This week we lost a great man. Father of the modern depictions of yōkai, Mizuki Shigeru’s influence over Japanese culture has resounded far beyond its borders. Many great Japanese works draw some degree of influence from works related to him or those inspired by him. Without the influence of Mizuki Shigeru, much of what is beloved about yōkai today wouldn’t exist.
Mizuki Shigeru is an inspirational figure. He experienced some of the darkest things this world has to offer as a soldier in World War II. Yet in the years following his ordeals, Mizuki Shigeru brought a tangible and positive influence upon the world of art; his contributions have likely made the world better. There are many who take solace and interest in his works. Others have learned from his wisdom, outlook, and knowledge. His creations are inspiring artists to this very day.
It is my hope that someday I can attain the positive impact he had on the world.
Zack Davisson, who has more closely followed the works and life of Shigeru Mizuki than anyone I know, has put it in far better words than I could ever write:
To say that Mizuki Shigeru was a comic artist is like saying the Brothers Grimm crafted a quaint book of fairy stories or that Walt Disney made some cartoons. Mizuki was one of those rare human beings who unequivocally changed the world with his art. Without Mizuki the world—and especially Japan—would be a very different place. There would be no Pokémon, no Spirited Away or Princess Mononoke. His presence is so ubiquitous as to be almost unnoticeable. The way Mizuki saw the world has become the world. He saved the spirits and magic he loved from the darkness and gave them a new home.
He was a visionary. A philosopher. A radical. A bon viviant of the mundane. Mizuki relished the simple, sheer joy of being alive. As someone who knew the actual soul destroying pains of hunger and the terror of hanging from a cliff by your fingertips while hiding from an enemy patrol, a cheap hamburger in a full belly brought him more delight than the most expensive piece of handcrafted sushi. He believed in taking it easy, in enjoying life, and often scoffed at manga artists like Osamu Tezuka and Fujiko F Fujio who prided themselves on their hard work and long hours. They’re all dead, he would say, but I’m still here.
The world lost a great artist this week, one whose impact has likely reached you too. Please check out Zack Davisson’s full heartfelt farewell at his blog: Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai.