1. Overview
Reiji Miyajima (宮島 礼吏Miyajima ReijiJapanese, born December 15, 1985) is a distinguished Japanese manga artist widely recognized for his contributions to the manga and anime industry. He is best known for creating the popular serialized manga series such as AKB49: Ren'ai Kinshi Jōrei, Rent-A-Girlfriend, and The Shiunji Family Children. His works often explore themes of romance and human relationships, gaining significant readership and critical acclaim in Japan and beyond. Miyajima's career began in the mid-2000s, quickly earning accolades for his early one-shot manga before establishing himself with long-running series that have since received anime adaptations and spin-offs, further solidifying his influence in contemporary Japanese pop culture.
2. Biography
This section details the personal background and formative years of Reiji Miyajima, including his place of birth, date of birth, and academic pursuits that led to his career as a manga artist.
2.1. Birth and Background
Reiji Miyajima was born on December 15, 1985, in Nakano, Nagano, a city located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. After completing his high school education in Nakano, he relocated to Tokyo to pursue his aspirations as a manga artist, marking the beginning of his professional journey in the dynamic Japanese manga industry.
2.2. Education
Miyajima's academic background includes his graduation from Yoyogi Animation Gakuin, a vocational school known for its animation and manga programs. This specialized education likely provided him with foundational skills and knowledge pertinent to manga creation before he embarked on his professional career.
3. Career
Reiji Miyajima's professional journey as a manga artist is marked by significant awards early in his career, the serialization of several highly successful manga series, and his involvement in various multimedia projects including anime and video games.
3.1. Awards and Debut
Miyajima's talent was recognized early in his career. In October 2005, he received the Magazine Grand Prix Encouragement Award for his work titled Sakka no TensaiSakka no TensaiJapanese. In the same year, he also earned an honorable mention, specifically a Special Encouragement Award, at the 75th Weekly Shōnen Magazine Newcomer Manga Award for his one-shot manga, Pool no SabotenPool no SabotenJapanese. His professional debut came in 2008 with the publication of his second one-shot manga, IconIconJapanese, featured in Magazine Special.
3.2. Major Works
Reiji Miyajima's portfolio includes a variety of creative outputs across manga, anime, and other media, showcasing his versatility as a creator.
3.2.1. Manga Serials
Miyajima has been involved in several prominent serialized manga titles, contributing both as an illustrator and as a story creator.
- Suzuki no ShitenSuzuki no ShitenJapanese (2009): This short-term series was illustrated by Miyajima and written by Shigemitsu Harada. It was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Magazine but has not been collected into tankōbon volumes.
- AKB49: Ren'ai Kinshi Jōrei (2010-2016): Miyajima illustrated this series, which was based on the popular Japanese idol group AKB48. The story concept was provided by Hisashi Takahashi, and the original work by Motoazabu Factory. It was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Magazine from 2010 to 2016 and compiled into 29 volumes.
- Mononote: Edo Shinobi KagyōMononote: Edo Shinobi KagyōJapanese (2016-2017): This historical action manga, featuring a ninja with unusual hands, was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Magazine and collected into 3 volumes. It followed a one-shot precursor titled Mononote Edo Kiketsu Ninja EmakiMononote Edo Kiketsu Ninja EmakiJapanese from 2015.
- Rent-A-Girlfriend (2017-present): This romantic comedy, which began serialization in Weekly Shōnen Magazine, explores relationships starting from the concept of "rental" girlfriends. The series has achieved significant success in Japan, leading to an anime adaptation and a spin-off manga. As of January 17, 2025, it has 39 collected volumes.
- 22/7 +α (2020): Miyajima provided the original story concept for this manga, which was illustrated by Nao Kasai. It was serialized in Sunday Webry and released in 2 volumes, serving as a supplementary story to the 22/7 anime series. The project's planning was in cooperation with Yasushi Akimoto.
- Rent-A-(Really Shy!)-GirlfriendKanojo, HitomishirimasuJapanese (2020-present): This is a spin-off series of Rent-A-Girlfriend, featuring drawing assistance from Yuka Kinami. It is serialized in Magazine Pocket and currently has 3 volumes as of May 17, 2022.
- The Shiunji Family Children (2022-present): Miyajima launched this series, with drawing assistance by Reiji Yukino, in Young Animal. This marks his first work serialized in a seinen magazine. As of October 17, 2024, it has 5 collected volumes.
3.2.2. Manga One-shots
Beyond his serialized works, Miyajima has also produced several one-shot manga, some of which laid the groundwork for later series or explored unique concepts.
- Pool no SabotenPool no SabotenJapanese (2005): This work earned him an honorable mention at the 75th Weekly Shōnen Magazine Newcomer Manga Award.
- IconIconJapanese (2008): Published in Magazine Special, this one-shot marked his debut as a manga artist.
- Mononote Edo Kiketsu Ninja EmakiMononote Edo Kiketsu Ninja EmakiJapanese (2015): This one-shot, published in Weekly Shōnen Magazine, served as a precursor to his later serialized work, Mononote: Edo Shinobi Kagyō.
- Kanojo, Tensei ShimasuKanojo, Tensei ShimasuJapanese (2020): This one-shot was published in Weekly Shōnen Magazine.
3.2.3. Anime and Other Media
Miyajima's creative reach extends to anime and video games, where he has contributed to series composition, character design, and illustrations.
- Anime:**
- 22/7 (2020): Miyajima was responsible for the series composition and provided the original character and name concepts for this anime series.
- Asobi Asobase (2018): He contributed an end card illustration for Episode 6 of this television anime series.
- Video Games:**
- Hissatsu Shigotonin: Oshioki CollectionHissatsu Shigotonin: Oshioki CollectionJapanese (2013): For this computer game, Miyajima provided illustrations, including a special limited-time "Manga Artist Assistant Serino Magatama" card.
- 22/7: Ongaku no Jikan22/7 Ongaku no JikanJapanese (2020): He contributed the rough character designs for the "ChouChou" characters in this game.
- Other Media:**
- AKB48 BijutsukanAKB48 BijutsukanJapanese (2011): Miyajima created an illustration of the musical group Not Yet for this publication in Magazine Special.
- 22/7 Keisanchu22/7 KeisanchuJapanese (2018): He served as the character story concept creator for this television variety show.
4. Professional Relationships
Throughout his career, Reiji Miyajima has built important professional connections, including a significant mentorship and a team of dedicated assistants who contribute to his creative process.
4.1. Mentor
Reiji Miyajima was mentored by Yuji Terajima, a notable manga artist known for his work on the baseball manga series Ace of Diamond. Miyajima also worked as an assistant for Terajima on Ace of Diamond early in his career, an experience that likely influenced his development as an artist.
4.2. Assistants
The following artists have been credited as assistants working under Reiji Miyajima, with their names often listed on the inner flaps of his Rent-A-Girlfriend manga volumes:
- Yume Mikura
- Temanou
- Minato
- Reiji Yukino (who also serves as the drawing assistant for The Shiunji Family Children)
- Sho Yagami
- Kei Oike
- Shinobu Iroai
5. Exhibitions
Reiji Miyajima has also showcased his artistic output through exhibitions, providing fans and art enthusiasts with opportunities to experience his work beyond published manga.
In 2024, Miyajima held his first solo exhibition titled "0 (Love)" at Omotesando, a renowned district in Tokyo known for its art galleries and fashion. This exhibition provided a dedicated space to display his original artwork and engage with his audience.