Manga artist Leiji Matsumoto, known for his epic sci-fi works on the theme of space and adventure, such as "Space Battleship Yamato" and "Galaxy Express 999", died of acute heart failure on the 13th of this month.

he was 85 years old.



There is a series of voices of regret from cartoonists who were friends with him.

Tetsuya Chiba "The power in my body is going out"

Manga artist Tetsuya Chiba, who has been friends with Leiji Matsumoto for many years, posted a memorial message on his official website.

(Full message)


“It has been more than 60 years since I met Mr. Leiji Matsumoto, who was 19 years old at the time and just moved to Tokyo from Kokura in Kitakyushu after graduating from high school. Because Toshi, who is also an aspiring manga artist, is close to us, we hit it off well and often went to his boarding house in Hongo 3-chome, a four-and-a-half-tatami-mat room with a view of Saiyo. I couldn't eat it.Mr. Matsumoto would often say, ``I want to eat beefsteak that looks like a cushion!'' while drawing manga.The two of us were pressed for deadlines, and we were forced to stay at the same inn and stay at the same desk together. I used to work side by side.Even back then, I was a late writer, so I sometimes asked him to help me because he finished the manuscript first.At the age of 40, when I was in the prime of my busy life, I went on a trip around the world together. My best memories are the Amazon River and the ruins of Machu Picchu that I visited at that time.I heard that he was sick overseas and was not feeling well, so I was worried for a long time, but I don't know...I have no words. Over the past few years, I've been feeling lonely as my fellow manga artists have left one after another, but you've passed away too.

Voice actor Masako Nozawa "Please continue your pleasant journey."

Masako Nozawa, the voice actress who voiced Tetsuro Hoshino, the main character in the anime "Galaxy Express 999", said, "Mr. Matsumoto and I were able to go to many places together at the nationwide event of Galaxy Express 999. He was a good storyteller, and I remember how happy he was wearing the train conductor's uniform in Yamaguchi, as if it were yesterday. It was very easy for us to perform, and he was a kind person.When we met, he always said, ``Let's do something with 999 someday.'' I was looking forward to working with him again. But I'm filled with sadness that it won't come true. I think the conductor is already waiting for you in No. 999, so please continue your fun journey together."

Former astronaut Naoko Yamazaki: "Please continue to watch over us."

Former astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, who says that Leiji Matsumoto's works such as "Space Battleship Yamato" and "Galaxy Express 999" first sparked her interest in space, told NHK, "It's very disappointing. I am filled with sadness.Mr.Matsumoto always put a lot of effort into educating the boys and girls of the future.I also want to carry on his will and pass it on to the next generation.Mr.Matsumoto who returned to space. I would like to offer my prayers to you. Please continue to watch over us from the universe."

In my hometown of Kitakyushu

At Kokura Station in Kitakyushu, where Mr. Leiji Matsumoto grew up, there is a statue of a character from his masterpiece "Galaxy Express 999", and people who use the station mourned Mr. Matsumoto's death.



A woman in her 50s living in Osaka Prefecture who visited Kitakyushu said, "I've been watching this work since I was a child. The female characters drawn by Mr. Leiji Matsumoto were strong and I admired them. An artist I knew from long ago passed away. I'm sad, but I want my work to remain in various forms."



A couple living in Yokohama said, "In Kitakyushu, there are monorails and character statues wrapped by Mr. Leiji Matsumoto's work. It's sad that someone called O-sensei passed away, but I pray for his soul to rest in peace." I was talking.



A man in his 60s living in Yukuhashi City, Fukuoka Prefecture said, "I'm very sorry. I wanted you to continue to draw good manga."