Manga Artist and Illustrator | Hisashi Eguchi
Art > Japanese Design Club > Manga Artist and Illustrator | Hisashi Eguchi
Iconic Japanese Illustrator | Hisashi Eguchi
Japanese art and design from my childhood is a major inspiration of mine. In this series, I share the creators who have shaped my idea of great art and design, and whose work continues to influence my own illustrations and graphic design projects today.
Hisashi Eguchi – Manga Artist and Illustrator
Hisashi Eguchi is a Manga Artist and Illustrator who has been creating stunning artwork since the 1970s. One of his most famous series, Stop!! Hibari-kun!, was published in the weekly Shonen Jump magazine. The romantic comedy manga features a cross-dressing boy as the main character, blending humor, heart, and a distinct visual style that feels both playful and sophisticated.
Admiring His Style
Eguchi’s line work is beautifully calculated without ever feeling rigid or clinical; a balance I deeply admire and strive for in my own work. His use of colour is particularly striking; the nostalgic palettes evoke memories of Japan in the 1980s and 1990s, from childhood trips to the stationery store to afternoons flipping through manga magazines. Even his recent illustrations retain that timeless charm, proving his ability to evolve while staying true to his aesthetic.
Influence on My Work
What I love most about Eguchi’s work is how effortlessly it combines character, emotion, and design. His compositions often tell a story at a glance, something I try to bring into my own illustration and graphic design projects. By studying his art, I’ve learned to appreciate the subtle power of colour, line, and form, and how these elements can make even a simple scene feel alive and memorable.
Fun Fact / Cultural Context
Eguchi’s approach reflects a broader trend in Japanese manga and illustration: attention to detail paired with playful storytelling. His work captures not only the style of the era but also the joy and whimsy of everyday life, which continues to inspire Japanese designers, illustrators, and creatives like myself.
Originally published in 2018, updated in 2025