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Manga/Anime Creator Leiji Matsumoto Knighted by France
posted on by Crystalyn Hodgkins
The French government has conferred the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) decoration on Leiji Matsumoto, the creator of Space Pirate Captain Harlock, Galaxy Express 999, and other classic manga and anime. The order honors individuals who have contributed in art, literature, and other areas. Matsumoto received the honor at the French embassy in Tokyo on Tuesday.
Matsumoto will celebrate his 60th anniversary of becoming a manga creator in 2013. He noted during his acceptance speech that in order to respond to everyone's support, he will strive to continue to produce more works.
Other Japanese citizens who have received the honor include manga creators Jiro Taniguchi and Katsuhiro Ōtomo, filmmaker and actor Takeshi Kitano ("Beat Takeshi"), and video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto.
The Japanese government previously awarded Matsumoto with The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in 2010, and the Medal with Purple Ribbon honor in 2001.
Source: Oricon
