Horikoshi Jirou (22 June 1903 – 11 January 1982) was the main designer of several Japanese war planes, among them the Mitsubishi A5M and its successor, the legendary Mitsubishi A6M Zero; both aircraft were used by the Empire of Japan during World War II.
Horikoshi was also involved in the design of the Zero's intended successors: the Mitsubishi A7M Reppuu carrier fighter and the land-based Mitsubishi J2M Raiden interceptor.
He graduated from (and later became professor in) the University of Tokyo before joining Mitsubishi.
