Renowned lyricist Shuntaro Tanigawa, known for his work on Howl’s Moving Castle, has recently passed away at the age of 92. His family held a private funeral to honor his memory. Tanigawa, whose father was an influential philosopher, began writing poetry at a young age and published his first book of poems when he was just twenty years old.
In addition to his work on Howl’s Moving Castle, Tanigawa collaborated with Osamu Tezuka, the “God of Manga,” on various projects, including penning lyrics for anime series like Astro Boy and Big X. He was also known for his translation work, which included projects like the Peanuts comic by Charles Schulz and Mother Goose nursery rhymes.
Tanigawa’s talents were recognized internationally, as he received the American Book Award in 1989 for his book Floating the River in Melancholy. His contributions to the world of literature and entertainment resonated with people from different cultures around the globe.
Howl’s Moving Castle, a beloved Studio Ghibli film, tells the story of Sophie, a young woman who is cursed by a jealous witch and transformed into a 90-year-old. She embarks on a journey with the wizard Howl, encountering magical adventures along the way. The film features a star-studded voice cast including Lauren Bacall, Christian Bale, Billy Crystal, and more.
As we mourn the loss of Shuntaro Tanigawa, his legacy lives on through his creative works that have touched the hearts of many. His contributions to Japanese literature, music, and translation have left a lasting impact on the world.
