in Jump Square, she depicted female nipples, a first for her in a shōnen magazine, although she had done so in works under her Mikan Momokuri name as early as 1997.

4.2. Thematic Elements and Genre Blending

In her shōnen manga works, Kawashita combines elements of comedy, often featuring suggestive scenes tailored for a male audience, with the psychological depth and direction characteristic of shōjo manga. This approach aims to appeal to both male and female readers. She states that while depicting characters' inner thoughts can sometimes lead to darker themes, she personally prefers lighter, more amusing narratives over serious ones. She also expresses that she prefers to hear feedback like "it was interesting" rather than "it was moving." Her female characters, in particular, are highly popular due to her ability to effectively utilize these stylistic elements. She finds joy in drawing "cute girls."

Her initial works as a debut artist were in the boys' love genre. A significant turning point in her style, which she describes as leading to her "current kind of manga," was her move to the shōjo manga magazine Bouquet. She notes that she only later became adept at drawing male characters. During her time at Bouquet, she felt fortunate to have an editor who allowed her creative freedom, and her style during that period, which she considers close to her natural self, continues to influence her work. Despite this, she self-critically observes that her style often "floats" or stands out in both shōjo and shōnen magazines.

Furthermore, her works under the Mikan Momokuri name after its resumption in 2015 show a significant stylistic shift compared to her earlier works from 1997 to early 2000. These later works, particularly Gunjō ni Siren, tend to de-emphasize female characters and focus more on dark, somber emotional portrayals.

4.3. Influences and Creative Process

As a child, Kawashita read a variety of manga, including shōjo titles like Ace o Nerae!, Tokimeki Tonight, and Kaze to Ki no Uta, as well as shōnen titles such as Kimagure Orange Road, Wingman, and Saint Seiya. In recent years, due to her impressionable nature, she avoids reading works with similar styles to her own. Instead, she chooses to read works that are diametrically opposite to her style, such as Akio Chiba's Captain and Play Ball, and Nobuyuki Fukumoto's Tobaku Mokushiroku Kaiji.

5.1. Interests and Preferences

Kawashita has frequently stated that video games are a major hobby of hers since her debut. She also finds stress relief in long phone calls and karaoke. During the early serialization of Strawberry 100%, she would often take her assistants to karaoke boxes after completing manuscripts. She also enjoys cooking; she used to bake chocolate cakes for her younger sister's birthday every February and, when recruiting assistants, would mention offering homemade meals. Her favorite foods include oysters, yakiniku (grilled meat), ebi fry (fried shrimp), and egg yolk. Conversely, she strongly dislikes nattō (fermented soybeans) and cheese.

5.2. Pen Name Origin and Evolution

Kawashita has explained the origins of her pen name, Mikan Momokuri. The "Momokuri" part is derived from the Japanese proverb "peaches and chestnuts in three years, persimmons in eight years" (桃栗三年柿八年), which signifies that mastering a skill takes time. The "Mikan" (meaning mandarin orange) was chosen simply because it sounded pleasant. She admitted that she did not seriously consider the name, as she had to quickly choose one when submitting the work that led to her debut. At the time, she wished for a "more ordinary name" and even remarked that she would not use that pen name if she were still working ten years later. This prediction ultimately came true with her adoption of the Mizuki Kawashita pen name.

6.1. Popularity and Critical Acclaim

Kawashita's ability to blend comedic elements with suggestive scenes and shōjo-like psychological depth has resonated with a broad audience. Her female characters, in particular, have consistently enjoyed strong popularity among readers. Her major series, such as Strawberry 100% and First Love Limited, have been well-received, contributing to her recognition as a prominent romantic comedy manga artist.

6.2. Influence on the Manga Industry

Kawashita holds a unique position in the manga industry, especially within Weekly Shōnen Jump, as a female artist who primarily creates romantic comedies with an emphasis on suggestive content. This is notable given Weekly Shōnen Jump's typical approach to artist recruitment, which often focuses on new talent discovery and nurturing. Her distinct style, which she herself describes as "floating" between shōjo and shōnen genres, has allowed her to contribute to the evolution of romantic comedy manga by incorporating diverse elements and perspectives.