With Takashi Yanase dead, Japan is remember the creator of Anpanman, one of their most beloved cartoon characters.
As previously reported by The Inquisitr, the death of Tom Clancy shocked many since he was still relatively young.
On the other hand, Takashi Yanase’s death only came after living a long, fruitful life, reaching the age of 94. Takashi Yanase is remember as a graphic designer, an anime and manga cartoonist, and as a guest lecturer for a manga school. Takashi Yanase was also a poet who wrote months poems and lyrics for children’s songs.
During his time on earth, Takashi Yanase started a picture book series based upon Anpanman, a super hero made up of typical Japanese snacks. Anpanman would fight against the germ-filled Baikinman while rescuing those in distress. The Anpanman series actually holds a Guinness World Record for having the most number of characters in a cartoon series, reaching 1,700.
Since 1973 the Anpanman series has sold over 68 million copies throughout Asia and the cartoon series, Let’s go! Anpanman , has been in syndication since 1988.
Actress Keiko Toda, who voices Anpanman, expressed her loss at the death of Takashi Yanase :
“Mr. Yanase was the Anpanman. He embraced us gently and taught us to share. We’ve lost a precious guiding post.”
Takashi Yanase’s death was preceded by a long stay in a Tokyo hospital since August. Takashi Yanase had been fighting liver cancer but it’s said he passed away due to heart failure.
