Akiyuki Nosaka, the award-winning writer who penned the novel “Grave of Fireflies,” has passed away. He was 85 years old.
According to reports, Nosaka was found unconscious by his wife in their home in Chiyoda, Tokyo at around 9 P.M. on Wednesday, December 9. An ambulance rushed him to hospital but didn’t make it. Nosaka is said to be receiving home nursing care at the time.
Nosaka was born in Kamakura City in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1930. His novel “Grave of Fireflies” is based on his post-war experiences, during which his real-life little sister died, among other members of his family.
Akiyuki Nosaka (Photo from: katana.com)
He was granted the Naoki Prize, Japan’s most esteemed literary award, in 1967 for this novel, “American Hijiki,” and other writings.
Studio Ghibli adapted “Grave of Fireflies” into an anime movie in 1988. A live-action TV special was released in 2005.
Our condolences to the family.
Have you seen Grave of Fireflies? How did you feel about it?
