Leiji Matsumoto Honored

Leiji Matsumoto, creator of Yamato, Captain Harlock and Galaxy Express 999 among other titles, was recently awarded the Japanese national Purple Ribbon Medal. Purple, Yellow and Blue Medal Ribbons are awarded twice a year to approximately 1,600 recipients. The Purple Ribbon Medal is awarded as recognition for excellence in scholarship or the arts. The Yellow Ribbon is awarded as recognition for excellence in business. The Blue Ribbon is awarded for excellence in education or public welfare.

Matsumoto follows in the footsteps of other influential manga artists to have received this national honor including Machiko Hasegawa (creator of Sazae-san), Fujio Akatsuka (creator of Tensai Bakabon), and Shoji Sadao (creator of early comedy manga including Salaryman Senka).

Source: Anihabara