Takeru Hokazono in New York.
Takeru Hokazono in New York.
Takeru Hokazono is the creator and author of Kagurabachi, a manga series celebrated for its dynamic action, intricate artwork, and gripping narrative. He masterfully weaves traditional Japanese folklore with contemporary manga aesthetics.
His work has earned acclaim for its innovative fight sequences, compelling characters, and fresh approach to shonen storytelling.
This will be the first time Takeru Hokazono attends an event in person, giving fans a rare opportunity to meet the creator behind Kagurabachi.
August 22-24, 2025 at the Javits Center.
Aug 23 | 2:45–3:30 PM | Room 1A123
Aug 23 | 12:00–12:50 PM | Room 1A03
Check out the art and products that will be available during Anime NYC.
Location: Artist Alley - Table P18
By NunuSenpai
Location: Artist Alley - Table F05
By chowpan
Location: Artist Alley - Table M29
By chowpan
Location: Artist Alley - Table M29
By chowpan
Learn how Kagurabachi goes from drafts to the final drawing! Check out the special display of the making of Kagurabachi presented by MANGA Plus by SHUEISHA at the Japan Society booth.
📍 Anime NYC – Booth #1933
📅 August 21–24, 2025
Anime NYC Exclusive: Fans who stop by Booth #1933 will receive a pamphlet containing a code for one free month of the MANGA Plus Deluxe Plan.
The artbook from the project was gifted to Hokazono-sensei by the staff during the Q&A panel. He said it was "SO CUTE!"
A digital copy + the printed artbook will be provided on a flash drive.
97 illustrated comments in total: 89 from Weekly Shonen Jump + 8 from the volumes.
Over 90 artists participated in this project.
August 25, 2025 — The New Yorker
The magazine, home to such series as “Naruto” and “One Piece,” has created a formula for coaxing hit franchises out of young talents. The twenty-four-year-old behind “Kagurabachi” may be next.
By Matt Alt
August 25, 2025
Illustration by Takeru Hokazono / SHUEISHA
When a deadline is looming, which is pretty much always, the artist Takeru Hokazono’s one-room apartment in Tokyo begins to resemble a labyrinth. The walls of the residence are bare, but the floor is covered in knee-high stacks of papers, model kits, unopened parcels, and bags of books. Navigation is possible only via channels cut through the clutter. At the center of this maelstrom is Hokazono’s desk; when I visited him, in February, it, too, was littered with detritus—comic books, empty coffee cups, the crumpled wrappers of breakfast bars and late-night snacks. The mess encircled a Wacom touch tablet the size of a television screen, on which remarkable things were happening.
*Of course, the number of posters is limited, with priority given to those who are in the GC here on Twitter.
@02anaz attended Anime NYC to celebrate Hokazono-sensei and shared a sketch made simultaneously during his live drawing session. The sketch gives fans a glimpse of sensei’s work and was generously shared—truly amazing! 💖
Thanks to @CharioCX and @silverstarcloud for the real time transciptions.
Anime NYC was unforgettable, and much of that was thanks to Deb Aoki (@debaoki). 💖
She was responsible for handling everything related to Hokazono-sensei at the event, making sure his visit went smoothly and that fans could see him in person for the first time. When it came to the ABSOLUTE HOKAZONO Artbook, Deb supported the bachibros at every step, helping them with key points.
Deb kept everything running smoothly: guiding the process and assisting with the flash drive, all with kindness, professionalism and attention to detail. Thanks to her support, Hokazono-sensei received the Artbook in person, one more reason that he could feel the love from international fans.
Beyond her professional role, Deb showed how much impact a dedicated and generous person can have: helping make dreams real and creating unforgettable memories for the bachibros and sensei alike.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Deb! 💖
IMPORTANT: Takeru Hokazono (Kagurabachi) signing event tickets sold out immediately, and we will not be releasing another round of tickets.
Kagurabachi Vol. 1 with Kinokuniya exclusive shikishi will be available at Anime NYC booth 321 while supplies last.
Takeru Hokazono, creator of Kagurabachi (winner of the Next Manga Awards 2024), will visit Kinokuniya New York for an exciting signing event on Saturday, August 23, starting at 5 PM!
All attendees will receive a free special art board provided by VIZ Media.
To attend the event, RSVP on the Eventbrite (sold out) page and purchase Kagurabachi, Vol. 1 in English at Kinokuniya New York on the day of the event, by 5 PM. When purchasing the book, show your ID and Eventbrite receipt to receive a physical ticket.
Learn more about KAGURABACHI! Within the gallery, you can discover the process of how the series is made.
On display here are various rough drafts and fully inked manuscripts. Take a look behind the curtain at how KAGURABACHI's intense fights are brought onto the page.
This will be the first time Takeru Hokazono attends an event in person, giving fans a rare opportunity to meet the creator behind Kagurabachi.
📍 Japan Society – A Level Gallery
- 333 East 47th Street New York, NY 10017
📅 August 23 – November 15, 2025
- Free Admission
Hokazono gave a very short and humble acceptance speech. Deb asked if his editor Takuro Imamura wanted to say anything, but he politely declined.
Cutely, Hokazono almost walked off stage prematurely before the other honorees had been given their awards. Deb Aoki reassured the crowd that they had rehearsed this beforehand.
Hokazono seemed in awe of the award during the rest of his time onstage, looking at it almost in disbelief as he waited to take a photo with the other honorees. (Manga Mavericks)
