Captain Harlock creator Leiji Matsumoto recovers after suspected stroke

Many media sources out of Italy have reported that Leiji Matsumoto, creator of Galaxy Express 999 and Captain Harlock, had to be hospitalised during an event held in the city of Turin for the Captain Harlock anime’s 40th anniversary. People attending the event stated that while he was speaking and conscious, Matsumoto’s speech became incoherent, making his staff concerned that he had suffered a stroke.

The mangaka was admitted to hospital under Code Red status, and spent some time listed under critical condition. But more recent reports from Japan now say that his condition has greatly improved. A precautionary CT scan showed that there were no symptoms or signs of stroke damage, and he was deemed healthy enough to travel.

Matsumoto’s representatives also said that his condition is no longer critical. It’s clear that there’s no longer any reason for fans to worry, so we can all breathe a sigh of relief and hope he’s back to full health soon.