Despite creating one of the most popular manga franchises in the world, Tsugumi Ohba, the author of Death Note, remains a mysterious figure in the manga industry. Unlike other famous manga creators who often become public personalities, Ohba has maintained an exceptionally low profile. Here’s why:
The Power of Anonymity
Tsugumi Ohba is actually a pen name, and the true identity of the Death Note author remains unknown. This deliberate choice to stay anonymous has allowed Ohba to separate their personal life from their professional work, maintaining a level of privacy that is rare in the entertainment industry.
Limited Public Appearances
Unlike many manga creators who regularly attend conventions and give interviews, Ohba has given very few interviews and made almost no public appearances. This lack of media presence has contributed to the author’s enigmatic status.
Focus on the Work, Not the Creator
Ohba seems to prefer letting their work speak for itself. As the author once said,
“I did not put much deep thought into subjects like ‘life and death’ or ‘justice and evil.’ I wrote the story hoping that it would be good entertainment”.
This approach emphasizes the story over the storyteller, allowing readers to engage with the manga without being influenced by the author’s public persona.
Collaboration with Takeshi Obata
Much of Ohba’s work, including Death Note, has been created in collaboration with illustrator Takeshi Obata. This partnership may have allowed Ohba to focus on writing while leaving the more public-facing aspects of manga creation to Obata.
Personal Preference for Privacy
Some creators simply prefer to stay out of the limelight. Ohba has been described as a “clean freak” who enjoys developing manga plots while holding their knees on a chair . These personal quirks and preferences may contribute to their desire for privacy. In one of the few insights into their personality, Ohba stated,
“Humans will all eventually die and never come back to life, so let’s give it our all while we’re alive”.
This philosophy seems to align with a focus on creation rather than public recognition.While Tsugumi Ohba may not be a household name like some other manga creators, their work has left an indelible mark on the manga industry. The mystery surrounding Ohba’s identity only adds to the intrigue of their creations, allowing the stories to take center stage.
Theories About Ohba’s True Identity
There are several intriguing theories about the true identity of Tsugumi Ohba, the mysterious author of Death Note. Here are some of the main theories:
Hiroshi Gamo Theory
The identity of the death note author – Hiroshi Gamo
byu/soalone34 indeathnote
The most prominent theory is that Tsugumi Ohba is actually Hiroshi Gamo, a former gag manga artist. Evidence supporting this theory includes:
- In Death Note, Light attends a “Gamo seminar”.
- Ohba has stated his favorite manga authors are all gag manga creators.
- In Ohba’s series Bakuman, there is a gag manga that seems to parody Gamo’s most successful work Tottemo! Luckyman.
- The art style in Ohba’s storyboards resembles Gamo’s style.
- Bakuman features a character who is a failed gag manga artist trying to regain success, which could be autobiographical.
Multiple Authors Theory
Another theory suggests that “Tsugumi Ohba” is actually multiple authors working together, possibly including:
- Takeshi Obata (Death Note’s illustrator)
- Sakura Tsukuba (another manga artist)
Evidence for this includes similarities in character designs between Ohba’s and Tsukuba’s works, as well as the name “Ohba” potentially being a combination of Obata and Tsukuba.
Other Speculations
- Some fans have jokingly suggested outlandish theories, like Ohba being rapper Kanye West, based on tenuous connections to Japanese culture.
- There is speculation that Ohba may be someone not previously involved in the manga industry who wishes to maintain anonymity.
While these theories are intriguing, it’s important to note that Ohba’s true identity remains a closely guarded secret. The author has given very few interviews and maintains a high level of privacy, adding to the mystique surrounding their identity. This anonymity has become part of Ohba’s persona, mirroring themes of hidden identities in their work like Death Note.
