Mitsuteru Yokoyama, Japanese illustrator (b. 1934)

Mitsuteru Yokoyama, a revered figure in the world of Japanese manga and animation, was born on June 18, 1934, in the Suma Ward of Kobe City, within Japan's Hyōgo Prefecture. He passed away on April 15, 2004, leaving behind a monumental legacy that shaped multiple genres. Interestingly, while he is widely known by the name Mitsuteru (光輝), his personal name was originally spelled Mitsuteru (光照), maintaining the same pronunciation despite the different characters.

A Pioneer of Manga and Anime

Yokoyama-sensei, as he is often respectfully referred to, was a prolific and innovative artist whose diverse body of work significantly contributed to the foundation and evolution of both manga and anime. His artistic journey spanned a remarkable range of genres, from groundbreaking mecha and action series to beloved magical girl narratives and captivating historical adaptations.

Groundbreaking Mecha and Action Series

Among his most iconic creations is Tetsujin 28-go, known internationally as Iron Man 28 or Gigantor. Launched in 1956, this series pioneered the "giant robot" genre, predating many others and introducing the revolutionary concept of a massive, remote-controlled robot into popular culture. It profoundly influenced subsequent generations of mecha artists and writers, establishing a blueprint for colossal machines battling evil. Following this success, Yokoyama continued to explore the mecha genre with titles like Giant Robo, further cementing his status as a master of large-scale mechanical action and adventure.

His versatility extended beyond just robots, as demonstrated by action-packed series such as Akakage (Red Shadow), a ninja-themed adventure that captivated audiences, and Babel II, which delved into psychic powers and ancient mysteries, offering thrilling narratives with compelling characters.

The Dawn of the Magical Girl Genre

Perhaps one of Yokoyama's most significant, yet sometimes understated, contributions was his pivotal role in creating the magical girl genre. His work Sally the Witch (Mahoutsukai Sally), which began as a manga in 1966 and was adapted into an anime in 1966-1968, holds the distinction of being the very first magical girl anime ever broadcast on Japanese television. This groundbreaking series introduced the familiar tropes of a young girl from a magical realm using her powers in the human world, setting the stage for countless successors. He further explored this charming genre with Princess Comet, another delightful series featuring a magical princess, which continued to enchant audiences with its whimsical adventures and heartwarming stories.

Masterful Adaptations of Classic Literature

Beyond his original creations, Mitsuteru Yokoyama showcased his immense talent for storytelling by adapting complex literary classics into accessible and engaging manga. His renditions of two of China's "Four Great Classical Novels" are particularly noteworthy: Water Margin (Suikoden) and Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Sangokushi). These epic adaptations brought ancient tales of heroes, battles, and political intrigue to a new generation of readers, making these intricate historical narratives approachable and immensely popular in Japan. His ability to distill grand historical sagas into compelling visual narratives underscored his mastery of the medium.

FAQs About Mitsuteru Yokoyama

Who was Mitsuteru Yokoyama?

Mitsuteru Yokoyama (1934-2004) was a highly influential Japanese manga artist and anime pioneer, renowned for creating diverse works across genres including mecha, action, magical girl, and historical adaptations.

What are some of Mitsuteru Yokoyama's most famous works?

His most acclaimed works include Tetsujin 28-go (Gigantor), Giant Robo, Sally the Witch (the first magical girl anime), Princess Comet, Akakage, Babel II, and his celebrated manga adaptations of Water Margin and Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Why is Tetsujin 28-go significant?

Tetsujin 28-go is considered a landmark work because it pioneered the "giant robot" genre in manga and anime. It introduced the concept of a massive, remote-controlled robot, laying foundational groundwork for countless subsequent mecha series.

What was Mitsuteru Yokoyama's contribution to the magical girl genre?

He is credited with creating the very first magical girl anime, Sally the Witch (Mahoutsukai Sally), which debuted in 1966. This series established many of the genre's enduring tropes and paved the way for its immense popularity.

Did Mitsuteru Yokoyama only create original stories?

No, while he created numerous original works, he also demonstrated great skill in adapting classic literature. His manga versions of the Chinese classics Water Margin and Romance of the Three Kingdoms are highly regarded for making these complex historical narratives accessible to a broader audience.