This work may contain below description. Reader discretion is advised.
- Violent content
- Themes of suicide or self-harm
- This is an English translation of an article originally published in Japanese on 3/19/2026, on Shueisha Manga Expo, Shueisha's official 100th anniversary site.
Memorable Episodes Chosen by Manga Artists #8
Here, we present a series of recollections from several celebrated manga authors.
We hope these behind-the-scenes anecdotes enhance your enjoyment of their works!
Hirohiko Araki
Born in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. In 1980, Araki was the runner-up for Weekly Shonen Jump 20th Tezuka Award for his work "Poker Under Arms", which made its debut in the same magazine in 1981. He began his first series, "Cool Shock B.T.", in 1983, followed by "Baoh" in 1984. His reputation reached its peak with "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure", which first appeared in 1987. Araki's latest serialization and the ninth arc of that series, "The JOJOLands", began in Ultra Jump in February, 2023.
Here's Hirohiko Araki's chosen highlight
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 3: Stardust Crusaders
Vol.1 Ch.3
Here's what Hirohiko Araki had to say about it
A week or two before the end of Part 2 of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, my editor said, "Hamon is getting kinda stale. Let's start Part 3 with something new," leaving me clueless about how to proceed.
A break was too much to ask for, though, so I had to come up with "Stands" in two weeks and throw myself into Part 3. Seeking a departure from Hamon, visually represented by ripples, I hit upon this concept where the characters fight using human-shaped energy.
It was a real tall order, schedule- and difficulty-wise, but still a happy memory nonetheless.