Crayon Shin-chan Author Yoshito Usui Died in Hiking Accident
Yoshito Usui, the author of comic book “Crayon Shin-chan”, was confirmed dead in a hiking accident. The manga artist has been missing since September 11th. According to the local police, his body fell 250—300 meters from the peak rock.
The 51-year old Usui had kept a habit of day-long hiking excursions on him own. This time he headed for Arafune mountain in Gunma prefecture but unfortunately never came back. This sad news not only shocked Usui’s family but also saddened Crayon Shin-chan lovers from all over the world.
Crayon Shin-chan, who has become an icon of Japanese anime, is very popular among tens of thousands of comic fans. The Crayon Shin-chan manga is to run in Futabasha's Manga Town magazine through December, as Usui had written in advance for those months. The episodes definitely have special meaning to readers, since they are the last work of Yoshito Usui and people can never expect any more updates of Crayon Shin-chan. Following the tragedy there is a rising sign of craze among fans for Crayon Shin-chan related items. People are seeking console from the attempt to live over again the happy moment with that "wicked" boy, whose amusing life just "ended" together with that of his creator.