Jiro Gyu
Born on May 19, 1940 in Asakusa, Tokyo, he is a manga writer who has also worked as a Buddhist priest, novelist, composer, and architect. He debuted as a gekiga writer with Kugishi Sabuyan (art by Big Jo), based on his own pachinko-themed novel manuscript, and his later collaborations with Big Jo, Hochonin Ajihei and Super Kuishinbo, became major hits.