Why Manga Writers Hide Their Faces: Privacy, Protection, and Cultural Norms

No offense to Japanese fans, but Japanese fans can become a little extreme. So many manga artists hide their faces or make very few appearances because they want to keep their quiet lifestyles quiet. You’d be surprised how many death threats some manga artists get. Additionally, a small thing to note: a lot of Japanese culture is very much about lack of contact and Japanese people can be kinda shy. Words from a Japanese man himself: not everyone is super open about their lives. I think those things combined lead to many of them desiring to hide their faces.

Manga Writers and Face Hiding

Manga writers often hide their faces for several reasons:

1. Privacy

: Many manga artists prefer to keep their personal lives separate from their professional work. Hiding their faces allows them to maintain a level of anonymity and protect their privacy.

2. Focus on Work

: By not revealing their identities, artists can shift the focus from themselves to their work. This can help readers engage more with the stories and characters rather than with the creators.

3. Cultural Norms

: In Japan, there is a cultural tendency to value modesty and privacy. Many artists adhere to this norm, choosing to represent themselves in a way that aligns with these societal values.

4. Branding

: Some creators develop a persona or brand that doesn’t rely on their physical appearance. This can create a stronger connection with fans based on the work itself rather than the creator.

5. Consistency

: Many manga artists use avatars or illustrations that represent them instead of photographs. This can create a consistent image across their works and interactions.

Why Do Readers Not Care About the Faces?

Ultimately, behind the scenes antics and physical appearances do not matter to many readers as they are more invested in the stories and worlds that manga writers create. Hirohiko Araki, famous for his work on JoJo#39;s Bizarre Adventure, is one such example.

Work-Related Reasons for Hiding Faces

In Japan, being a manga artist isn’t actually a respected career. Many manga kai (artists) use pseudonyms to keep that part of their lives private. Especially if a manga artist is working on violent or sexual manga, they may not want their family to be connected to that work—or even know about it. When you think about how much online harassment exists, who can blame anyone for wanting to keep their face hidden? Adding to the mix, there are occasional violent acts by fanatics. No one wants to be vulnerable to that either. Besides, many voice actresses and singers have creepy stalkers—men who think they have some right to those...

Manga writers hide their faces for a variety of reasons, all stemming from a desire to protect personal privacy, focus on their work, comply with cultural norms, and build a strong brand identity. Whether out of respect for their fans or a need for personal safety, these artists often prioritize the stories they tell over their own physical form.