Fabien Perissinotto [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]
Earlier today, Italian news sources reported that prolific manga artist and creator Leiji Matsumoto was hospitalized in Turin, Italy. Corriere della Sera reports that it is suspected that he suffered a stroke, and is in serious condition. Matsumoto is currently undergoing a medical examination and the prognosis remains unclear as of press time.
According to the paper, Matsumoto collapsed at the Cinema Massimo, where a screening of Galaxy Express 999 was taking place as part of a celebration of the TV series’ 40th anniversary of its premiere on Italian TV. Earlier in the day, the artist attended a design meeting for IAAD students at Turin’s Central Market. He returned to his hotel room after lunch, as he had expressed fatigue, but still wanted to attend the screening.
According to other sources, Matsumoto began to lose coherence during the event, prompting the staff to take him back to his hotel.
Leiji Matsumoto was born on January 25, 1938, in Japan’s Fukuoka ward. He had his first story, Michibachi no Bōken, published in 1953, and made his grand debut in 1971, with Otoko Oidon, a title that chronicled the life of a ronin.
Through his career, Matsumoto has written stories for numerous prominent anime works, including Planet Robot Danguard Ace, Starzinger, and Gun Frontier. Moreover, though, he has written several iconic space operas and science fiction stories, including Space Battleship Yamato, Space Pirate Captain Harlock, Queen Emeraldas, and Galaxy Express 999.
Through his career, Matsumoto has earned numerous accolades, including the Medal with Purple Ribbon (2001), the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette (2010), and a decoration from the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (2012).
Sources: Corriere della Sera, Twitter (livedoornews), Asahi Shimbun, Mainichi Shimbun
Manga Icon Leiji Matsumoto Hospitalized In Italy After Apparent Stroke – Samantha Ferreira
