Leiji Matsumoto, the legendary manga creator, and anime director passed away at the age of 85. The news of his death has been confirmed by his publisher, Akita Shoten, and his family. Matsumoto, who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the world of manga and anime, had been in poor health for some time.
Matsumoto was born on January 25, 1938, in Fukuoka, Japan. He began his career in the manga industry in the 1950s, and quickly gained a reputation as a talented artist and storyteller. He created several popular manga series, including “Space Battleship Yamato” (also known as “Star Blazers” in the US), “Galaxy Express 999”, and “Captain Harlock”.
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In addition to his work in manga, Matsumoto also made a name for himself as an anime director. He directed the 1978 TV series “Space Battleship Yamato”, which was a huge success and helped to popularize anime around the world. He also directed the 1981 film “Galaxy Express 999”, which won several awards and is considered a classic of the genre.
Matsumoto’s work was known for its striking visual style, complex characters, and themes of adventure, love, and freedom. His stories often explored the human condition, and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in a chaotic and unpredictable world. His influence can be seen in many of the popular manga and anime series that have come after him, and his legacy will continue to inspire new generations of artists and storytellers.
Source: Anime News Network
