Go Nagai given award for Contribution to Japaense Culture

Creative legend Go Nagai has been awarded the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun Award, Gold Rays with Rosette by the Japanese government for his many contributions to the culture. On receiving the reward, Go Nagai said he will continue creating stories for many, many years - for which we're very grateful!

Cutie HOney

For the uninitiated, Go Nagai began his career as a manga artist for Ishinomori in 1965, making his debut with an untitled story about a science fiction ninja which became the basis for Kuro no Shishi (which was found and republished in 2007). His professional career began in 1967 with a one-shot gag manga named Meakashi Polikichi. From humble beginnings he went on to create some of the most iconic titles in the genre, including Cute Honey, Devilman, Mazinger Z, Getter Robo and many, many more. 

The puppet crew of X-Bomber

British fans in particular may remember his puppet series X-Bomber, titled Star Fleet in the West. This series was shown on Fuji TV from 1980 to 1981. It was dubbed and broadcast in the UK for ITV in 1982 on Saturday mornings, though I remember it airing around lunchtime on Central television a few years later. The theme tune, composed by Paul Bliss, was covered by Queen guitarist Brian May and Eddie Van Halen. It remains as awesome now as it was then.

So congratulations to Go Nagai, a man who has won many awards over the years, but never enough to truly thank him for all the wonderful shows and memories he created for multiple generations of fans.