CLAMP takes its name from the farmer's term for a heap of potatoes, reflecting their origin as a self-publishing collective of fanzine artists. CLAMP went pro in 1989, and by 1993 there remained four core members: Nanase Ohkawa (main writer), Mokona (chief character designer), and Tsubaki Nekoi and Satsuki Igarashi (artists)— but like a band on different songs, the four often shift their roles depending upon the particular work. CLAMP's early shojo works such as Cardcaptor Sakura and Magic Knight Rayearth attracted the same audience as Sailor Moon, whereas 2001's hit Chobits confirmed their crossover success with male readers as well. More than a dozen of CLAMP's works have been adapted to anime, and collectively their manga have sold over 100 million copies worldwide! The author lives in Tokyo, Japan.
