Photo/Illutration Leiji Matsumoto in December 2013 (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

The protagonist of the 1981 anime film “Adieu, Galaxy Express 999,” written by manga artist Leiji Matsumoto, is Tetsuro, a boy whose travel companion is a woman named Maetel.

She tells him: “Young men don’t think about losing. You must believe you will win in the end; never mind if you fail once or twice.”

Matsumoto, who died on Feb. 13 at age 85, once said Tetsuro was none other than his former self.

Born into poverty in Kokura, Fukuoka Prefecture, at 18 he took a night train to Tokyo, holding on to his one-way ticket and painting tools.

In his book “Matsumoto Leiji Sosaku Noto” (Leiji Matsumoto’s creative notes), he recalled watching the streaking lights of homes from the dark train window and how the lights started to “turn into shooting stars.”

The creation of “Space Battleship Yamato” and other space opera masterpieces were based on precise mechanical drawings. There was also the heroine’s long hair.

Young people first saw the works on TV, became fascinated and later would camp out overnight in front of movie theaters when the films were released.

That was the start of the anime era as a social phenomenon.

“The common theme of all my works is the ‘gravity of living,’” Matsumoto said.

I understand this speaks to the preciousness of a finite life, the importance of freedom and the power of hope.

I am sure many people would say Matsumoto infused these values into their young hearts through his works.

But he recently lamented that many anime works nowadays are negative or too detached in tone.

He said his decision to use the “999” title was instantaneous. The number is just one short of 1,000. Matsumoto loved the sparkle of youth just before adulthood and maintained the heart of a boy until the end.

I learned of his death on Feb. 20. I would like to send him off with these words from the final scene of the film: “Once again, the whistle blows with a thousand emotions: Farewell.”

One journey has just ended.

--The Asahi Shimbun, Feb. 21

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.

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