Leading Japanese manga artist Matsumoto Leiji, whose space operas became known to fans globally in animated incarnations, died on Feb. 13 in Tokyo at age 85.
In a statement, Studio Leijisha said he died of acute heart failure on 13 February.
We know Matsumoto for his epic science fiction sagas, including Galaxy Express 999, Queen Emeraldas and Space Battleship Yamato.
His work often included anti-war themes and emotional storylines.
Manga Master, Leiji Matsumoto Cause Of Death
Legendary manga and anime creator, Leiji Matsumoto, took his last breath on Feb. 13, 2023. The news of the Japanese manga came to light from the production company Toei. The report declares that Leiji Matsumoto died at the age of 85 from “heart failure”.
FYI, in 2019, he suffered severe respiratory problems and collapsed during an event in Turin, Italy, for the 40th-anniversary tour celebrating the Captain Harlock anime adaptation. His family took him to the hospital in critical condition, but then authorities declared he was “out of danger”.
We know him for some of the most epic space sagas. Later animated TV series adopted those and made films for a global audience. For instance, Masumoto’s cult works such as “Space Battleship Yamato”, “Captain Harlock” and “Galaxy Express 999”, animated TV adopted those and converted o some series and films that garnered global popularity in the 1970s and 80s.
How Leiji Matsumoto Left His Mark On The Anime And Manga Industry
Leiji Matsumoto was an iconic figure in the anime and manga industry. He was a pioneer in the industry and created some of the most iconic and beloved characters in the world. His works have been enjoyed by millions of people across the world. On the occasion of his passing, we would like to take a moment to remember and celebrate the life and work of the late Leiji Matsumoto. We will look at his career, his impact on the industry, and the legacy he left behind.
During his career, his imaginary definitions of machinery and space travel – interstellar steam trains to battle against aliens wielding radioactive meteorites, garnered an international audience. In 1972, he created the dark comedy Western seinen series, “Gun Frontier” for Play Comic magazine (ran from 1972-1975). Apart from this, he also started a series of unconnected short stories, “Senjo Manga Series” set around World War 2. This later became popular as “The Cockpit”.
Matsumoto got credit for his works, such as Space Battleship Yamato (1974), Space Pirate Captain Harlock (1977) and Galaxy Express 999 (1977). He received the Shogakukan Manga Award for Galaxy Express 999 and Senjo Manga Series.
In a 2013 interview, he said, “The plane that dropped the bomb on Hiroshima went right over my head. The second was the meaning for a town close to Fukuoka where I was living. It was bad weather that condemned Nagasaki,”.
He concluded, “That traumatised me, but was a source of inspiration, as it were all the experiences of my youth… personal experience is essential for a creative spirit.” Matsumoto is dead but his creations thrive as a cult in the lives of manga fans. He is survived by his wife, Miyako Maki, who is also a manga artist.
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