Biography | Senno Knife

Senno Knife (千之 ナイフ, Senno Naifu, born September 5, 1960) is a Japanese mangaka renowned for his distinctive blend of horror, eroticism, and surreal fantasy.

He initially used the pen name Yamamoto Kazuto before adopting "Senno Knife," which translates to "A Thousand Knives." This name, originally chosen for his doujinshi work, eventually became his professional alias.

Senno began his career as an assistant to Leiji Matsumoto and Miyako Maki. He made his professional debut in 1981 with the story 'Yukihime' (Snow Princess) in the very first issue of Lemon People, a magazine known for adult-oriented content. Before this, he was, and still is, active in the doujinshi scene.

His artistic influences are diverse, drawing inspiration from surrealist painter Paul Delvaux, filmmaker Tim Burton, expressionist artist Francis Bacon, and horror writer Clive Barker. These influences shape the unique atmosphere and aesthetic of his works. Despite his often shōjo-like illustrations, his narrative structures align more closely with shōnen manga, creating a distinct storytelling style of his own.

He is celebrated for his detailed, aesthetic artwork and enigmatic storytelling, which often delve into bizarre, fantastical themes such as sex, death, demons, dolls, transgender fiction (TSF), and yuri (female-female romance). While many of his stories contain horror elements, he also incorporates humor and parody.

Notable Works

• "Shitaro-kun": A two-volume series of short horror stories originally published in Suspiria magazine (1997–1998). Reissued in France by Black Box in 2024.

• "Pandora": A single-volume collection of short stories published in 1995, also reissued in France.

• "La Déesse de la Mort": A one-shot horror story from 1998.

• "Mantis Woman": An anthology of horror tales inspired by Japanese urban legends, first published in 2000 and later released in English in 2003.

• "Valkyr": An erotic thriller about a doctor who creates an android in his daughter’s image, which becomes uncontrollable. Published between 1985 and 1988.

Personal Life and Collaborations
Senno Knife is married to Rutoto Nekoi (also known as Nekoi PSYDOLL), the vocalist for the post-new wave band Psydoll, for which Knife has created most of the cover illustrations. Nekoi is not only a gifted singer but also a talented mangaka and illustrator in her own right.

Conclusion
Senno Knife’s work is unique for its blend of horror, eroticism, and surrealism, making him a distinctive figure in the manga industry. Several of his works have been translated into English and French, allowing a wider international audience to appreciate his art and storytelling.