Who Is Takehiko Inoue? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Takehiko Inoue, a prominent Japanese manga artist, was born on January 12, 1967. As of 2025, he is 58 years old. Best known for his masterpieces such as "Slam Dunk" and "Vagabond," Inoue has gained both local and international acclaim, making him one of the most celebrated figures in the manga industry. His unique storytelling and intricate artwork have inspired countless fans and artists alike. With a career spanning several decades, Inoue continues to influence the world of manga through his remarkable creations.
| Occupation | Artist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 12, 1967 |
| Age | 58 Years |
| Birth Place | Ōkuchi, Kagoshima, Japan |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | Japan |
Popularity
Takehiko Inoue's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Takehiko Inoue stands at an impressive height of 6 feet tall (183 cm) and weighs approximately 70 kg (154 lbs). While specific measurements are not publicly available, his physical presence is complemented by his calm demeanor and creative mind. Inoue maintains a healthy lifestyle, which contributes to his overall well-being and productivity as an artist.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Takehiko Inoue is known to keep his personal life private, especially regarding his relationships. It is reported that he is currently single, focusing primarily on his artistic pursuits and career growth. There have been no public indications of a significant other or romantic partner in his life, as he prioritizes his work and the impact of his art.
Net Worth and Salary
Takehiko Inoue's net worth is estimated to be around $30 million in 2025. This figure is attributed to his successful manga series, merchandise sales, and adaptations into anime and films. His earnings from royalties and collaborations further contribute to his financial success, underscoring his significant influence in the global manga and entertainment market.
Career, Business, and Investments
Inoue's career began in the late 1980s, and he quickly rose to prominence with "Slam Dunk," a basketball-themed manga that won the hearts of millions and significantly boosted the popularity of basketball in Japan. Following this success, he created "Vagabond," a historical fiction series based on the life of the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. His works have not only been serialized in various magazines but have also been adapted into successful anime series and films, enhancing his reputation.
Inoue has also ventured into business opportunities, including merchandise lines, art exhibitions, and international licensing deals. He is often praised for his innovative contributions to the manga community, setting new standards for storytelling and art.
During elementary and junior high school, Inoue joined the kendo and basketball clubs, becoming captain of the latter.
In his third year at Kagoshima Prefectural Oguchi High School, Inoue took a summer course at an art preparatory school with the plan of enrolling into an art university, but such schools were too expensive so he ended up going to Kumamoto University near his hometown. There he majored in literature.
His submission to Weekly Shōnen Jump caught the attention of editor Taizo Nakamura and, at the age of 20, Inoue dropped out of college to move to Tokyo and pursue a career as a manga artist.
Social Network
Takehiko Inoue is relatively low-key when it comes to social media. He maintains an official presence on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where he shares updates about his work and engages with fans. However, he is not as active or vocal as some other celebrities, choosing instead to let his art speak for itself.
Before his debut, Inoue was an assistant to Tsukasa Hojo on City Hunter. He made his debut in 1988, when appeared in Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine. It won the 35th annual Tezuka Award. His first serialization was in 1989 with Chameleon Jail, for which he was the illustrator of a story written by Kazuhiko Watanabe.
Education
Takehiko Inoue's educational background includes a foundation in art, which he honed through both formal training and personal development. While detailed information about his schooling is limited, it is evident that his dedication to mastering the craft of drawing and storytelling has played a significant role in his outstanding career as a manga artist.
Inoue's first real fame came with his next manga, Slam Dunk, about a basketball team from Shohoku High School. It was published in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1990 to 1996 and has sold over 170 million copies worldwide. In 1995 it received the 40th annual Shogakukan Manga Award for shōnen manga and in 2007 was declared Japan's favorite manga.
Slam Dunk was adapted into a 101 episode anime television series and four films.
The manga's popularity caused a surge of interest in basketball among Japanese youth, leading to Inoue and his publisher Shueisha creating the Slam Dunk Scholarship program in 2006 and Inoue receiving commendation from the Japan Basketball Association for helping popularize basketball in the country.
