Space Battleship Yamato Co-Creator Leiji Matsumoto Dies At 85

At the age of 85, legendary manga artist Leiji Matsumoto passed away on 13 February 2023 at 11:00 a.m. due to acute heart failure.

Matsumoto was born in Kurume, Fukuoka prefecture, Japan, on 25 January 1938. He later moved to Tokyo in 1953 to pursue a career in manga at the age of 18, debuting with Mitsubachi no Boken, a manga Matsumoto wrote while finishing high school. Matsumoto would later go on to be best known for creating works such as Space Battleship Yamato, Captain Harlock, Galaxy Express 999, Queen Emeraldas and so many more influential works that inspired generations of artists around the world.

In 2010, he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, 4th Class, Gold Rays with Rosette, for his work in promoting Japanese culture overseas. In addition, the French government even knighted Matsumoto in 2013 to celebrate his work in the arts.

RIP to a great legend in the manga/anime industry.