Leiji Matsumoto (Left)
Manga artist Leiji Matsumoto, famous for works such as "Space Battleship Yamato" and "Galaxy Express 999", passed away at the age of 85 due to acute heart failure on February 13th at a hospital in Tokyo. To honor his legacy, a private funeral was held with only close relatives in attendance, and his wife and fellow manga artist, Miyako Maki, served as the mourner. The news was released by Toei Animation on February 20th.
Galaxy Express 999
Matsumoto's daughter, Makiko Matsumoto, who is also the representative director of his company, Reiji Matsumoto Production, issued a statement expressing her gratitude for the support that her father received throughout his career.
Manga artist Leiji Matsumoto has embarked on a journey into the stars. As a manga artist, I think he was happy to continue writing stories and pursuing them. Matsumoto often said, 'We can meet again in a place where we touch in time far away,' and we believe in that phrase and look forward to that day. We sincerely thank everyone who has supported Matsumoto throughout his career, including his fans who have sent his works to various companies around the world, local governments and organizations who have taken care of him, manga teachers who have been studying and polishing with him since he was young, and the staff at the hospital who supported Matsumoto at the start of his journey. Thank you very much.
Space Battleship Yamato
Matsumoto was a pioneer in the field of space opera, and his works were instrumental in the development of the genre. His unique storytelling style and imaginative illustrations have inspired countless readers and influenced many other artists in the industry. With his passing, he leaves behind a rich legacy that will continue to impact future generations of manga and anime enthusiasts.
Source: Sohu