Yumiko Igarashi
We are delighted to announce the appearance of one of Japan's most celebrated manga artists: Yumiko Igarashi, whose works have captivated millions of readers around the world and have become true classics of shōjo manga.
Yumiko Igarashi will take part in a special stage talk and a live drawing demonstration on Saturday at 5:00 pm. This unique event will give visitors the opportunity to discover her artistic journey, creative techniques, and the experience of one of the mangaka who played a major role in the worldwide popularity of shōjo manga.
During the festival, five autograph sessions will also be held, including two free sessions. They will take place on Saturday, 19 September, from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm and from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, and on Sunday, 20 September, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm, 2:15 pm to 3:15 pm, and 4:45 pm to 5:45 pm.
Yumiko Igarashi is widely regarded as one of the leading figures of shōjo manga, the genre of Japanese comics primarily aimed at young female readers, which experienced remarkable artistic development and growing international popularity from the 1970s onward. Born in Hokkaidō in 1950, she made her professional debut at a very young age, quickly gaining recognition for her elegant, delicate, and instantly recognizable artistic style.
Her name is inseparably linked to some of the most beloved manga ever created. Among them is Candy Candy, first published in 1975, which became one of the greatest successes in shōjo manga history, winning over generations of readers and achieving worldwide popularity thanks to its acclaimed animated adaptation. Another landmark work in her career is Lady Georgie, which enjoyed great success both in Japan and abroad, further contributing to the worldwide popularity of Japanese manga and animation.
Throughout her distinguished career, Yumiko Igarashi has established herself as one of the most admired artists in shōjo manga. Her refined artwork, renowned for its expressive characters and meticulous attention to detail, has made her creations instantly recognizable and cherished by generations of readers.
In recognition of her outstanding contribution to manga, she has received several prestigious awards, including the Kodansha Manga Award, cementing her place among the most respected and influential manga artists of her generation.
Autograph Sessions
Further information and participation details will be announced soon.