What Keeps Ono Eriko's Creative Fire Burning After 30 Years With "Miko"?

No matter what genre a comic artist pursues - be it Fantasy, Slice of Life, Drama, or Romance - what truly makes readers stay is authenticity. It's the ability to see themselves in a character, to empathize with what the character expresses - even if it’s just a subtle blink of an eye. Creative inspiration often comes from the simplest things around us; what matters is having a keen eye and an empathetic heart to recognize and retell those moments.

Everyday life itself is often the very essence that shapes a story’s identity. Turning that into something engaging and meaningful to readers isn’t easy, but author Ono Eriko has done just that for over 30 years with “Kocchi Muite! Miiko” (Miko – The Bubbly Girl), winning the hearts of not only Japanese but also Asian audiences, especially in Phillipines and Vietnam.

Though labeled as a “Children’s Manga,” Miko has a loyal fan base that includes teenagers and even adults. The series has accompanied many readers through their own journeys of growing up. At first glance, the story simply follows young Miko and her everyday life, emotions, and relationships. But how has Ono Eriko managed to keep the series alive and relevant for over three decades? What’s the secret behind her endless inspiration?

Today, HuMa invites you to discover Ono Eriko’s journey of turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. Together, we’ll explore the inspiration that helped her transform everyday moments into the diverse, heartwarming storylines across more than 30 published volumes of “Kocchi Muite! Miiko”.

Ono Eriko graduated with a degree in Commercial Design and is known for her innocent, child-friendly drawing style.

Before becoming a renowned manga artist with her iconic work “Kocchi Muite! Miiko”, she was just like many other aspiring artists - diligent and eager to learn, working as a manga assistant. At the age of 27, Ono Eriko was introduced to Shogakukan Publishing by an industry connection and was given the opportunity to serialize her own long-running manga in one of their magazines.

Ono Eriko once shared that, during the creative process, what she values most is drawing from her own childhood experiences.

For her, inspiration doesn’t come from distant or lofty sources - it comes from within. In the “Behind the Scenes” sections of her manga, she often reveals which stories were based on real memories from her own childhood or teenage years.

In addition to her own experiences, Ono Eriko also observes and draws inspiration from her family, friends, and colleagues to craft her characters.

For those who follow the series, it’s easy to notice how she weaves in everyday stories that could belong to any family - arguments between siblings, memorable milestones in raising children, or moments when parents are too busy with work and the kids must rely on each other.

Ono skillfully selects and adapts these stories, creating emotional touchpoints that resonate deeply with readers, allowing them to see reflections of their own families in the Yamadas.

As a children’s manga artist, Ono Eriko has always aspired to deliver stories with meaningful educational value - touching not only the hearts of young readers but also guiding them in understanding the world around them.

This aspiration is precisely what makes the “Miko – The Bubbly Girl” series stand out in a crowded manga market filled with entertainment-driven content.

While topics such as gender education, history, or environmental awareness are often considered too complex or abstract for children, Ono Eriko takes a different approach. She listens carefully to the changing needs of society, embraces new perspectives, and conducts thoughtful research - allowing her to introduce these themes in a way that is both accessible and emotionally resonant. Through her storytelling, she manages to communicate important messages that not only resonate with kids but also speak to parents and educators alike.

This rich tapestry of themes has given Miko – The Bubbly Girl a depth that continuously evolves. With each new chapter, readers are introduced to new ideas, new character developments, and fresh story arcs. It’s this ongoing renewal and commitment to substance that has allowed the series to maintain its charm and relevance for more than three decades.

For Ono Eriko, inspiration begins with observation.

But observation, in her case, is more than just a habit - it is a cultivated skill rooted in curiosity, a willingness to learn, and the humility to listen. She sees the world not only with the eyes of an artist but with the heart of a storyteller who truly pays attention to the lives around her.

The creative journey is never easy, but when a manga artist finds their true starting point - an authentic source of inspiration - and commits to nurturing it through reflection and growth, they can build a unique storytelling identity. One that not only stands out, but also endures.

And that is exactly what Ono Eriko has done - creating a manga “brand” of her own, one that continues to capture the hearts of readers across generations.

Image and translation copyright: Nha Xuat Ban Tre (Tre Publishing House).