Bukimi Miki
Description
Bukimi Miki is the original creator of the manga and anime series Shy. Miki made their debut as a manga artist by writing and illustrating a 43-page one-shot story titled Shy, which won the Newcomer’s Grand Prize in Akita Shoten’s Next Champion competition in 2016. This one-shot was published in Weekly Shōnen Champion in January 2017, roughly two years before the series began its full serialization in the same magazine on August 1, 2019. The Shy manga concluded its serialization on November 6, 2025, and has been compiled into thirty-three tankōbon volumes. The series is published in North America by Yen Press and in multiple other territories internationally.
In an interview, Miki stated that the inspiration for Shy came from the desire to create a hero who saves people’s hearts, rather than one who simply defeats villains. Miki noted that while they enjoy traditional superhero stories, they wanted to focus on a hero who would listen to someone feeling lonely and comfort them. Miki has also said that they begin designing characters by thinking about their weaknesses, such as shyness or other personal flaws, and then develop their superpowers based on those personality traits. The creator has identified with the protagonist, Teru Momijiyama, describing themselves as similarly reserved and anxious, and expressing a desire to learn from the character’s passionate heart. Miki’s stated goal for the series is to convey the message of moving forward despite feelings of shyness, fear, or the urge to run away.
The Shy manga was adapted into an anime television series produced by the studio 8-Bit. The first season aired from October to December 2023, and a second season followed from July to September 2024, for a total of 24 episodes. Bukimi Miki is credited as the original manga creator and original character designer for the anime adaptation. The series is noted as a prominent entry in the superhero genre within the manga and anime medium, offering a distinct focus on a protagonist’s emotional vulnerabilities and personal growth alongside traditional action elements.
In an interview, Miki stated that the inspiration for Shy came from the desire to create a hero who saves people’s hearts, rather than one who simply defeats villains. Miki noted that while they enjoy traditional superhero stories, they wanted to focus on a hero who would listen to someone feeling lonely and comfort them. Miki has also said that they begin designing characters by thinking about their weaknesses, such as shyness or other personal flaws, and then develop their superpowers based on those personality traits. The creator has identified with the protagonist, Teru Momijiyama, describing themselves as similarly reserved and anxious, and expressing a desire to learn from the character’s passionate heart. Miki’s stated goal for the series is to convey the message of moving forward despite feelings of shyness, fear, or the urge to run away.
The Shy manga was adapted into an anime television series produced by the studio 8-Bit. The first season aired from October to December 2023, and a second season followed from July to September 2024, for a total of 24 episodes. Bukimi Miki is credited as the original manga creator and original character designer for the anime adaptation. The series is noted as a prominent entry in the superhero genre within the manga and anime medium, offering a distinct focus on a protagonist’s emotional vulnerabilities and personal growth alongside traditional action elements.