Biographical note

Moto Hagio (1949-) was born in Fukuoka, Japan and is widely considered as one of the pioneers of modern shojo manga (girls manga). One of the most beloved Japanese comic artists of all time, and has penned dozens of works over a wide range of genres throughout her nearly fifty year-long career. Easily one of the most critically recognized comic artists over the last few decades having won a number of awards, Hagio's works challenge concepts of gender and humanity. In the realm of science-fiction is a three-time winner of the Seiun Award, the Japanese equivalent of the Hugo Award. In 2006 she took the Japan SF Grand Prize for her fantasy title Otherworld Barbara (Fantagraphics). And in 2022 she was recognized by San Diego ComicCon International as she was admitted into the Eisner Award Hall of Fame. A national treasure in Japan, in 2019 Hagio was recognized as A Person of Cultural Merit by the Japanese government.