Masahiro Sakurai is getting a biographical manga in Japan
- Marc Kaliroff
- 16 hours ago
- 2 min read
A new biographical manga chronicling the life and career of Masahiro Sakurai is set to release next month in Japan, just days before Kirby Air Riders.
“Manga de Shiru Hito to Shigoto: Masahiro Sakurai – Making the World More Fun with Games” will dive into Mr. Sakurai's personal and professional journey as a game creator. From his days as just a video-game-loving child to being one of the most globally recognized and influential directors in his industry, the manga will explore what is being labeled as the "first half" of Mr. Sakurai's life.
The manga is divided into six chapters:
“Sakurai the Boy and Games”
“The Birth of Kirby”
“The Dawn of Smash Bros.”
“Establishing Sora Ltd.”
“What is Passed On”
“The Light Toward the Future”
Each chapter will explore key moments in Mr. Sakurai’s life and career, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of some of his most important games and accomplishments.
On social media, Mr. Sakurai himself has announced that he supervised the manga to ensure that his story is told accurately and authentically.
In addition to the main story, the book will also include extra features such as a detailed chronology of Sakurai’s career and a column titled “What It Takes to Make Games.”
Manga de Shiru Hito to Shigoto: Masahiro Sakurai – Making the World More Fun with Games will be published by East Press as a physical paperback and e-book in Japan on November 18, 2025. The manga will be priced at ¥1,430 (tax included). East Press has created similar manga in the past, including one based on Pokémon creator Satoshi Tajiri. If an English localization is announced, we will be sure to let you all know (we really hope one is in the works)!