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Goku’s Va Masako Nozawa has released a heartfelt tribute following the passing of Akira Toriyama, expressing her grief and also her commitment to preserving the legacy of Goku.

In her statement, Nozawa expressed disbelief and a sense of emptiness at the news of Toriyama’s passing, admitting that she’s struggling to come to terms with the reality of his departure.

Despite the pain of losing Toriyama, Nozawa pledged to remain steadfast by Goku’s side, since the author had entrusted her with the character.

“I don’t want to believe it. My head is empty because I don’t want to think about it.

Even so, every time I see Goku, I remember what Toriyama Sensei said to me, ‘You will take care of Goku, won’t you?’

I cherish that moment. It makes me think: ‘I will stay by Goku’s side until my strength runs out completely’.

Sensei,...

Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of Japan (Sfwj) has sponsored the Nihon Sf Taisho Award (the Japan Science Fiction Awards) since 1980, and it was announced on February 23 that its 44th Grand Prize goes to Satoshi Hase 's novel, Protocol of Humanity . This is the second time that he has received the Grand Prize following My Humanity at the 35th Award in 2015, and Protocol of Humanity has also received the Grand Prize at the 54th Seiun Award, another major award for sci-fi works in Japan, in 2023. The Grand Prize winner will receive a certificate and trophy as the main prize and a cash prize of one million yen as a supplementary prize. This year's Contribution Award for the deceased were presented to critic Takashi Ishikawa , novelist Aritsune Toyota , and two manga artists — Leiji Matsumoto and Yuki Hijiri ( Locke the Superman ). The Contribution Award winners also receive a certificate and a commemorative gift.

Leiji Matsumoto, the Japanese manga and anime creator known for science fiction sagas, TV series like Space Pirate Captain Harlock and music videos for Daft Punk, died of acute heart failure on February 13. He was 85.

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His death was announced by his studio, Studio Leijisha.

Among his best-known science fiction sagas were Galaxy Express 999, Queen Emeraldas and Space Battleship Yamato.

In a statement to the BBC, Matsumoto’s daughter and head of the studio, Makiko Matsumoto, said her father “set out on a journey to the sea of stars. I think he lived a happy life, thinking about continuing to...