Tsutomu Takahashi was born on September 20, 1965, in Tokyo, Japan, and is a manga artist and original creator known for works such as Jiraishin, Blue Heaven, and the Skyhigh series. He also uses the alias Ichigo Nekota. His career began after being discovered by the publisher Kodansha in 1987, during which time he spent two years as an assistant to the acclaimed manga artist Kaiji Kawaguchi. Takahashi made his solo debut in 1989 with the series Jiraishin, also known as Ice Blade, which was serialized in Kodansha's Afternoon magazine from 1992 to 1999 and established his reputation as a major figure in the industry. In late 1999, he published a single-volume manga titled ALIVE through Shueisha. Among his other notable original manga series are Tetsuwan Girl, Sidooh, Blue Heaven, NeuN, and Bakuon Rettou.

As the original creator, Takahashi's works have been adapted into other media, most notably live-action films. The manga Skyhigh was adapted into a successful film, and the manga ALIVE was also turned into a movie directed by Ryuhei Kitamura, who is known for the film Versus. These adaptations directly correspond to the credits mentioned for the anime Alive and the anime Sky High, confirming his role as the originating author for the stories on which those films are based.

Takahashi's artistic identity is characterized by a masterful use of suspense and the supernatural, often placing anti-heroes in violent confrontations with a mysterious and inescapable fate. His storytelling is noted for effective panel layouts and ellipses, creating a palpable sense of dread and atmosphere. His experiences traveling to the United States, particularly New York City, influenced his work, leading him to incorporate English dialogue and fluent English-speaking characters into Jiraishin. He has also contributed his artistic talents outside of manga, providing the cover art for the Japanese power metal band Galneryus's 2017 album Ultimate Sacrifice.

Takahashi's significance in the manga industry extends beyond his own works to his influence on other prominent creators. Notably, the renowned manga artist Tsutomu Nihei, creator of Blame!, was formerly an assistant to Takahashi. Takahashi has also served as a guest lecturer at Ritsumeikan University, where he spoke on the topic of Expression. His body of work remains extensive, with ongoing series and a consistent presence in the world of manga publishing.