Danica Davidson
May 24, 2021 
Lyricist Akira Ito has passed away at age 80 from renal failure, after a lifetime writing the lyrics for some of Japan’s best-known jingles and anime openings. He wrote the words for the original Urusei Yatsura opening theme song “Lum’s Love Song,” as well as working on theme songs for such anime titles as Cutie Honey, Barefoot Gen 2, Muteki Robo Trider G7, Mashin Hero Wataru, Nanako SOS, and Stop! Hibari-kun.
Besides anime theme songs, he wrote jingles for companies like Hitachi, Meiji Iodine and Nippon Kodo. His Hitachi jingle “Hitachi no Ki” is especially recognizable in Japan.
A private service has been held.
Source: ANN
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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.
