Being a successful manga creator might seem like a dream job. After all, who wouldn’t want the chance to tell stories enjoyed by millions of fans and adapted into popular anime? But top manga artists also face intense pressure, disappointment over how their work is received, and the challenge of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. For some, this can lead to stress and mental health struggles.
Now, in anew interview,Black Lagooncreator Rei Hiroe has opened up about his 15-year battle with depression, which began around the time he was working on theRoberta’s Blood Trailarc of the series. His words provide a rare glimpse into the hardships manga artists endure, a topic that remains largely unspoken in Japan, where public discussions of mental health issues are still uncommon.
The Man BehindBlack Lagoon
A Hit Series With a Hidden Cost
Rei Hiroe is themastermind behindBlack Lagoon, a high-octane crime-action manga about a group of mercenaries navigating the dangerous underworld. Born on August 04, 2025, Hiroe started out in the gaming industry before making his manga debut withHisuikyo Kitan. His big break came in 2002 whenBlack Lagoonbegan its run inMonthly Sunday Gene-X, quickly drawing in fans with its gritty storytelling and Hollywood-style gun action.
Published by Shogakukan,Black Lagoonhas been collected into multiple volumes and remains a standout series. Its success even led to ahit anime adaptation by Madhousein 2006, solidifying its place as a modern classic.But behind all the fame and adrenaline-fueled action, Hiroe was dealing with his own struggles, trying to balance his career while battling depression.
The Mental Toll of Manga Creation
The Weight of Creative Pressure
In this candid interview, Hiroe discussed his 15-year struggle with depression, which began around 2010 during theRoberta’s Blood Trailarc ofBlack Lagoon. “I was diagnosed with depression around 2010, during the time I was working onRoberta’s Blood Trail,” he revealed. He explained, “The intense immersion required for my storytelling, combined with personal losses like my father’s passing, contributed to my mental health struggles.” Despite these challenges, he admitted, “I felt compelled to continue drawing for my readers, which led to further strain.”
Hiroe acknowledged that his condition worsened due to the immense creative pressure and personal losses. “I would get completely absorbed in my work, isolating myself, and that only made things worse,” he said. Even as his mental health declined, he pushed forward. “I thought if I just kept drawing, I could overcome it, but in reality, that only deepened the strain.”
Finding a Way Forward
“I Still Love Making Manga”
Managing his depression while working as a manga artist has been an ongoing challenge. “As long as I keep drawing manga, I don’t think I will ever fully recover,” he admitted,recognizing the toll the industry takes on mental health. However, rather than stepping away from his work, he has adapted his approach to avoid further burnout. “I’ve had to change how I work and pace myself better,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of self-care.
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Rei Hiroe’s honesty shows just how tough being a manga creator can be—long hours, isolation, and nonstop pressure. But he’s not giving up. Hiroe continues working onBlack Lagoonand is alsodeveloping a new manga blending occult and military themes. As he puts it best, “Even if it’s tough, I still love making manga.”
