Takao Saito (Golgo 13 Artist) Passes Away

The legendary Manga author Takao Saito recently completed his life’s journey. He passed away on September 24th, 2021, but Shogakukan announced this heartbreaking news five days later. Takao put up a great fight against cancer, but sadly pancreatic cancer won. He was well-known for his work Golgo 13 and was one of the most respected manga artists ever born.

Takao Saito: Life’s Journey

Saito was born on November 3rd, 1936, in Nishiwasha City (Wakayama City). However, his family moved to Osaka in the early stages of life. Takao came to know about his birthplace only after he turned 43. He was a visionary and started comics named ‘Gekiga.‘ This was one of the career-defining moments of his life. Even after the word manga is famous worldwide, Takao Saito stuck with Gekiga, which he coined in 1959.

Takao Saito (Golgo 13 Artist) Passes Away
Takao Saito with his Guinness World Record (Image: OTAQUEST)

Takao Saito’s Gekiga

There had been many, many moments when Takao proved his wisdom and perseverance. He debuted in the industry at the early age of 19, with his first Manga being Baron Air. Saito created another form of manga called Gekiga, which focused more on adult matters than the orthodox childish kind. He founded his own company Gekiga Kobo at just the age of 19. Takao Saito was always focused on his work and respected it wholeheartedly. One of his works, Golgo 13, has the world record for the most published volumes.

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Golgo 13: Takao Saito’s Masterpiece:

Takao sensei had already left a mark by inventing Gekiga. However, he was primarily known for Golgo 13. He worked on this manga for 53 years without taking any hiatus. The manga also received the Guinness World Record of being the longest-running manga series in July 2021. We can say that Golgo 13 is Takao Saito’s child, which he nurtured with pure love and hard work. The manga will continue to air on Shogakukan and will be provided globally by Viz Media.

duke-togo-golgo-13
Duke Togo from Golgo 13 (Image: ArtStation)

Takao Saito : An Inspiration

Takao Saito was an inspiration to the young generation of manga authors. He had achieved great heights during his lifetime. So, we can see Saito as an excellent example of consistency and hard work. Releasing a manga with 201 volumes is no small feat. Apart from this, he inspires the new generation to go out a limb for what they love. Starting a new company at just the age of 23 was a bold step. Thus, we can say that his demise is a huge loss for the manga industry. We pray for his soul to rest in peace. We will miss you, LEGEND.