Anime World Offers Condolences After Manga Creator Tetsuya Chiba's Death, Part II

The manga world lost a legendary manga creator with the death of Tetsuya Chiba on Thursday. The manga creator was born in Tokyo and spent his early childhood in what is now the northern area of China. He debuted as a professional manga creator when he was still in high school at 17 years old in 1956. Chiba is perhaps best known for his boxing manga Ashita no Joe (Tomorrow's Joe). The manga series inspired two television anime in 1970 and 1980, as well as two anime films in 1980 and 1981. The manga's story was also reimagined in a new science-fiction setting with new characters in 2018's Megalobox anime, which credits the original manga as its origin. The sequel Megalobox 2: Nomad premiered in April 2021. Fans of Chiba and Ashita no Joe have come together to offer their respects to the late manga creator:
Mika Akitaka (mechanical designer on numerous Gundam series)
ちばてつや先生は、自分が日本漫画家協会へ入会する際の推薦人になっていただきました。大変残念です。心よりお悔やみ申し上げます。
— 明貴美加 (@mikaakitaka) October 27, 2026
Tetsuya Chiba-sensei sponsored me when I applied to the Japan Cartoonists Association. I am saddened. I offer my deepest condolences.
Big Comic Superior
【訃報】 70年の長きに渡り数多くの名作を生み出し漫画界を牽引されてきた、ちばてつや先生が逝去されました。弊社では最後まで『ひねもすのたり日記』の連載に邁進され、同時に後進の育成や漫画界全体の発展にも大きく貢献されてきました。 その偉大なご功績に改めて敬意を表すとともに、深く感謝申し上げます。 先生のご冥福を心からお祈りいたします。 https://t.co/4rQBzgjsI6
— スペリオール編集部 公式📖 (@bigsuperior) October 27, 2026
【Obituary】
Tetsuya Chiba-sensei, who led the manga industry over 70 years with numerous works, has passed away. He remained dedicated to serializing his title Hinemosu Notari Nikki with our company, while also contributing to the development of the next generation of creators and the manga industry.
We wish to express or deepest gratitude for his monumental achivements.
We pray his soul rests in peace.
Kōsuke Fujishima (Oh My Goddess!)
講談社漫画賞をいただいた時、違う部門で受賞されていたちばてつや先生とご一緒したことがあって、握手をした時にすごく温かくて大きくて柔らかい手だったことを今もはっきり覚えています。きっとあの手から何かを受け取ったと思っています。
— 藤島康介@トップウGP17巻9月18日発売🏍 (@fujishimakosuke) October 27, 2026
When I received the Kodansha Manga Award, I had the opportunity to meet Tetsuya Chiba-sensei, who received a separate award, and I vividly remember his warm, large, and soft hands when we shook hands. I believe I was imparted with something from him
Tetsuo Hara (Fist of the North Star)
哀しい、、、 https://t.co/NMA52g5TNN
— 原哲夫 【公式】 (@haratetsuo_jp) October 27, 2026
It's so sad…
Sigeki Hoshino (Kowashiya Gen story)
ちばてつや先生が逝去されました。 私は直接の弟子ではありませんが、「解体屋ゲン」を描かれている石井さんは、ちば先生のアシスタントから漫画家になられた直系のお弟子さんです。そのご縁でイベントにも来ていただきましたし、ビデオレターをいただいたこともあります。 本当に懐の広いお人柄で、長きに渡って漫画の発展に貢献されました。 謹んでご冥福をお祈り申しあげます。 画像は2012年のイベントにゲストで来ていただいた際の、石井さんとのツーショットです。
— 星野茂樹(『解体屋ゲン』原作者) (@KowashiyaGEN) October 27, 2026
Tetsuya Chiba-sensei has passed away.
I wasn't his apprentice, but Kowashiya Gen artist Ishii was his assistant and became a manga creator as a direct apprentice of Chiba-sensei. Thanks to that connection, he came to events, and I even received video letters from him. He was truly a kind-hearted person who contributed to the development of manga for several years.
May he rest in peace.
This is an image of when he came to an event in 2012 and took a photo with Ishii.
Eiji Inuki (Bakkyū HIT! Crash Bedaman)
ちばてつや先生…。以前、草野球で何度かお目にかかりました。その時は元気にファーストを守っていらっしゃいました。「あしたのジョー」は俺の生き方の土台。灰になるまで描き続けたいです。本当にありがとうございました。
— 犬木栄治 (@inukieiji) October 27, 2026
Tetsuya Chiba-sensei… I met you a few times at sandlot baseball games. You were full of energy fielding first. Ashita no Joe is the foundation for my life. I want to keep drawing until I turn to ash. Thank you for everything.
Sadayoshi Ishii (Kowashiya Gen art)
ネットニュースで師匠のちばてつや先生がなくなったことを知りました。漫画家になろうと思って航空自衛隊をやめ、ちばプロに入ってから、いろいろ教わりました.いつかは師匠を超えてやるぞ!と思っていましたが足元にも及びません。唯一超えたのは「解体屋ゲン」で長寿漫画のベスト10に入ったこと。
— 石井さだよし (@isshy22) October 27, 2026
I saw on online news that my mentor, Tetsuya Chiba-sensei, passed away. I left Japan Air Self-Defense Force to become a manga creator and after joining Chiba Production, I learned a lot. I always thought, “Someday I'll surpass my mentor!” but I don't even come close. The only thing I managed to surpass him is Kowashiya Gen making the top 10 of longest serialized manga.
Japan Cartoonists Association
The Japan Cartoonists Association released its statement on its website.
On October 22, 2026 (Reiwa 8) Tetsuya Chiba, chairperson of the Japan Cartoonists Association, passed away at the age of 87 in a hospital in Tokyo.
In accordance with his wishes, the funeral was held privately with close relatives.
Further, his family has requested us to refrain from sending flowers, funeral offerings, condolence gifts, condolatory letters, and condolatory calls.
Tetsuya Chiba served as the chairman and president of our association and provided tremendous support to our many initiatives for many years.
Furthermore, he contributed to the popularization of manga, the promotion of creative works, and raising the status of manga and manga creators.
We pray his soul rests in peace.
October 27, 2026 Japan Cartoonists Association
Teimuraz Lezhava (Georgian ambassador to Japan)
漫画家・ちばてつや先生の訃報に接し、深い悲しみを覚えます。 『あしたのジョー』をはじめとする先生の作品に、多くの日本の人々が勇気づけられ、何かに夢中になり、全力を尽くすことで、新しい「あした」が訪れるという希望を抱いたのではないでしょうか。 心より哀悼の意を表します。
— ティムラズ・レジャバ駐日ジョージア大使 (@TeimurazLezhava) October 27, 2026
I am saddened by the news of manga creator Tetsuya Chiba-sensei's passing.
Beginning with Ashita no Joe, his works inspired countless Japanese people, allowing them to become enamored with something and give it their all, instilling in them a hope for a new “tomorrow.”
I offer my heartfelt condolences.
Kyōsuke Maruyama (Tsuyoshi)
ちばてつや先生.... お会いしたことはありませんでしたが、人知れず影響受けています。 御冥福をお祈りいたします。 https://t.co/21CJdKqw4m
— 丸山 恭右 / TSUYOSHI 連載中 (@maruccckey) October 27, 2026
Tetsuya Chiba-sensei…
I never had the chance to meet you, but you influenced me without knowing it.
May you rest in peace.
Toshimitsu Matsubara (Gas-tō Norainu Tanteidan)
ちばてつや先生から帯コメントを頂けたことは今も自分を支えてる柱の一部です。デビューして間もない頃だったので本当に救われて奮い立てました。あしたのジョーから学んだ美学と精神があったからこそ原稿と戦えてるんだと思えます。 ご冥福を心よりお祈り申し上げます。 https://t.co/u6i6Kpazwi
— 松原利光 (@Matsubara_Toshi) October 27, 2026
The blurb that Tetsuya Chiba-sensei contributed to the wraparound jacket band [on my manga] is still a pillar that supports me. It was just after my debut, and it saved me and lifted my spirits. I believe the aesthetics and spirit I learned from Ashita no Joe helped me take on my drafts.
May he rest in peace.
Kaya Matsutani
ちばてつや先生! 「あしたのジョー」は私の心のバイブルです。 素敵な作品を生み出してくださってありがとうございました。 心よりご冥福をお祈りいたします。
— 松谷彼哉🌸ちびたんと一緒🧸 (@kaya_matsutani) October 27, 2026
Tetsuya Chiba-sensei!
Ashita no Joe is my bible.
Thank you for creating such a wonderful work.
I pray for your soul to rest in peace.
Kyoichi Nanatsuki (Project ARMS)
ちばてつや先生の訃報。子供の頃から何度その作品を読み返したことか。大人になって今の仕事に就いて、直接お話をする機会を得られてどれほど嬉しかったことか。『あしたのジョー』の紀ちゃんの涙をホワイトで消していた点についての私なりの解釈をお話しした時は、肩を叩いて「そこまで読み込んでくれて嬉しいです!」と言って下さった。ご高齢になられても第一線で仕事しておられることにどれだけの漫画家が励まされたことか。ありがとうございました。ちばてつや先生の魂によき旅路のあらんことを心から。
— 七月鏡一(Kyoichi Nanatsuki) (@JULY_MIRROR) October 27, 2026
The news of Tetsuya Chiba-sensei. The number of times I reread his works since childhood is countless. As an adult, after starting my current job, I was overjoyed when I had the opportunity to speak with him. When I shared my thoughts on Ashita no Joe's Nori-chan's tears being erased with whiteout he patted my shoulder and said, “I glad you've read so deep into it!” How many manga creators have been encouraged by him actively working into his twilight years. Thank you so much. May Tetsuya Chiba-sensei's soul travel safely.
Yoshiyuki Nishi (Muhyo & Roji's Bureau of Supernatural Investigation)
ちばてつや先生とは一度だけご挨拶させて頂く機会がありました。朗らかに優しく接して頂き感謝しております。謹んでご冥福をお祈りいたします。
— 西 義之 (@nishiyoshiyuki) October 27, 2026
I've only had the opportunity to meet Tetsuya Chiba-sensei once. He glad for his cheerful and warm treatment. I pray his soul rests in peace.
Kazumata Oguri (Hanasaka Tenshi Ten-Ten-kun)
ちばてつや先生の訃報。 子供の頃、友達のお父さんが大ファンで、その家の本棚にあった『あした天気になあれ』を夢中で読みました。 大人になってからは、『あしたのジョー』の不屈の闘志に何度も元気をもらいました。 心よりご冥福をお祈りいたします。 https://t.co/cR0gapUbZi
— 小栗かずまた (@kazumata_oguri) October 27, 2026
The news of Tetsuya Chiba-sensei's passing.
When I was a child, my friend's father was a huge fan of his and I enthusiastically read the copies of Ashita Tenki ni Nāre from the bookshelf in their home.
As an adult I've been uplifted by the indomitable fighting spirit of Ashita no Joe.
May he rest in peace.
Yū Suzunoki (Kounodori: Dr. Stork)
「ちばてつやがいなければ今の自分はいない」僕はその漫画家の1人です。ちば先生、ありがとうございました!先生と交わした、あの暖かくて力強い握手は僕の一生の宝物です。 https://t.co/QFZk4mYOb9
— 鈴ノ木 ユウ (@suzunokiyou) October 27, 2026
I am one of the manga creators who can say, “Without Tetsuya Chiba, I wouldn't be who I am today.” Chiba-sensei, thank you! I will cherish the warm and firm handshake I shared with you forever.
Akemi Takada (Patlabor the Mobile Police character design)
ちばてつや先生のサイン会に並んでサインをいただいた事があります。とてもあたたかなお人柄で素晴らしい体験でした。 戦争を知る世代が相次いで亡くなって行く事に危機感を感じます。 つないでいきたいと思います。
— 高田明美(マミと野明の母(?)♡) (@AngelTouchPlus) October 27, 2026
I once stood in line for autograph event for Tetsuya Chiba-sensei and received his autograph. He had a warm personality, and it was a wonderful experience.
I'm concerned the generation that experienced war is passing away.
I want to keep their memory alive.
Rumiko Tezuka (Osamu Tezuka's daughter)
父が亡くなってから本当に多くの漫画家先生方に支えられてきました。そんな方々も少しずつ父のもとへ逝ってしまい、心もとなくなる中でちばてつや先生はずっと傍にいて先輩同志から授かった想いを束ね、日本の漫画文化を励まし支えて下さいました。どれほど感謝しても足りないほどに。
— 手塚るみ子 (@musicrobita) October 27, 2026
After my father passed, I have been supported by several manga creators. As they have slowly joined my father, Tetsuya Chiba-sensei was always by my side when I felt helpless, gathering the spirit passed down from veterans to support the Japanese manga culture. I cannot thank him enough.
Yōichi Tsukahara (Nohara Hiroshi Hirumeshi no Ryūgi)
ちばてつや先生が亡くなられたとのこと。大変ショックです。 私は40年前、「ちばてつや賞一般部門」から漫画家になりました。 この春、お花見でお見かけした際にそのことを伝えると、優しい言葉をかけて励ましてくださいました。 本当にありがとうございました。 先生の作品からたくさんのことを学ばせていただきました。 心よりお悔やみ申し上げます。 https://t.co/LAlkE9fHNI
— 塚原洋一@『野原ひろし 昼メシの流儀』 (@YoichiTsukahara) October 27, 2026
Tetsuya Chiba-sensei has passes away. I am shocked.
I became a manga creator after winning the Tetsuya Chiba Awards' general category 40 years ago.
When I saw him at a cherry blossom viewing this spring I mentioned this to him and gave me kind and encouraging words.
Thank you so much.
I learned so much from your works.
May you rest in peace.
Mari Yamazaki (Thermae Romae)
連載中の『ひねもすたりの日記』も読み続けていたし、ちばてつや先生は、これからもずっと漫画を描き続けていかれるのだと思い込んでいた。思い込みが過ぎると衝撃も強い。 あらゆる感受性と豊かな経験を駆使した素晴らしき漫画家人生,お疲れ様でございました。 写真は永井豪先生との3ショット https://t.co/MaGqvOqFvt
— ヤマザキマリ( Mari Yamazaki ) 公式 情報用アカウント (@THERMARI1) October 27, 2026
I've been keeping up with Hinemosu Notari Nikki and was convinced Tetsuya Chiba-sensei would keep creating manga. When you make assumptions, the shock is even greater.
Thank you for your wonderful manga career where you utilized all sorts of emotions and rich experiences.
The photo is a three-shot with Gō Nagai.
Did we miss any eulogies to Tetsuya Chiba? Feel free to let us know in our forums or by email.
follow-up of Anime World Offers Condolences After Manga Creator Tetsuya Chiba's Death, Part IKioskNews shows a cleaned-up reading view extracted from the publisher’s page — the original always lives on their site, not ours.