Creator of ‘Captain Harlock,’ ‘Space Battleship Yamato’ dies at 85

Tokyo, Feb 20 (EFE),- Japanese legendary manga and anime creaor Leiji Matsumoto, who authored popular TV series like “Captain Harlock” and “Space Battleship Yamato,” is dead, his daughter said on Monday. He was 85.

Matsumoto died on Feb.13 in a Tokyo hospital, according to a statement published on the social networks of his official website, Leijisha, managed by his daughter, Makiko Matsumoto.

“Manga artist Matsumoto Leiji departed for the Sea of Stars…at the age of 85,” Makiko wrote in a brief statement.

She noted that her father had “a happy life” as he always said, “We’ll meet again in the far distance where the wheel of time connects.”

Makiko Matsumoto expressed her “deepest gratitude” to everyone, including his fans, the companies who brought their work to the world, the governments, and the manga artists who worked hard and supported their journey.

The family funerals have already been held, but a farewell event is expected to be organized on a date yet to be determined.

The “mangaka” was born Akira Matsumoto on Jan.25, 1938, in Kurume cirt of the western Fukuoka Prefecture.

Matsumoto began drawing when he was six.

At 16, he made his editorial debut with “Mitsubachi no Boken.”

Among his most celebrated works are “Space Battleship Yamato” and “Captain Harlock.”

In 2001, Matsumoto received the Purple Ribbon Medal from the Japanese government for his artistic achievements.

He was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, 4th Class, Gold Rays with Rosette, in 2010, for his work in promoting Japanese culture overseas.

The French government knighted Matsumoto in 2013, honoring his work in the arts. EFE

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