Renowned Japanese Poet and Lyricist Shuntaro Tanikawa Passes Away at 92

Tanikawa, celebrated for his modern poetry and contributions to anime, leaves behind a legacy of influential works.

Shuntaro Tanikawa, a pioneering figure in modern Japanese poetry, died of old age in a Tokyo hospital on November 13, 2024.
Tanikawa's debut poetry collection, 'Two Billion Light Years of Solitude,' published in 1952, was a bestseller that redefined Japanese poetics.
He is well-known for translating the 'Peanuts' comic strip into Japanese and writing lyrics for the 'Astro Boy' theme song and 'Howl’s Moving Castle.'
Tanikawa's works, characterized by their conversational tone and exploration of everyday life, are widely taught in Japanese schools.
His family held a private funeral, and a public farewell event is being planned to honor his life and contributions.