Doraemon Co-Creator Fujiko A Fujio Dies At Age 88

Manga artist Fujiko A. Fujio, who is best known as one-half of the duo behind the iconic manga and anime series Doraemon, has passed away at the age of 88.

According to Japanese media, the artist, whose real name is Motoo Abiko, was found dead at his home in Kawasaki, Tokyo yesterday (Apr 7).

Authorities reported receiving a call for assistance, as someone had collapsed at about 8:40am that morning. However, by the time they arrived, Fujiko had passed on. While the cause of his death is unknown, no foul play is suspected.

Remember waking up early on weekends just to watch Doraemon?

Fujiko A. Fujio is best known for the work he did alongside his childhood best friend, Hiroshi Fujimoto, who went by the pen name Fujiko F. Fujio.

Together, the duo were referred to as Fujiko Fujio, and are credited as the creator of long-running cartoon series Doraemon.

They announced that they would be going their separate ways to create content individually in 1987. Fujiko F. Fujio passed on in 1996, at the age of 63.

The duo behind Doraemon

Doraemon was first serialised as a manga series in December 1969, with its last volume published in 1996, totalling 1,345 chapters.

It also spawned three different anime series, as well as over 40 animated films. The cheerful robot cat and his human friends remain a fond childhood memory for many over Asia.

Apart from Doraemon, Fujiko A. Fujio is also the creator of classic works like Ninja Hattori-kun and The Laughing Salesman.

Ninja Hattori-kun's a classic too

Watch Episode 314 from Doraemon’s 2005 anime on meWATCH, or here:

Photos: Kyodo News, Nikkei Asia, SoraNews24, iMDB