Hisato Inoue was a Sanrio staff member who has created the characters Hangyodon, Donragon and Badtz-Maru.
Although he has worked for Sanrio in the past, eventually he left the company to start work as a freelancer.
Trivia
- Hisato Inoue appears as a character in Rururugakuen known as Professor Inoue who looks similar to how he does in real life.
- Hisato frequently appeared at different Sanrio events where he would interact with fans and sign autographs.
Gallery
A picture of Hisato standing next to Badtz-Maru, in a section of The Strawberry News where many character creators are featured. Click the image link to view the text translation.
A picture of Badtz-Maru and Hisato featured together in a short comic which explains how Sanrio characters are created and become popular over time.
The English translated version of the previous image.
Original Japanese photo about the Sanrio Gallery event in the summer of 1995 to celebrate Hangyodon's 10th anniversary. Hisato Inoue can be seen in a photograph giving autographs to fans; some Badtz-Maru merch can be seen next to him.
Unofficial English translation of the previous photo.
Hisato Inoue giving autographs to fans.
Hisato appears onstage during a special event which is documented in The Strawberry News during a feature on what it's like to work at Sanrio.
Unofficial English translation of previous image.
Hisato Inoue is seen as the second face on the left with a blue outline. Text besides his picture reads: "Professor Inoue, The Creator of Hangyodon, Hisato Inoue"
A invitation printed in the Strawberry News about an Badtz-Maru themed event where Hisato was the special guest. Hangyodon can be seen in the picture's background.
Unofficial English translation of invitation.
A few pictures taken from the Badtz-Maru themed event in later issue from when the invitations were published.
Hisato commenting on a poster he made of Hangyodon.
An unofficial translation of the previous image.
Hisato recommending the book "Heartland" by Ken Kuroi, a famous children's book illustrator.
Hisato recommending the book "Heartland" by Ken Kuroi; Unofficial English Translation.
Sources
- Photo of Hisato Inoue seen on stage - The Strawberry News no. 328
- Photo of Sanrio staff members that includes Hisato Inoue - The Strawberry News no. 289
- Photo of Hisato during the Sanrio Gallery 1995 event - The Strawberry News Vol. 11 no. 333, released 1995.
- Google Translation of https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/ドンラゴン, which reveals Hisato became a freelancer and more information on his character Donragon.