Makoto Takahashi, a manga artist and painter renowned for her illustrations of girls, passed away on November 17 at the age of 90. The announcement was made today, December 16, via Takahashi’s official X (formerly Twitter) account.

Takahashi contributed significantly to girl culture throughout her career, creating artwork for children's and girls' magazines, textiles, and stationery during the Showa era. In the 2000s, she actively held solo exhibitions, cementing her legacy as an artist who brought light to generations of admirers. She is particularly celebrated for her distinctive style of drawing sparkling stars in the eyes of her subjects.

The announcement on X stated:
“Makoto Takahashi had been receiving medical treatment in the hospital but passed away on November 17 due to gastroesophageal junction cancer at the age of 90.”
The post continued, “In accordance with her wishes, a private funeral was held on November 25 with only close relatives. We sincerely apologize for the delayed announcement and deeply appreciate the kindness extended to her during her lifetime.”

It further added, “As per her wishes, there will be no memorial gatherings. We respectfully decline any offerings of condolence, flowers, or gifts.”

About Makoto Takahashi

Born in Osaka in 1934, Takahashi debuted as a rental book manga artist and later gained prominence through her serialized color story Beyond the Storm (Arashi wo Koete) in the magazine Shojo. She went on to create cover art, frontispieces, and illustrations for magazines such as Nakayoshi, Margaret, and Yoiko. Additionally, she produced numerous iconic girl-themed illustrations for products like handkerchiefs, sketchbooks, and pencil cases, becoming a defining artist of her time.

From 1992 onwards, Takahashi regularly held solo exhibitions, where she continued to unveil new works. In recent years, her art gained renewed attention when her illustrations were featured in collections by fashion brands such as Comme des Garçons and ANNA SUI. Her fantastical world, referred to as “Makotopia,” captivated fans with its unique utopian charm. Until her final days, she pursued her artistic endeavors at her own pace, creating pieces that celebrated the elegance of her iconic style.

Source : ORICON NEWS