The past April 25the renowned American newspaper Los Angeles Times announced that manga “Tokyo These Days” (Tōkyō hirro) of the author Taiyo Matsumoto He was the winner in the category of Graphic/comic novel in the 45th edition of the Times Book Prizes. This prestigious prize recognizes highlighting literary works in different genres, and the victory of Matsumoto consolidates his work as one of the most relevant of the contemporary graphic medium.
An introspective story about the editorial world
Posted in English by Medium Vizthe manga narrates the last days of the editor Shiozawawho, when retirement, revives memories of the past while helping young editors and mangakas with whom he shared years of work. History is impregnated with nostalgia, deep creative ties and an intimate vision of the relationship between manga creators and their editorsin a melancholic Tokyo that serves as a stage and metaphor for the passage of time.
A career marked by originality
Matsumoto began publishing Tokyo These Days In the magazine Big Comic Original Zōkan of Shogakukan in June 2019concluding the series in June 2023. The work was collected in three volumesbeing the third published by Viz Media in September 2024.
This is not the author’s first international recognition. In the past, works such as Tequis, Sunny y Ping Pong They had already been acclaimed, with adaptations both in cinema and anime. At the moment, Michael Arias works in an animated adaptation of Sunny under the production of GKIDSreinforcing the global impact of Matsumoto’s legacy.
A deserved tribute to memory and art
“Tokyo These Days” Not only does it represent a story about the manga editorial industry, but also a tribute to human relationships, the cycles of life and the importance of memories. Matsumoto’s sensitivity has touched readers around the world, and this award confirms it: his work continues to resonate beyond the manga borders.
