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Matsumoto Reiji is known for Galaxy Railway 999 and Space Battleship Yamato (American titles), early works in the anime genre which blazed a path for the space-based anime that followed such as Macross (the first part of which was the Robotech series here in the US) and Gundam.
As with many great artists, Matsumoto-Sensei found inspiration in a predecessor's work; in this case a sci-fi novel. The inspiration for Matsumoto-Sensei's great works is being re-published. A few days ago, I was reading Mainichi Daily News, a Japanese and English online newspaper site, and discovered this great article about Matsumoto Reiji- Sensei. Matsumoto-Sensei’s works include Ginga Tetsudo (Galaxy Railway) 999 and Uchu Senkan (Space Battleship) Yamato. It seems that he was highly inspired by one book during his sixth year in elementary school. Matsumoto-Sensei was quoted as saying, “If this book didn't exist, I wouldn't be where I am today. It's the most important book in my life. I want lots of children to read it." "What book?" you might be wondering. The book is Dai-uchu no Tabi (Journey Across the Universe) written by Toshima Araki-Sensei (1897-1978), founder of Kyoto Sangyo University. The republication of Dai-uchu no Tabi was not a planned event. However, due to several things it has been re-released. For the full article in Japanese go here: http://www.mainichi-msn.co.jp/shakai/wadai/news/20060901k0000e040084000c.html For the full article in English go here: http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/national/news/20060901p2a00m0na024000c.html Special thanks to Mainichi Daily News and Ryann Connell for allowing the posting of these links. |
