Stan Sakai was born in Kyoto, Japan, grew up in Hawaii, and now lives in Southern California. His creation, Usagi Yojimbo the samurai rabbit, was first published in 1984 and continues today. He does extensive research for his stories and has received numerous recognitions, including multiple Eisner Awards, a National Cartoonists Society Silver Reuben Award, and the American Library Association Award. After a 2 year hiatus during which he illustrated The 47 Ronin and wrote and drew UY: Senso, both for Dark Horse, he returned to the regular Usagi Yojimbo series.