What does it take to create a story that stands the test of time?

In Hirohiko Araki’s Art of Manga, the artist behind some of Japan’s most influential works reveals how he crafts characters, structures narratives, and builds visual worlds.

This isn’t just a guide for drawing. It’s a deeper look at the process behind creating something that feels enduring and significant.

The Book in 3 Sentences

• In Hirohiko Araki’s Manga Techniques, the legendary manga artist behind JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure reveals the secrets behind his creative process, including his unique approach to art, character design, and storytelling.
• Araki discusses essential concepts such as the “Golden Ratio of Beauty,” character profiling, and story construction techniques inspired by Hemingway, providing an in-depth look at his methods for crafting his enduring works.
• This book is a rare opportunity for readers to learn directly from Araki himself, as he opens up about the artistic techniques that have sustained his long-running success.

Impressions

How Did I Discover It?

I enjoyed reading the sequel, New Manga Techniques: How to Create Villains（荒木飛呂彦の新・漫画術 悪役の作り方）, and became curious about what the first book had to say.

Who Should Read It?

I would recommend Hirohiko Araki’s Art of Manga to:

1. Aspiring Manga Artists — It offers invaluable insights into Araki’s creative process, including techniques for drawing and storytelling.
2. Fans of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure — The book provides a unique behind-the-scenes look at the artistic and narrative choices that define the series.
3. Art Students and Visual Storytellers — Anyone interested in visual storytelling and character design will benefit from Araki’s discussions on beauty, structure, and narrative construction.

How the Book Changed Me

1. Professionalism, authenticity, and dedication in one’s work.

The book taught me that creativity isn’t just about following the rules but about pushing boundaries and staying committed to my craft, even when things get tough. It showed me how crucial it is to pay attention to the smallest details and keep refining my skills. But most importantly, I learned that passion and a personal connection to my work are what fuel endless ideas and innovation. The key is to stay true to myself, continue learning, and create with sincerity.

2. Mastering the basics before expressing personal creativity.

The book reinforced that a strong foundation in fundamental rules is what allows individuality to truly shine. Without understanding the basics, our uniqueness can easily get lost. I learned that the process of creation, especially in manga, is meticulous. When everything comes together — story, character, and world — it’s a sign of being in a “flow state,” where everything aligns perfectly. This reminded me that mastering the core structures and techniques is essential to creating work that feels balanced and connected.

3. Growth as a person is essential to creating meaningful work.

The author pointed out that a creator’s ability to define the “theme” of their work is closely tied to their life experience. Great work requires not just technical skill but also personal development and depth. The best creators are those who deeply understand their own life’s themes and convictions. With this clarity, they can create with purpose and authenticity. It made me realize that personal growth and self-awareness are just as crucial as technical abilities when it comes to creating impactful, meaningful work.

My Top 3 Quotes

• “I have become conscious of how to throw a curveball without straying from the basics.”（基本を外さずに、どう変化球を繰り出すか、ということを意識するようになりました。）
• “If the protagonist’s character is well-developed, their motivation is clear, and the ‘introduction, development, twist, and conclusion’ structure is established, then it naturally becomes clear that ‘if they fall into such a difficult situation, they will take such actions and use their personality and skills to get out of it.’ What is often said about ‘the story progressing on its own even if the author hasn’t planned it’ refers to this kind of state.”（主人公のキャラクター がしっかり出来上がっていて、動機が明確であり、「起承転結」を作っていければ、「こういう 困難な状況に陥れば、こういう行動をとって、性格や得意ワザを利用して切り抜ける」という ことが自然と見えてくるわけです。よく言われる「ストーリーがどうなるかを作者が考えていなくても、主人公が勝手に動いていく」というのは、そういう状態を指すのだと思います。）
• “However, in manga, there are times when everything just clicks. It may be a rare occurrence, but when you’re drawing or reading, there’s a sense of harmony, a ‘smoothness’ like that of a well-aged Scotch whisky. [excerpt] It’s a truly perfect and smooth state, where each element connects so well that there’s not a single line or panel that could be removed.”（しかしながら漫画には、時々『すべての物事がしっくりいく」ということが起こります。 めったに起こらないことかもしれませんが、描いたり読んだりしているときにすべてが調和した、熟成されたスコッチウィスキーのような「まろやかさ」を感じるのです。…それぞれの相性が本当によくつながり合って、これ以上削れるセリフやコマがまったくない、という、実に完璧でまろやかな状態。）

Araki’s insights are not about following a formula.

They’re about understanding the principles that allow creativity to thrive — structure, discipline, and a constant pursuit of personal growth.

It’s a reminder that creating meaningful work is as much about refining technique as it is about evolving as a person.

If you’re serious about creating, this is a place to start.