Many of the most well-known manga creators choose to keep their identities hidden for multiple reasons, and for Fullmetal Alchemist creator Hiromu Arakawa, the reasoning is both unsettling and concerning. While some may see her case as an isolated incident, similar events have occurred with other creators, shedding light on the pressures and risks that come with widespread fame in the manga industry.
In a recent interview published by Kyoko NP, Arakawa opened up about a terrifying experience that forced her to step away from the internet entirely. She explained how her studio address was unintentionally included in a self-published doujinshi, which later surfaced on an online forum. This led to unwanted visits from individuals who discovered her location, leaving her understandably shaken. This incident, combined with her desire to spend more time with her children, ultimately pushed her to limit her online presence.
The Struggles of Popular Mangaka in the Public Eye
Arakawa recalled that the situation made her feel incredibly unsafe. She also mentioned that even before this, she had already chosen to stay offline as much as possible due to her overwhelming workload. As a creator who works year-round, she felt that if she had free time, she would rather dedicate it to her family.
Beyond this particular incident, she also dealt with an account hacking situation, which led her to shut down her bulletin board around the time Fullmetal Alchemist gained massive popularity. Since then, she has remained offline, only using the internet for research when necessary. While she once engaged with fans online, the risks became too great.
Other renowned creators have faced similar troubles. Bleach creator Tite Kubo also abandoned social media after negative interactions with fans, opting instead to communicate through a paywalled website. Many mangaka avoid revealing their true identities entirely, choosing to work under pseudonyms, including Jujutsu Kaisen’s Gege Akutami, Demon Slayer’s Koyoharu Gotouge, and Death Note’s Tsugumi Ohba. Arakawa herself initially used the pen names Edmund Arakawa and Huang Jin Zhou, further proving that privacy has always been a priority for her.
The Dark Side of Fame in the Manga Industry
The manga industry has seen multiple cases of high-profile creators dealing with threats, leaks, and harassment. One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda’s studio location was once exposed, and Attack on Titan’s Hajime Isayama faced intense backlash after his series ended, with fans sending him distressing messages. Some mangaka, like Beastars creator Paru Itagaki and Jujutsu Kaisen’s Gege Akutami, even wear masks during public appearances to conceal their identities.
While Arakawa may have distanced herself from the internet, she remains dedicated to her work and family. She has reassured fans that she continues expressing herself through her manga, making it clear that her passion for storytelling remains strong.
