The Japanese government says seven people are being awarded the Order of Culture this year, including the illustrator of the “Ashita no Joe” boxing manga series.
The Order of Culture recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions in developing Japanese culture. This is the first time for a manga artist to receive the cultural honor.
Chiba Tetsuya made his debut as a manga artist at the age of 17. He created many hits, such as those featuring poor but sincere characters and stories focusing on sports.
“Ashita no Joe,” or “Fighting for Tomorrow,” was released in 1968 and became a huge hit along with the famous line, “Stand up! Stand up, Joe!”
“Ashita no Joe” created a social phenomenon and people actually held a funeral for Joe’s boxing rival, Rikiishi Toru, when he died in the story. The series left a significant mark in the history of manga.
Chiba is 85 years old. He was born in Tokyo and spent his childhood in the former Manchuria in northeastern China. Returning to Japan after World War Two was a hard experience and later prompted him to act against war and advocate peace.
He is the chair of the Japan Cartoonists Association and has helped to raise the next generation of manga artists.
Chiba said he and his artist predecessors all helped to make manga, often regarded as books for children, to be recognized as “culture.”
He said he was happy and honored, and felt the creations of all manga artists had been recognized.
Chiba went on to say he hopes that manga will continue to be cherished by its readers as a familiar and friendly culture.