Konnichiwa!
I am a Japanese manga artist who has published books worldwide, including the graphic novels Bounce Back, No Such Thing as Perfect and Sew Totally Nala. Bounce Back was selected for the American Library Association’s 2021 Best Graphic Novels for Children list. I also created the activity book series How to Draw Kawaii Manga with Misako Rocks, which shows readers how to design bubbly, kawaii manga characters and fashion.
My newest activity book, How to Draw Kawaii Manga CHIBI BIG EMOTIONS, will be released by Walter Foster Jr on February 3rd 2026.
My newest graphic novel, Double Trouble: Lost in Japan (Bounce Back Vol. 4), will be released by Feiwel and Friends in September 1st 2026.
I was honored to be recognized as one of the outstanding Japanese artists in New York and invited to meet Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the First Lady of Japan. Since then, I’ve appeared on Japanese TV and radio, and have been featured in documentaries by the BBC and NHK about my life in comics. I was also featured on NBC’s TODAY Show and collaborated with PlayStation to promote Ghostwire: Tokyo.
Beyond making books, I teach online manga classes for kids through my community Learn Manga with Misako. You can learn more at www.learnmangawithmisako.com.
Writing about me or my books? Click here for the media kit! ⬇️
Google Drive Link to Misako Rocks Media Kit
F.A.Q
Q. Where does Misako Rocks live?
A. I live in U.S.A! I was born and raised in Japan.Ever since I was a little kid in Japan, I dreamed of moving to the U.S. I was so excited when I finally won a scholarship to study abroad as an exchange student in college!
Q. Did you go to an art school? How did you learn to draw manga?
A: I’m a self-taught artist! I’ve always loved drawing manga with my friends and used to copy my favorite characters for fun. When I decided to become a manga artist, I studied both American graphic novels and Japanese manga, comparing styles and practicing by copying them. That’s how I honed my manga drawing skills!
Q: What kind of anime or manga inspired you?
A: I grew up reading the Doraemon series and watching Ghibli films. They’ve definitely had a huge impact on my life—and still do! I love their stories and vibrant colors.
What people have been saying…
“This story hits all the middle school sweet spots-friendship struggles, bullying, popularity, and awkward crushes…. Though this book will have special appeal to manga readers, the universal story and engaging art will delight a wide range of middle schoolers.”
“Many times, Misako Rocks has encouraged me with the phrase ‘Ganbatte’ – roughly translating to ‘Go for it!’ in Japanese. Her characters – especially Jermain – impart this same inspiring energy… take-charge girls that don’t wimp out in the face of adversity!”
– Craig Thompson
[well]”Detective Jermain is a fresh-faced Nancy Drew for today’s manga generation, a sassy teen sleuth with multiple mysteries to solve: why are her teachers behaving so weirdly? which of her two childhood playmates should she choose as her boyfriend? and toughest of all, can she become as great a detective as her ex-Dad? Misako Rocks! will hook you with her blend of intriguing detective thriller with warm- hearted high-school romance.“
– Paul Gravett
“a fast-paced and well-executed story…” – Booklist
“Manga with a heavy dose of cute…this should find a ready crowd of action-oriented shojo fans.” – Kirkus Reviews
“An appealing mix of adventure, female empowerment and romance brought alive by Takashima’s vibrant illustration” – Publishers Weekly
“Great for younger manga readers.” – School Library Journal