Alternative Manga Pioneer Shin’ichi Abe Passes Away at 76

Manga artist Shin’ichi Abe has passed away at the age of 76 due to submandibular gland cancer. His son, musician Kōsei Abe, shared the sad news that the creator died on September 4, 2026. A private funeral has already been held with close family members to honor his memory.

Shin’ichi Abe started his professional career back in 1970 with his debut work Yasashii Hito. He quickly became a key figure in Japan’s alternative manga scene, contributing deeply to the legendary alternative magazine Garo. Fans around the world best know him for his deeply personal English language release, That Miyoko Asagaya Feeling, which drew directly from his own life experiences.

The passing of Shin’ichi Abe marks the end of an era for alternative comics and avant garde storytelling. His unique artistic vision and raw storytelling inspired generations of readers and creators alike. The manga community will miss him dearly, but his incredible legacy will live on through his timeless work.