Original drawings by famous manga artists, such as Osamu Tezuka (1928-1989), have fetched high prices at auctions abroad. Some critics feel such cultural resources are being drained from Japan.
Acclaimed manga artist Akira Toriyama, creator of the global hits “Dragon Ball” and “Dr. Slump,” died on March 1 due to acute subdural hematoma, according to his publisher Shueisha Inc.