Aki Katsu is the pen name of Katsuaki Nakamura, a Japanese manga artist born on September 19, 1961, in Fukuoka Prefecture. He graduated from Osaka University of Arts with a degree in design from the Faculty of Arts. Katsu made his professional debut in 1983 with the work Mary Lullaby, which won the 88th HMC Grand Prize and was published in Hakusensha’s magazine Hana to Yume. His early works were influenced by the style of shōjo manga, but he subsequently shifted his focus to shōnen and later seinen publications.

Katsu is credited as the original creator for several manga that have been adapted into anime. One such work is Hoshikuzu Paradise, a romantic comedy manga that was adapted into a single OVA released on July 25, 1991. The story centers on a high school student whose life is upended when his estranged father returns with a new family, including a famous actress and her pop idol daughter. His other notable manga adapted into animation include The Vision of Escaflowne, which was developed into a television anime series by Sunrise, and Psychic Academy, which was adapted into an original net animation. He is also the creator of the long-running series Futari Ecchi, which has been adapted into multiple OVA series and live-action productions.

Throughout his career, Katsu has worked across several major publishing houses. His works have appeared in publications such as Weekly Shōnen Sunday, Young Animal, and Monthly Big Comic Spirits. His manga series have often blended elements of comedy, romance, and drama, with several focusing on relationships and personal dynamics. His artistic identity is marked by a shift from the stylistic conventions of shōjo manga in his early years to the development of works aimed at older audiences, frequently exploring themes of domestic life, marriage, and intimacy. His work Futari Ecchi, which began serialization in 1997, has been described as a guide or "love bible" for couples, and its long-running serialization represents a significant part of his career.

In addition to manga, Katsu contributed as a lyricist for the opening theme song of the Hoshikuzu Paradise OVA. He remains an active creator, and in 2024, it was announced that he would launch a new manga titled Wasurena Tsuma no Kimi to.