Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Crayon Shinchan's author, Usui Yoshito passes away

"Crayon Shinchan" author Usui Yoshito passed away after slipping from a cliff at Mount. Arafune and his body was found on 20 Sep 09. Crayon Shinchan's publisher, Futaba held an emergency press conference where they revealed that the last picture in Usui's digital camera was a topdown view of the cliff. It is believed that Usui slipped and fell down the cliff while taking this picture.

Usui had always loved to go on hiking trips in the mountains alone while taking pictures. However, this was the first time he visited Mount. Arafune and it turned out to be his last as well. According to police investigations, Usui had taken about 30 pictures of the scenery at Arafune. As the camera was still in the "on" mode when the body was found, it is said that Usui could have fallen right after taking this picture. In addition, there were no letters found on Usui thus the police has ruled out suicide or murder since it is highly likely that this is an accident.

With regards to the future of Crayon Shinchan's TV anime and movies, Futaba said that they are in the midst of negotiations with the related parties and Usui's family. Meanwhile, Usui's funeral will be held soon where only family members will attend. There are also talks going on as to whether to hold a farewell ceremony for Usui. As for the monthly Crayon Shinchan manga release, the publisher said that they have enough material until the Dec issue which will be published on 5 Nov. However, it is uncertain what they will do after that. Meanwhile, there will be a commemorative feature in the Nov issue which goes on sale from 5 Oct.

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