Inuyasha creator Rumiko Takahashi just received Japan’s esteemed “Medal with Purple Ribbon, awarded to individuals who have contributed to academic and artistic developments, improvements and accomplishments.”
As Japanese site grape explains, this medal is given out twice a year, and Takahashi is only the tenth mangaka to obtain this award. Previous mangaka winners include Shigeru Mizuki, Leiji Matsumoto, and Moto Hagio.
After learning the news, Takahashi released a statement through her publisher, Shonen Jump.
高橋留美子先生が秋の紫綬褒章を受賞致しました! 以下、コメントです。
身に余る褒章をいただき驚きもありましたが、しみじみと喜びを感じております。これを励みに今後ますます努力を重ね、読者の皆様が気楽に楽しめる漫画をお届けし続けたいと思っております。ありがとうございました。
高橋留美子— 【公式】少年サンデー編集部 (@shonen_sunday) November 1, 2020
grape provided this translation: “I was surprised to receive this award which is more than I deserve. With this award as an encouragement, I will continue in my efforts to deliver manga which all readers can easily enjoy. Thank you very much.”
Source: grape
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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, and its sequel, Manga Art for Intermediates, with professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.