Yoichi Higarashi is a manga artist who has seen both big wins and painful failures in his career. At first, his work faced harsh criticism for copying other stories, which hurt his self-confidence and led to personal problems, including a divorce. Still, he cares about his family, supports his daughter, and eventually finds a way back into their lives while keeping up his work as a creator.
Yoichi Higarashi works in a traditional Japanese outfit called a jinbei.
He draws manga the old-fashioned way, using pen and ink right on paper.
His hands are usually stained with ink when he's working, even when outside.
He once lost his confidence and became very self-critical after his work was criticized.
He can be hard on himself, especially after his first manga was called a rip-off.
He refused to read fan letters about his new series for a while, avoiding feedback and praise alike.
Over time, though, he learns from his mistakes and tries to become a better father and artist.
Deep down, he cares for his family and regrets not treating them right before.
Yoichi Higarashi is the father of Aria Kisaki.
His real name is unknown; he uses different pen names for his works.
He was once an assistant to a manga creator named Masamune Okumura.
He started out under the pen name "Kisaki" and later used "Higari" when making spin-off stories.
He hires four assistants and earns enough to pay extra child support to his ex-wife.
His daughter is Aria Kisaki, and he feels deep regret for how he's treated her and his ex-wife.
He had a tough divorce linked to his struggles with his manga work.
He also has a connection with Masamune Okumura, who gave him career support.
He still keeps in touch with his old assistants.
From Assistant to Author
Before starting his own manga, Yoichi worked as an assistant to Masamune Okumura.
The experience influenced his art style and career path.
'Val Battle' and Harsh Criticism
He made his big debut as "Kisaki" with a manga called "Val Battle."
People said it was copying "Ash Chronicle" by Masamune Okumura, so the series was quickly canceled.
This harsh feedback hit Yoichi's confidence hard and led to a downward spiral in his life.
Family and Personal Struggles
Yoichi lost confidence in his work and himself.
This struggle was one of the reasons for his divorce.
Even when he was still making manga, he told fans not to like his own work and even rejected his daughter's love for it by throwing her book to the floor.
Creating a Spin-Off
He kept making manga, this time under the name "Higari," with the spin-off "Liliel Side Story" based on "Ash Chronicle."
He hired several assistants and stayed busy, earning enough to support his family financially.
Still, he refused to read fan letters about this new series, sending them to Masamune Okumura instead.
Turning Point at the Summer Comic Event
Yoichi visited a big comic event to find his daughter, Aria Kisaki.
He showed up with ink-stained hands and was recognized by Masamune Okumura because he looked like a manga artist.
This moment became the key to reuniting with his daughter and reflecting on his life.
Making Amends
After the comic event, Yoichi changed his mind.
He decided not to end "Liliel Side Story" as he had planned.
He also worked things out with his ex-wife and tried to become a better father.
Yoichi Higarashi likes to work by hand and wears traditional clothes when making manga.
Even when he’s upset, he always puts his family first, making sure they have what they need.
His assistants still call him by his old pen name, "Kisaki," showing their closeness.
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