Kiyohiko Azuma

Kiyohiko Azuma (東清彦 or あずまきよひこ, Azuma Kiyohiko?, born May 27, 1968 in Takasago, Hyōgo Prefecture) is a Japanese manga author and artist. In his manga he writes under the hiragana form of his name, which has led some non-Japanese-speakers to confuse him for a woman (as they have mistaken the masculine ending -hiko for the feminine -ko). He used to use the pen name Jōji Jonokuchi (序ノ口譲二, Jonokuchi Jōji?) in his H manga. His most well-known work is Azumanga Daioh. His current series is Yotsuba&!, which is serialized monthly in Dengeki Daioh magazine. Other works of his include dōjinshi titled A-ZONE (vol.0-8) involving characters from Neon Genesis Evangelion, Sailor Moon, Tenchi Muyo!, Battle Athletes Victory and Dragon Ball among others.

Azuma's style of art is easily recognizable, having distinguished itself from common shōjo and shōnen art styles in the 1990s. His most recent original works, Azumanga Daioh and Yotsuba&!, are both in the slice of life genre.

He graduated from Hyōgo Prefectural Kakogawa East High School in Kakogawa and Kobe Design University.