The manga industry is mourning the loss of Masako Watanabe, a foundational figure in shojo and josei storytelling who passed away on October 3 at the age of 97. Her death was confirmed through her official social media account on Tuesday, marking the end of a career that spanned over seven decades.
Born in Tokyo in 1929, Watanabe made her professional debut in 1952 with Suama-chan. Throughout her long and influential career, she became a pillar of the medium, notably winning the 16th Shogakukan Manga Award in 1971 for her acclaimed work, Glass no Shiro (Glass Castle). Her impact extended well beyond the page; in 2006, she made history as the first female manga creator to be honored with the Order of the Rising Sun, a prestigious decoration recognizing her contributions to Japanese culture.
Watanabe’s influence was felt across generations, as evidenced by her continued creative output well into her nineties, including the 2020 launch of Himegoto. Beyond her own bibliography—which includes titles such as Saint Rosalind and Hitori Matsuri—she served as a director for the Japan Cartoonists Association, helping to shape the professional landscape for her peers. Her legacy remains a vital part of the history of girls' manga, reflecting a career defined by both longevity and consistent artistic evolution.
