Shohei Harumoto, Creator of the Motorcycle Manga Kirin, Passes Away at 65 — “He Held His Pen Until the Very End”

Shohei Harumoto, the manga artist known for capturing the hearts of motorcycle enthusiasts through works like Kirin, passed away on July 27, 2025. The news was shared on August 7 through his official website.

According to the announcement, “Shohei Harumoto had been battling illness for some time and passed away peacefully at home on July 27, 2025, with his family by his side.” The statement also noted that, in accordance with his wishes, funeral services were held privately with only close relatives and friends in attendance.

“Throughout his life, he found great joy in riding motorcycles and drawing. He held his pen until the very end,” the statement continued. “Through his works, we hope that Harumoto will continue to live on in the hearts of his readers,” his family added.

The announcement concluded with a message of gratitude: “To all our loyal readers and everyone who supported him over the years, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. To all riders and every emblem — our blessing to you. August 7, 2025 — The Harumoto Family.”

Harumoto, born in Nerima, Tokyo, was not only a manga artist but also a designer and illustrator. He made his debut in 1982 with the short story “Rin” (輪) published in Futabasha’s Weekly Manga Action. After working with various publishers including Futabasha, Kodansha, and Kindai Mahjong-sha, he began serializing his defining work Kirin in 1987 in the motorcycle magazine Mr. Bike BG.

After the initial serialization ended, he continued the Kirin series through intermittent releases with Shonen Gahosha. In the 2000s, he also serialized SS in Big Comic Superior and CB-kan. REBORN in Big Comic Spirits, both published by Shogakukan.

In 2007, Harumoto launched his own motorcycle-themed magazine Shohei Harumoto RIDE through Motor Magazine Ltd., which ran for 200 issues until the June 2024 issue. He celebrated the 40th anniversary of his career in 2022.

Beyond manga, Harumoto contributed artwork to magazine covers, posters, and product packaging. His works were adapted into live-action films, including Kirin (directed by Yoshitane Otsuru, starring Kuroudo Maki) and SS (directed by Yoshinori Kobayashi, starring Sho Aikawa).

Source : ORICON NEWS