[Obituary] Yoshiharu Tsuge, Legendary Manga Artist Behind The Man Without Talent and Nejishiki, Dies at 88

Yoshiharu Tsuge (JP: つげ義春), renowned manga artist known for The Man Without Talent and Nejishiki, has passed away at the age of 88 due to aspiration pneumonia. According to an announcement by Chikuma Shobo on the 27th, Tsuge died on March 3 at a hospital in Tokyo.

Family Statement and Final Days

The publisher also released a statement from Tsuge’s family:

“Yoshiharu Tsuge had been in declining health since around September last year. He passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on March 3 due to aspiration pneumonia at a hospital in Tokyo. His funeral was held privately with family members on March 9.”

The family described him as someone who preferred a quiet life away from the public eye, yet was deeply devoted to his family, sharing daily meals together.

They also reflected on his artistic range, noting that he was a rare manga artist capable of depicting a wide variety of genres, from surreal works to realism, as well as stories centered on dreams and travel.

A Lasting Legacy in Manga History

Tsuge expressed his gratitude to fans through his family:

“We sincerely thank everyone who has cherished our father’s works. If you continue to read his works, it would be the greatest tribute to him.”

The statement concluded with a request for privacy, asking media outlets to refrain from further inquiries out of consideration for the family’s feelings.

Career and Achievements

Born in 1937 in Tokyo, Yoshiharu Tsuge made his manga debut in 1954 with works such as Hannin wa Dare da!! and Kisoutengai in the magazine Tsuukai Book.

He later created numerous influential works, including Nejishiki, Akai Hana, Numa, Lee Family, and The Man Without Talent. Many of these works were published in the alternative manga magazine Garo from the late 1960s to around 1970.

Although Tsuge did not release new works after 1987, his influence remained strong. In 2020, he received a Special Honor Award at the Angoulême International Comics Festival, highlighting his global recognition.

He was also awarded the Grand Prize at the 2017 Japan Cartoonists Association Awards for a body of work including Yoshiharu Tsuge: The World of Dreams and Travels (JP: つげ義春 夢と旅の世界).

Source : ORICON NEWS