Who Is Katsuhiro Otomo? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on April 14, 1954, Katsuhiro Otomo is currently 70 years old. Hailing from Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, Otomo displayed an early talent for art, which blossomed into a prolific career in manga and animation. He is best known for the 1988 anime film "Akira," which he directed and adapted from his own manga series. Over the years, Otomo has gained recognition both in Japan and internationally, shaping the landscape of anime and manga.
For more detailed information, visit his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Film Producer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 14, 1954 |
| Age | 71 Years |
| Birth Place | Miyagi Prefecture, Japan |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | Japan |
Popularity
Katsuhiro Otomo's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Katsuhiro Otomo stands at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall. His weight is said to be around 154 lbs (70 kg). Though specific measurements remain private, Otomo’s presence in the industry extends beyond mere physicality, as he is known for his impactful storytelling and visual artistry.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Katsuhiro Otomo keeps his personal life relatively private. There is limited public information about his family, including whether he is currently dating anyone or has a significant other. Given his past, he was previously married, but details about his marriage and any subsequent relationships are not extensively documented.
He said that living in the very rural Tōhoku region left him with nothing to do as a child, so he read a lot of manga. As the only boy in a family with older and younger sisters, he enjoyed reading and drawing manga on his own and thought about becoming a manga artist.
Limited by his parents to buying one manga book a month, Otomo typically chose Kobunsha's Shōnen magazine, which included Astro Boy by Osamu Tezuka and Tetsujin 28-go by Mitsuteru Yokoyama, series which he would copy drawing in elementary school.
However, he said it was after reading Shotaro Ishinomori's How to Draw Manga that he understood how to draw manga properly and started doing so more seriously.
Net Worth and Salary
Katsuhiro Otomo's net worth is estimated to be around $15 million as of 2025. This wealth primarily comes from his successful career in manga and film, alongside various ventures, including merchandise and international licensing deals. His work continues to attract both new and nostalgic audiences, ensuring a steady income from adaptations and sales of his works.
Career, Business and Investments
Otomo's career spans several decades, with notable milestones including:
- Manga Artist: He gained prominence in the 1980s with the release of "Akira," which not only became a cult classic but also paved the way for other manga artists.
- Filmmaker: His directorial work on "Akira" set a high bar for animation quality and narrative depth, influencing a generation of creators.
- Collaborative Projects: Otomo continues to collaborate on various projects, including animated films and graphic novels. His latest works reflect modern themes while adhering to his unique artistic style.
Katsuhiro Otomo (大友 克洋) is a Japanese manga artist, screenwriter, animator, and film director. He first rose to prominence as a pioneer founder of the New Wave in the 1970s. He is best known as the creator of Akira, both the original 1982 manga series and the 1988 animated film adaptation.
In 2005, Otomo was decorated a Chevalier of the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, promoted to Officier of the order in 2014, and became the fourth manga artist ever inducted into the American Eisner Award Hall of Fame in 2012. Celebrated in Japan, he was also awarded the Purple Medal of Honor from the national government in 2013.
Social Network
Katsuhiro Otomo is not very active on social media compared to many contemporary artists, reflecting his preference for privacy. However, he maintains a presence at major conventions and film events where he engages with fans and discusses his work. For those eager to follow his updates, keeping an eye on official announcements through anime news outlets and event pages is recommended.
Also in 1981, Otomo drew A Farewell to Weapons for the November 16 issue of Kodansha's Young Magazine. It was later included in the 1990 short story collection Kanojo no Omoide...
Education
Otomo studied at the Nihon University College of Art, where he honed his skills in graphic design and animation. His education laid the foundation for his creativity, enabling him to push the boundaries of manga and animation art forms.
In conclusion, Katsuhiro Otomo remains one of the foremost figures in the anime and manga world as of 2025. His impact resonates through his works and in the hearts of countless fans who admire his artistic vision and storytelling prowess. As we look to the future, Otomo's legacy is poised to inspire generations to come.
In 2017, the book Otomo: A Global Tribute to the Mind Behind Akira was published in Japan, France and the United States, featuring writing and artwork from 80 artists such as Masakazu Katsura, Taiyo Matsumoto, Masamune Shirow, Asaf and Tomer Hanuka, and Stan Sakai.
From April 8 to May 8, 2021, comic art collector Phillipe Labaune's self-titled art gallery in New York City held "Good For Health, Bad For Education: A Tribute to Otomo" as its first exhibition.
Including pieces originally curated by Julien Brugeas for the 2016 Angoulême International Comics Festival, it featured a total of 29 Otomo-inspired works by international artists such as Sara Pichelli, Paul Pope, Boulet, François Boucq, Giannis Milonogiannis and Ian Bertram.
