Nobuyuki Fukumoto  

Nobuyuki Fukumoto is a renowned Japanese manga artist recognized for his distinctive art style, intricate character analysis, and innovative gambling concepts. His works often revolve around the themes of Yakuza and gambling. In English-speaking countries, he is best known as the creator of Akagi, a popular mahjong-related manga series. Fukumoto received the Kodansha Manga Award in 1998 for Tobaku Mokushiroku Kaiji, which showcases his skillful storytelling and character development. One of his signature elements is the use of "zawa" (ざわ‥), an onomatopoeia meaning an uneasy atmosphere, which frequently appears in his comics and adds to his unique style.