Mangaka George Akiyama Dies

by removed-user
Jun 1, 2020 2:21 AM | 21 Comments

It was announced on Monday that manga author and illustrator George Akiyama, known for his works such as Asura and Haguregumo, died on May 12. According to Shogakukan, he was continuing his work as a manga artist and had planned his next work before his death. Akiyama's cause of death was not disclosed, and his farewell ceremony was done by his relatives. He was 77 years old.

Born in Tokyo on April 27, 1943, Akiyama grew up in Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture, only to return to Tokyo after quitting high school to pursue his dream of becoming a manga artist. He worked as an assistant for a year and a half under Kenji Morita before publishing his debut manga Gaikotsu-kun under Kodansha's monthly Bessatsu Shounen Magazine.

In 1970, Akiyama began the weekly serialization of the controversial dark manga Asura that sparked public attention. The first chapter published in Weekly Shounen Magazine was banned in several regions in Japan due to the unsettling events such as cannibalism from starvation. Nevertheless, during the turmoil, Akiyama continued with Kokuhaku where the main character makes a weekly confession, one which included confessing himself as a murderer—only to be countered as a lie the following week.

His longest-running work, Haguregumo, spanned for 112 volumes from 1973 to 2017. The award-winning historical manga spawned an anime movie in 1982 by Madhouse and Toei Animation.

Source: NHK

Mangaka Life Event

20 of 21 Comments Recent Comments

God, my heart almost sank when I saw the name George. 77 years, seems he lived a relatively fulfilling life. Haven't read any of his stuff, but did watch the Asura movie. Maybe the manga's better. Anyway, condolences and strengths to the family and loved ones.

Dragevard said:

Rinrinka said:
I thought he was Hajime no Ippo author, I was wrong....god I almost got heart attack because their names are similar^^;

Anyway may your soul find peace, Mr. Author.

I thought it was Dragon Ball's mangaka because of their last name.

That would be Toriyama.

Jul 20, 2021 3:26 PM by yhunata

Rip akiyama sensei . Yiunwill be truly missed

Jul 18, 2021 4:51 PM by Jevasamy

R.I.P George <3

It's sadness.

Jun 5, 2020 10:04 PM by removed-user

Rest in peace Sir..thanks for your contributions to elevate this community..

Jun 4, 2020 11:43 PM by Vexing_Howdypeak

I'm not familiar with him, but rest in peace.

Jun 4, 2020 11:26 AM by malvarez1

Stop spoiling deaths like that

Jun 2, 2020 2:06 AM by ifukouda

RIP.

Thank you for your contribution.

Jun 2, 2020 1:37 AM by Magito

Rest in Peace George Akiyama may you rest easy.

Jun 1, 2020 8:56 PM by moekyunkawaii

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Friv 2020

Jun 1, 2020 5:12 PM by kimjoongsik131

fs in the chat. may God have mercy on him. rip. :(

Jun 1, 2020 2:14 PM by removed-user

sayonara George Akiyama sensei

Jun 1, 2020 12:01 PM by NG_Chloe

May his soul rest in peace.

Jun 1, 2020 10:28 AM by Haneken2086

Rip
I only watched asura, ok movie

Jun 1, 2020 10:12 AM by Catalano

oh shit the author of Asura was a cool guy then thats funny considering how depressing that anime movie is lol but still a great story though RIP

Jun 1, 2020 8:22 AM by deg

Rest in peace mister.

Jun 1, 2020 8:13 AM by Taffy_x3

Man looks like a cool boss from a delincuent manga.

Jun 1, 2020 7:08 AM by MichaelJackson

Rest in peace.

The Haguregumo movie was definitely worth checking out, unfortunately I wasn't able to find a site where I could read the manga chapters.

Jun 1, 2020 3:44 AM by FMmatron

It's truly a sad news. Rest in peace.

Jun 1, 2020 2:51 AM by _MushiRock11_

Sad news for one of the big names of the industry

Jun 1, 2020 2:50 AM by Robinne

I will just point out how strange this works in Japan, even to me who is researching their society actively - the man passed away on 12th may, and only 18 days later the fact was revealed. After the parting ceremony as well. Even going as far as not disclosing the cause, in attempt to preserve the image of dignity of the individual, I assume.

Jun 1, 2020 2:46 AM by Daniel_Naumov

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