Born in Yamaguchi Prefecture at the extreme southwestern edge of Japan's main island of Honshu, Yuki Urushibara's debut series Mushishi (1999-2013) became an internationally-acclaimed best-seller, inspiring two TV anime adaptations, an anime film, and a live-action film directed by Katsuhiro Otomo (AKIRA). Winner of the Afternoon Shikishou newcomer's prize and the Japan Media Arts Award, Urushibara's other works include When a Cat Faces West and Suiiki.