Miki Tori  

Tori Miki (とり・みき), also known by his pseudonym Mickey Bird or Micky Bird, is a renowned Japanese manga artist, character designer, essayist, and screenplay writer born on February 23rd, 1958 in Hotoyoshi, Kumamoto Prefecture. Tori has received numerous accolades for his work, including two Seiun Awards (in 1994 for "Dai-Honya" and in 1998 for SF Taisho) and one Bungeishunjuu Manga Award (in 1995 for "Tooku e Ikitai"). His pen name is a combination of the pronunciation of his real name's kanji. Tori studied English literature at Meiji University but left before obtaining a degree. During his time there, he was part of the rakugo research club and attended with owarai, tarento, and senpai Masayuki Watanabe. He made his professional debut in 1979 after winning an honorable mention for "My Alien" (ぼくの宇宙人 Boku no Uchuujin) at the 12th Shounen Champion Rookie Manga Awards, later becoming known for his gag manga like "Kuru Kuru Kurin" and "Tooku e Ikitai," as well as science fiction-themed manga. His works have been featured in TV Bros., a popular television guide.