Leiji Matsumoto, creator of 'Galaxy Express 999,' dead at 85

Legendary artist was recipient of two major government achievement awards

Japanese manga artist Leiji Matsumoto, known for "Galaxy Express 999" and "Space Battleship Yamato," died last week. (Source photos by Kazumi Saito and Kyodo)

Nikkei staff writers

February 20, 2023 12:05 JST

Updated on February 20, 2023 19:22 JST

TOKYO -- Manga artist Leiji Matsumoto, known for such works as "Space Battleship Yamato" and "Galaxy Express 999," died of acute heart failure at a Tokyo hospital on the morning of Feb. 13 at the age of 85. His given name was Akira, but he used the pen name Leiji.