Obituary] "Golgo 13," "Barom One," and other manga artist, Takao Saito, died of pancreatic cancer. He was 84 years old.

Cartoonist Takako Saitopassed away at 10:42 a.m. on September 24, 2021, at the age of 84 due to pancreatic cancer.

According to information posted on the official website of Saito Productions, the funeral was held among his next of kin in light of the new coronavirus infection situation.

The website also posted a comment from the editorial department of "Big Comic," the magazine in which his masterpiece "Golgo 13" is serialized, "We express our sincere condolences as well as our heartfelt respect for the achievements of Mr. Takao Saito during his lifetime.
The farewell party will be considered "while carefully monitoring the situation in the future.
The serialization of "Golgo 13" will continue in accordance with Mr. Saito's wishes, with the cooperation of the staff and editorial department.

Born in Wakayama Prefecture in 1936, Takako Saito made his debut in 1955 with "The Air Baron" (published by Hinomaru Bunko, Osaka). As a central figure in manga magazines for rental books, he continued his energetic activities in Osaka. Later, he moved his base of activities to Tokyo and established "Saito Productions," which established a production-style gekiga production system, including the division of labor in the production process and the establishment of a scriptwriting department.

He also established a scriptwriting department and established a production-style gekiga production system. He produced many works that were made into animations, special effects dramas, and movies, such as "Golgo 13," "Barom One," "Chojin Barom 1," and "Umeyasu Fujieda, the Trap Man. He continued his energetic activities until his later years.

We pray for his soul rest in peace.