Photo/Illutration Yoshiyuki Tomino talks about his anime works on the first day of a special exhibition that started on June 22, 2019, at the Fukuoka Art Museum in Fukuoka. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Yoshiyuki Tomino, creator of the “Mobile Suit Gundam” anime franchise, and manga artist Rumiko Takahashi were among 74 recipients of the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Award in the first year of the Reiwa Era.

A ceremony for the prestigious award was held on Dec. 6.

The chief of the Agency for Cultural Affairs bestows the award on individuals and groups with distinguished accomplishments in artistic and cultural activities, as well as on people who have contributed to the promotion of Japanese culture overseas and international cultural exchanges.

The agency said Tomino was selected because of his excellent works as an animation director over many years. In addition, the agency said Tomino has strived to nurture young talent and contributed greatly to the promotion of Japanese art and culture.

Since the first “Gundam” TV series started in April 1979, Tomino has directed many subsequent installments in the robot anime series, including “Gundam Reconguista in G” that premiered in October 2014.

Takahashi is known for many popular manga titles, including “Ranma 1/2” and “Inuyasha.”

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