Maki Kusumoto (楠本 まき, Kusumoto Maki, born July 15, 1967) studied philosophy at the Ochanomizu University in Tokyo. She made her debut in Margaret magazine—one of the most popular Japanese comic magazines—in 1984 with the one-shot Okinimesu mama. She is well known in Japan for her exquisite art work and extraordinary stories and style. Since her early best-selling work Kissxxxx, she has always been at the cutting edge of the Japanese manga culture. Her comics are described by the words "decadent", "poetic", "gothic" etc. Her books are also noted for their superb binding. Maki Kusumoto lives in London.