【訃報】漫画家・つげ義春さん、誤嚥性肺炎のため死去 88歳
We regret to announce the passing of manga maestro Yoshiharu Tsuge at the age of 88, due to aspiration pneumonia.
Known for his unique surreal and literary style, he captivated many readers, with sorrowful comments online mourning "the end of an era."
We extend our deepest condolences and pray for his soul's peaceful repose.
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Yoshiharu Tsuge
Yoshiharu Tsuge is an unparalleled, reclusive figure in the Japanese manga world whose name is indispensable when discussing its history. Born in 1937, he began his career in the rental manga industry and later established his unique style in the legendary manga magazine, Garo. His works stood apart from the mainstream entertainment manga of his time, characterized by a surreal and fantastical worldview where dreams and reality, the ordinary and the extraordinary, intertwine. In particular, the genre dubbed "private manga" (私漫画), in which he candidly depicted his own poverty, suppressed emotions, and travel experiences, transcended the traditional boundaries of manga and possessed profound literary depth. Representative works include Nejishiki (Screw Style), which follows strange encounters during a seemingly meaningless journey; the emotional Akai Hana (Red Flowers), depicting rural meetings; and Gensenkan Shujin (The Master of the Gensenkan Inn), which delves into his personal struggles.
His works posed philosophical questions and exposed the anxieties, loneliness, and desires within the human psyche, prompting deep contemplation from readers. As such, he transcended the realm of subculture, profoundly influencing creators in various genres such as novelists, film directors, and artists. For instance, film director Teruo Ishii adapted Gensenkan Shujin into a film, and artist Tadanori Yokoo also drew inspiration from Tsuge's works. His influence extended overseas, with his works translated and published in countries like France and Spain, earning him high international acclaim. His commitment to artistic expression over commercial success encouraged many creators and immeasurably expanded the possibilities of manga as an art form. Although he became less prolific after the 1980s, his works continue to be read by many, astonishing new generations.
Aspiration Pneumonia
Aspiration pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs caused when food, drink, or saliva mistakenly enters the trachea (aspiration). Normally, food and liquids travel down the esophagus to the stomach, but if swallowing function declines, they can easily enter the trachea. This condition is particularly common in the elderly, who are more prone to aspiration due to age-related weakening of swallowing function, decreased saliva production making oral hygiene difficult, and diminished cough reflexes. The inflammation often occurs when bacteria from the mouth enter the lungs via the trachea, leading to pneumonia.
In Japan, the number of patients with aspiration pneumonia is increasing with the progression of an aging society. According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, approximately 70% of pneumonia-related deaths are among individuals aged 75 and older, with a large proportion of these estimated to be due to aspiration pneumonia. It ranks as one of the leading causes of death among the elderly, alongside heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. To prevent aspiration pneumonia, it is important to maintain correct posture during meals, take small bites, chew slowly, ensure thorough oral care after meals, and perform swallowing and oral exercises to maintain and improve swallowing function. The news of Yoshiharu Tsuge's passing highlights the risks of this disease, which many elderly individuals face. It is a heartbreaking piece of news, considering the struggles he must have endured.
Garo (Manga Magazine)
Garo was a monthly manga magazine launched in 1964 by Seirindo, becoming a legendary publication that profoundly influenced the subsequent Japanese manga world and, indeed, subculture as a whole. It emerged at a time when the boom in rental manga was ending and weekly magazines were becoming mainstream, creating a platform for "experimental and artistic works" that stood apart from general commercial publications. Its founder, Katsuichi Nagai, granted emerging artists complete freedom, adhering to the policy of "draw whatever you like." This approach led to many unique artists, who would later leave their mark on manga history, making their debut in Garo, including Yoshiharu Tsuge, Sanpei Shirato, Shigeru Mizuki, Seiichi Hayashi, Genpei Akasegawa, and Yasumi Abe.
Garo was characterized by its underground spirit and its broad acceptance of avant-garde expressions that could not be published in mainstream media. Diverse themes such as social critique, sexuality, philosophy, and personal struggles were depicted without taboo, significantly expanding the possibilities of manga expression. Notably, works by Yoshiharu Tsuge, such as Nejishiki and Akai Hana, became emblematic of Garo, attracting fervent support from young people of the time and sparking a kind of cult boom. While not commercially successful, its literary and artistic merits were highly praised, playing a crucial role in elevating manga from "children's reading material" to an "expressive medium worthy of adult appreciation." Until its cessation (effectively discontinuation) in the 1990s, it continued to launch many talents into the world, cementing Garo's name as a unique and perpetually discussed entity in the history of Japanese manga.