Leiji Matsumoto
- Cailyn N. Dougherty
- Feb 20, 2023
- 2 min read
Today, we honor Leiji Matsumoto (January 25, 1938 – February 13, 2023) for his contributions to the world of anime and manga. May he find peace amongst the stars.
Leiji Matsumoto is a heavy weight in the world of graphic novels. Matsumoto was famous for several mangas and animes including his space operas Space Battleship Yamato and Galaxy Express 999.
His often tragic storylines were composed with elements of myths and science fiction. He often depicted women as strong heriones. According to Otaku Magazine USA:
In the world of anime and manga, there are few figures as influential as Leiji Matsumoto. It would be difficult to imagine the landscape of the industry, particularly that of overseas fandom, without his creations fueling and shaping it. Sadly, according to an announcement from Toei, Matsumoto passed away on February 13 due to acute heart failure at the age of 85.
Inspired by American animation and comics as a kid, Matsumoto got an early start at creating when he formed a manga doujinshi group in elementary school. He would then go on to pursue a career in manga upon moving to Tokyo in 1953, making his debut with Mitsubachi no Boken at just 18 years old. He gradually carved a name for himself with beloved creations ranging from Space Battleship Yamamoto to Captain Harlock, Galaxy Express 999 and beyond.
Matsumoto has a prolific catalog of manga, and is noted as an inspiration for several modern manga writers. His wife, Miyako Maki, is also a manga artist and created, the Japanese equivalent to Barbie, Licca-chan. According to Matsumoto's daughter, Makiko Matsumoto:
He set out on a journey to the sea of stars. I think he lived a happy life, thinking about continuing to draw stories as a manga artist (BBC, 2023).
His complete anthology is as follows:
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