Hiroyuki Takei debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1997 by creating Butsu Zone . He then became one of the most popular creators and artists in Japan by creating Shaman King in 1998. To date, with the release of all 19 volumes of the graphic novel, this title has sold over 16 million copies. It was produced as an anime in 2001 and it became an instant hit. Takei was awarded the Hop Step Award and Tezuka Award.