Tetsuya Chiba, the legendary manga artist best known for the boxing classic Ashita no Joe (‘Tomorrow’s Joe’), has died at the age of 87.
Japanese media and publishers said Chiba died on October 22 from myelodysplastic syndrome, a blood disorder, and his death was announced on Oct. 27.
For many fans, Chiba was more than a manga creator; He was one of the artists who helped shape modern manga long before it became a global industry.
The man behind “Ashita no Joe”
Chiba is best known for Ashita no Joe, the influential boxing manga he created with writer Asao Takamori.
The series ran from 1968 to 1973 and followed troubled teenager Joe Yabuki as he rose through the boxing ranks.
The story became a cultural phenomenon in Japan.
It inspired anime series, films and stage productions.
Decades after its release, it remains one of the country’s most celebrated sports manga.
One of the series’ most famous moments even led to a real-life memorial service for a fictional character, attended by fans mourning the loss.
More than a boxing manga artist
While Ashita no Joe became his defining work, Chiba’s career spanned nearly 70 years.
He created stories about boxing, golf, kendo and sumo wrestling, often focusing on perseverance and personal growth.
He also mentored younger artists and served as head of the Japan Cartoonists Association.
Publisher Kodansha has honored emerging creators through the Tetsuya Chiba Award for more than four decades.
A historic figure in manga
Born in 1939, Chiba experienced World War II as a child before returning to Japan with his family after the war. Those experiences would later influence many of his works and public advocacy for peace.
In 2024, he became the first manga artist to receive Japan’s prestigious Order of Culture.
By then, his influence on manga was already firmly established.
Long before sports manga like Slam Dunk and Hajime no Ippo became a staple of the industry, there was Ashita no Joe. And behind it was Tetsuya Chiba.
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