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Who was Mia Ikumi? 'Tokyo Mew Mew' manga artist dies at 42

Mia Ikumi, much admired and loved by her fans, died on March 7 due to a subarachnoid hemorrhage

Japanese manga artist Mia Ikumi died on March 7 due to a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Manga magazine Nakayoshi announced her death on their website. "Mia Ikumi, a manga artist, died suddenly on March 7, 2022, due to a subarachnoid hemorrhage. We sincerely pray for her soul and would like to express our sincere gratitude," read the post.

"Her editorial staff cannot help but mourn her sudden and premature death. Her masterpiece 'Tokyo Mew Mew' was supposed to start airing an animation titled 'Tokyo Mew Mew Her Nyu' from this summer. Also, in February, we had just announced the publication of all 10 volumes of 'Tokyo Mew Mew New Edition' to commemorate the animation. She has already drawn the cover illustrations for the new edition and for the entire volume. She has also drawn manga that was planned to be included in each volume," it continued.

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"Ikumi has been supervising the animation with love every day for two years and was very much looking forward to delivering it to everyone along with the new edition. We, who have been left behind, treat the work we received carefully and continue to produce it carefully while holding back her sadness, and believe that we must inherit the wishes of her. Ikumi's work has been read all over the world. She would like to thank all the readers who have loved her for a long time," the announcement ended.

Who was Mia Ikumi?

Ikumi made her debut with 'Super Doll Licca-chan' in Nakayoshi magazine, which ran from 1998 to 1999. She then created 'Tokyo Mew Mew' with writer Reiko Yoshida, which revolved around a magical girl. From 2000 to 2003, seven volumes of the manga were published. The manga also inspired a 52-episode television anime series titled 'Mew Mew Power' which aired on 4Kids Entertainment in 2005.

Some of her other works include 'Repure', 'Koi Cupid' and 'Only One Wish'. Ikumi's family and close relatives held a private farewell ceremony for her. "Mia Ikumi, the author of the original 'Tokyo Mew Mew' has passed away. We sincerely pray for your souls. Animation 'Tokyo Mew Mew Nyu' Production Committee," tweeted the Tokyo Mew Mew Twitter account.

Meanwhile, fans took to Twitter to send their condolences and thank the 42-year-old for her work. A fan club for the manga series wrote, "Mia Ikumi, the author of the original 'Tokyo Mew Mew' has sadly passed away. Our condolences go out to her family at this time. I understand this is a heartbreaking day for the Tokyo Mew Mew community. I'm sorry to inform you if you weren’t aware. RIP Mia Ikumi." Another fan said, "Mia Ikumi's passing is so incredibly sad. The effect her art had on so many young people, especially young girls around the world has been so huge. Her work, her art style, everything. She's been such an influential and iconic figure."

One user tweeted, "Rest in peace, mia ikumi-sensei! thank you for making our childhood so bright, fun & colourful. you will always be remembered [pink heart emoji]." Another expressed their sorrow and said, "I'm so, so heartbroken at the recent news. Tokyo Mew Mew was what really got me to take my art seriously and remains one of my biggest inspirations. i owe so much to it. Thank you for everything, Mia Ikumi, Rest in Peace... [sparkling heart emoji]."

A third user said, "This is truly devastating news. I cannot overstate the profound impact Tokyo Mew Mew had on me and so many countless others. Rest in peace, Mia Ikumi, you genuinely changed my life," while a fourth wrote, "... Mia Ikumi has passed away... I'm at a loss for words. R.I.P. Your work has done so much to keep me going over the years. I will continue to enjoy and support it. #TokyoMewMew #MewMewPower #MiaIkumi."

One tweet read, "My first childhood inspiration has passed away. I wouldn't be an artist if it weren't for Tokyo Mew Mew. My fondest childhood memory was waking up before dawn to watch it every Saturday. It opened the door to a whole new world for me. Thank you, Mia Ikumi. Rest well [strawberry emoji] [shooting star emoji] [sparkling heart emoji]," while another said, "Thank You for everything, Mia Ikumi." A third tweet mentioned, "i'm heartbroken by the news of mia ikumi’s passing. tokyo mew mew has a special place in my heart and it’s the reason why i fell in love with anime/manga. i hope she knew the impact her work made on so many people. rest in peace mia ikumi, thank you for everything [paw prints emoji] [white heart emoji]."

A fourth user wrote, "I really don't know where I'd be today if I hadn't been so inspired by Mia Ikumi as a kid, god this is heartbreaking. Rest in peace, legend. Thank you for everything," while a fifth added, "I'm so very sad to hear that Mia Ikumi has passed away. She was a huge part of my childhood and brought joy to many others.. may she rest in peace." Another account said, "rest in peace to mia ikumi :( thank you for being the genius artist behind one of the most beloved series to me and so many others <3"