Ritsuko Matsumoto (Japanese: 松本 律子, Hepburn: Matsumoto Ritsuko, January 25, 1974 – January 29, 2024),[2] known by the pseudonym Hinako Ashihara (芦原 妃名子, Ashihara Hinako),[3] was a Japanese manga artist.
She wrote and illustrated various manga series, including, Homemade Home, Forbidden Dance, Sand Chronicles, Piece: Kanojo no Kioku, Tennen Bitter Chocolate, SOS, and Chouchou Kumo.
Her first published work, "Sono hanashi okotowari shimasu", premiered in Bessatsu Shōjo Comic in 1994.
[6] Three days before the discovery of her body, Ashihara posted on her blog, criticizing Nippon TV for their television drama adaptation of her manga Sexy Tanaka-san for being unfaithful to the original.
[8][9] On February 15, 2024, NTV issued a press statement where they apologized to Ashihara's family and the TV drama's cast and crew, additionally stating that they have launched an inquiry with Shogakukan's representatives.