Akane Shimizu, the acclaimed author behind the hit series "Cells at Work!", recently took to her personal X account (formerly Twitter) today (June 15) to share the profound physical and mental toll she endured, including multiple illnesses and family upheavals, during the serialization of her popular manga.
"Cells at Work!" is a captivating series that personifies various human cells, depicting their daily lives and functions within the body. Launched as a long-running manga in 2015, it quickly expanded into a successful anime TV series, theatrical films, and even stage plays. Its unique blend of educational content and engaging storytelling has garnered a massive global fanbase.
However, behind the creation of this beloved work lay a deeply personal and painful journey. Shimizu-sensei revealed, "During the serialization of 'Cells at Work!', I was hit by a series of devastating blows. I was diagnosed with depression and trichotillomania, and subsequently developed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)."
Shimizu-sensei candidly shared, "I also suffered financial and sexual abuse from a relative, which led to secondary trauma from my own family. Ultimately, this resulted in cutting ties with my sister, who was the original inspiration for the series. The experiences from that period remain a profound wound." She expressed her hope to share these past events in a way that wouldn't ignite a massive online firestorm.
Following her heartfelt post, an outpouring of support from fans flooded the comments. Many cheered Shimizu-sensei on, emphasizing how "Cells at Work!" not only brought joy to countless individuals but also sparked a genuine interest in human biology and science.
One fan noted that beyond their own enjoyment, many children at a local cafeteria they occasionally visited were avid readers of the series, finding motivation to learn from it. "Those whose lives you've touched and inspired will always stand by you, sensei. Please don't ever forget that," the fan wrote.
A parent shared how they watched the anime with their 5-year-old son. When the child had a fever, they comforted him by saying, "The white blood cells you saw in the anime are working hard inside you right now! You'll be okay!" The child felt immense relief, and the parent expressed deep gratitude to Shimizu-sensei for creating such a impactful work, pledging continued support.
Another fan recounted how their daughter's interest in biology was ignited by "Cells at Work!" and she is now pursuing bioscience at university. They credited Shimizu-sensei's work with driving and supporting their daughter's academic growth.
Moved by these warm messages, Shimizu-sensei expressed her profound gratitude for everyone's concern. She affirmed that she cherishes and reads every single word, considering their unwavering support her most vital pillar and immense encouragement.