Tobe, Keiko

Personal Information

Born in Hyōgo Prefecture, Keiko Tobe created her first manga, The Three Ghosts, while in second grade. The story followed three ghosts with distinct personalities engaging in slapstick adventures within their owner's mansion, an experience that solidified her decision to become a mangaka. Her older brother had also aspired to be a mangaka, submitting his artwork to Garo before switching to oil painting and eventually passing his tools down to her. Following her graduation, Tobe married and raised two sons. Her younger son's kindergarten class included a boy with autism, and upon meeting the boy's mother, who expressed her hope for him to become a "cheerful working adult," Tobe found inspiration for her work. This led to the creation of "With the Light," a manga addressing the lives of autistic children. At the time, there were very few manga focusing on disabilities, and such works rarely garnered attention, but "With the Light" significantly shifted perspectives on the subject. Tobe passed away on January 28, 2010, after being forced to take a hiatus from "With the Light" due to illness.