Legendary manga artist Tetsuya Chiba (pen name: ちば てつや), best known for 1960s and 1970s classics including Ore wa Teppei and Ashita no Joe (あしたのジョー), was reported dead on October 27. He was 87.
Shogakukan, publisher of Big Comic, where Chiba serialized his autobiographical manga Hinemosu Notari Nikki, issued an official obituary that also included a message from his wife, Sachiko.
Tetsuya Chiba was one of the pioneering veterans of the manga industry. He began his career creating shojo manga before his growing popularity in the shonen market led him to focus on manga for boys and young adults.
Chiba created a long list of works, including Chikai no Makyu, Ore wa Teppei, Harris no Kaze, and Ashita no Joe. His honors included the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award, the Medal with Purple Ribbon, recognition as a Person of Cultural Merit, and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette. In 2024, he became the first manga artist to receive Japan’s Order of Culture.
Below is the full statement published on Shogakukan’s official Big Comic website:
Obituary: Manga Artist Tetsuya Chiba Passes Away
Tetsuya Chiba passed away at 6 p.m. on October 22 at a hospital in Tokyo.
Throughout his 87 years of life, Mr. Chiba remained active on the creative front lines. During a manga career spanning 70 years, he received the support of countless readers. For a manga artist, his was truly a fortunate life. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported and assisted him during his lifetime, as well as to all the readers who loved his work.
A private funeral has already been held for close family members. We respectfully declined condolence visits, flowers, offerings, and telegrams at our own discretion, and ask for your understanding.
Chief mourner: His wife, Sachiko
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For 70 years, Tetsuya Chiba remained at the forefront of manga creation, producing countless enduring masterpieces. While helping shape the development of postwar Japanese manga, he filled his work with warmth and compassion for humanity, along with a deep hope for peace, earning the love of generations of readers.
We offer our deepest respect and gratitude for his extraordinary contributions, along with our sincere condolences. Plans for a memorial gathering are currently under consideration, and further details will be announced once they have been finalized.
We also ask members of the media and the public to respect the family’s wishes and refrain from contacting or attempting to interview his bereaved family members and other close relatives. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Shogakukan Manga Editorial Department