Masako Watanabe, a master of Japan’s shoujo manga world, has died.
According to local Japanese media reports on the 13th, manga artist Masako Watanabe passed away on the 3rd. She was 97.
On that day, a post announcing the death of the deceased was belatedly published on Masako Watanabe’s official account, shocking many. A representative said, “Ms. Masako passed away peacefully at 12:38 a.m. on Oct. 3. She spent 97 years of her life with manga and, in the end, left peacefully as if asleep. We sincerely thank everyone who loved the teacher’s work and sent warm words of support during her lifetime,” the representative said.
Along with this, a message left by Masako Watanabe during her lifetime was also released. Masako Watanabe said, “It feels strange to convey this way, but to all the many people who have been with me until now, the fans who supported me, people I was connected with through work, those who looked after me, the warm staff at Illyje, nurses F and S, my younger sibling and all my family, I am truly grateful. I am really thankful that there was so much love around me,” she expressed gratitude to those around her.
She added, “Living with manga, life passed in the blink of an eye, but countless memories shine and radiate like treasures in my heart. Forgive me for stepping ahead, but many precious people are waiting over there, and I think I will be able to meet my husband after a long time. The photos of Paris I visited before were always on my desk. When you feel lonely, please imagine that I am in Paris. See you again,” concluding in a way that added poignancy.
A representative for Masako Watanabe said, “On this account we will continue to introduce the precious original drawings and unpublished works the teacher left behind and share that wonderful artistic world with everyone. We would be delighted if you continue to love Masako Watanabe’s works for a long time,” and added, “We respectfully pray for the deceased’s repose.”
Meanwhile, Masako Watanabe debuted in 1957 and over more than 60 years created over 100 works such as The Glass Castle, Saint Rosalind and Jin Ping Mei, earning renown as the matriarch of shoujo manga. Her work had a considerable influence on domestic manga artists as well. In 2021 it was belatedly revealed that she had collapsed due to health problems, causing concern, but she later shared news of her recovery and continued to share her drawings until recently without putting down her pen. Many have sent condolences at the sudden news of her passing.
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