One of the co-creators of the hit manga and anime series, Tokyo Mew Mew, Mia Ikumi, has passed away at 42. This is a huge loss for the manga and anime fan community, as well as everyone who loved and worked with her.
Mia Ikumi was 18 when she wrote her first manga, The Sleeping Beauty of Strawberry Forest. Since then she wrote several other manga, including the work she is best known for: Tokyo Mew Mew. This series was preceded by a one-shot manga called Tokyo Black Cat Girl, which was published in 1999 and included in a volume of Tokyo Mew Mew. This was a predecessor that was part of the development for the story that would become Tokyo Mew Mew.
Following Mia Ikumi's passing due to a sudden subarachnoid hemorrhage, a statement has been released by Kodansha, the publisher of Tokyo Mew Mew. Within the statement, the company expresses sorrow for her passing and reassures fans that it will work carefully when approaching the works yet to be released in celebration of the anime. Tokyo Mew Mew was undergoing publication of its volumes once more from manga titan Kodansha, with new cover illustrations having been done for these new volumes by Ikumi. The series was created by Ikumi and Reiko Yoshida. Not all of the work has been received, requiring Kodansha to deliver it with special consideration to Ikumi's legacy and memory.
In addition to Tokyo Mew Mew, Ikumi also illustrated its two-volume sequel, Tokyo Mew Mew à la Mode and other works. These include Koi Cupid, Rabbit Starfall, Repure, Super Doll Licca-chan, and The Wish that Surpasses Every Request. Fans of the magical girl genre will readily recognize Tokyo Mew Mew as an influential series within it, similar to Sailor Moon. The beautiful work Mia Ikumi provided for the series will not be forgotten and the genre will forever be stronger as a result of her artwork and dedication.
Fans will have the opportunity to celebrate Ikumi's legacy when the new anime, Tokyo Mew Mew New, premieres this July in Japan. They have already taken to social media to share their condolences, as well as fan art and gratitude for Mia Ikumi. The manga artist inspired many readers to become artists themselves as a result of their experience with Tokyo Mew Mew - Mia Ikumi's memory is well in hand, as she will not be forgotten and will live on not just through her manga work, but also the work of those whose lives were impacted by her creativity.
Source: Kodansha