Photo: Christopher Fritz / CC BY-SA 4.0 (source: Wikimedia Commons)
Naoko Takeuchi is an illustrator, mangaka and lyricist. Naoko Takeuchi was born in Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan on March 15, 1967. That works out to 59 years old in 2026. Schooling on record includes Keio University. Listed accolades include Kodansha Manga Award (1993), Inkpot Award (1998) and Nakayoshi Shinjin Manga Award (1986).
My Take
Naoko Takeuchi is, to my mind, one of the most quietly influential creators in modern manga. With Sailor Moon she didn't just write a hit; she redefined how heroines could be both fiercely powerful and unapologetically feminine, reshaping a whole genre in the process. What impresses me most is her background, a Keio graduate and trained pharmacist who chose storytelling and conquered it. The awards confirm what readers already knew. As a fan, I also love that she shares a household with another master cartoonist. She remains, for me, one of Japan's proudest cultural exports.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Naoko Takeuchi
- Name (Japanese)
- 武内直子
- Born
- March 15, 1967 (age 59)
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Pisces / Goat
- Origin
- Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
- Occupation
- illustrator / mangaka / lyricist / comics artist / pharmacist
2. Background
- University
- Keio University
Awards & achievements
- 1993 Kodansha Manga Award
- 1998 Inkpot Award
- 1986 Nakayoshi Shinjin Manga Award
3. Works & records
| Category | Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notable work | Sailor Moon | — |
4. Links
- Wikipedia (English)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naoko%20Takeuchi
- Wikipedia (Japanese)https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%AD%A6%E5%86%85%E7%9B%B4%E5%AD%90
- Wikidatahttps://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q229724
5. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-19
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Naoko Takeuchi born?
Born March 15, 1967 (age 59).
Where is Naoko Takeuchi from?
Naoko Takeuchi is from Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan.
What does Naoko Takeuchi do?
Naoko Takeuchi works as illustrator, mangaka, lyricist, comics artist, pharmacist.
What is Naoko Takeuchi known for?
Notable works include Sailor Moon.
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