Masahiro Sakurai Manga Biography Launches in Japan: Celebrating the Creator of Kirby and Smash Bros.

Masahiro Sakurai, the visionary behind some of Nintendo’s most beloved franchises, is set to be immortalized in a unique way this fall.

Famitsu, one of Japan’s leading video game publications, has announced that Sakurai will be the subject of a manga biography entitled 'Masahiro Sakurai: Making the World More Fun with Games.' The graphic novel will launch in Japan on November 18, 2024, with an official price of 1,430 yen (approximately £7 or $9).

This release offers fans a fresh perspective on the influential developer’s life and career, further spotlighting his enduring impact on the Nintendo Switch, Super Smash Bros., and the global gaming industry. Famitsu reports that Sakurai has personally contributed input to the book, which chronicles his journey from an avid young gamer to the mastermind behind the Kirby and Super Smash Bros.

franchises, as well as his founding of the development studio Sora Ltd.

The biography is structured across six meticulously crafted chapters: 1.

Boy Sakurai and Games 2.

The Birth of Kirby of the Stars! 3.

The Beginning of the Great Battle 4.

Sora Limited Company Established! 5.

Inheritance 6.

A Light for the Future Each section traces a pivotal stage in Sakurai’s biography, following his early passion for gaming, the creative spark that led to Kirby, the birth of Super Smash Bros., and his transition into entrepreneurship with Sora Ltd.

Notably, the conclusion of the manga is penned by Sakurai himself, offering personal reflections and insights into his creative philosophy. The announcement follows a period of continued visibility for Sakurai, who has established a successful YouTube channel providing in-depth looks into his game design process and professional insights, resonating with both industry veterans and new generations of developers.

While the manga is initially scheduled for release solely in Japanese, Famitsu has previewed several pages, sparking interest for a potential English localization in the future. Meanwhile, Sakurai’s connection to Nintendo’s ongoing projects remains strong.

His presence is anticipated in upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations, and the new Kirby Air Riders—set to launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on November 20—has been teased during recent broadcasts.

As fans await more news about this anticipated release, Sakurai’s manga biography offers another opportunity to delve deeper into the legacy of a developer who has shaped the entertainment experiences of millions. With this new manga, Masahiro Sakurai’s influence on the global gaming landscape is celebrated through both narrative storytelling and illustrative artistry, reinforcing his status as a foundational figure in the evolution of Nintendo’s platform successes.

Kirby Nintendo Switch Super Smash Bros Nintendo Masahiro Sakurai Japan Smash Bros Switch Sakurai game development Famitsu Sora Ltd. Super Smash Bros. Kirby Air Riders