Renowned Japanese poet and lyricist Shuntarō Tanigawa passed away on November 13, 2024, at the age of 92 due to old age. His funeral was held privately by close relatives, with his eldest son Kensaku serving as the chief mourner.
Contributions to Anime and Literature
- Anime Lyrics and Screenwriting
- Tanigawa wrote theme song lyrics for Osamu Tezuka classics, including Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atom), Big X, and Phoenix.
- He contributed lyrics to Hayao Miyazaki’s Howl’s Moving Castle and penned the screenplay for The Phoenix: Chapter of Dawn.
- Prolific Poetry
- He published his first poetry collection, Two Billion Light-Years of Solitude (Nijū Oku Kōnen no Kodoku), at age 20 in 1952.
- His work Floating the River in Melancholy won the American Book Award in 1989.
- Translations
- Tanigawa translated Charles Schulz’s Peanuts comic and Mother Goose nursery rhymes into Japanese, earning widespread recognition.
Awards and Legacy
Tanigawa authored over 60 poetry books and was celebrated for his lyrical mastery and cultural impact. His accolades include:
- NHK Broadcasting Culture Award
- Zhongkun International Poetry Award
- Noma Children’s Literature Prize
Shuntarō Tanigawa’s profound contributions to literature and anime leave a lasting legacy, celebrated by fans and creators worldwide.
