Igarashi was born on August 26, 1950 in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture. She currently lives in Sapporo.

She made her debut in 1968 with Shiroi same no iru shima, a work published in a special issue of Ribon magazine (Shueisha). She continued her career as an exclusive writer for Nakayoshi magazine (Kodansha). In 1977, she won the award in the shôjo category for Candy Candy, her best-known work, at the first edition of the Kodansha Manga Awards. She went on to publish, among other works, Georgie!, Magical Mami, Anne wa Anne, published in Spain by Arechi Manga, as well as a book of illustrated stories, known in Japan as Yumiko Igarashi's World Theatre. In addition to appearing in children's magazines, she expanded her range by publishing works in adult women's manga magazines. 

In 2020, this manga legend with worldwide recognition announces the serialization of ¡Elektra! Although 55 years have passed since her debut, she is still active and continues to infuse her soul in her works. 

In addition to showing her support to the Red Feather Charity Fund of the Hokkaido Charity Fund Association, she has contributed social welfare as a judge of the Kita no Manga Grand Prix, with lectures at universities and specialized educational institutions in Hokkaido. She continues to actively participate in events organized by the prefecture. 

Yumiko Igarashi, our guest Master of Shojo, will land in Barcelona thanks to Manga Barcelona and Arechi Manga, where she will carry out activities during the four days of the event, from December 5 to 8. Details of her activities and signings will be announced as soon as possible.