Matsumoto Leiji is able to speak and is recovering, did not suffer a stroke

Matsumoto Leiji is recovering and is able to speak.

Two days after Matsumoto was rushed to the hospital, Matsumoto awoke and saw familiar faces and said “Why are you here?”.

Initially, Italian media reported that Matsumoto suffered a severe stroke, but as a result of a thorough examination including his brain on November 16th, it turned out that there were no problems in the brain area and medical officials denied he suffered a stroke.

According to the Italian publication, ANSA, Matsumoto was taken by ambulance to a hospital emergency room and received a tracheal intubation for respiratory management.  The tube was removed at 4pm on the 16th (midnight the 17th – Japan time) and his condition is recovering.

However, Matsumoto will be on watch for the new few days.  It is not known how long he will be hospitalized or when he will return home, but Matsumoto is getting better.

Matsumoto Leiji (81), the legend mangaka known for creating works such as “Space Battleship Yamato”, “Space Pirate Captain Harlock”, “Galaxy Express 999”, “Queen Emeraldas”, “Queen Millennia” and many more works while in Turin, Italy.

According to reports, Matsumoto was at an event commemorating the 40th anniversary of his work in Italy.

When arriving at cinema for the screening of the anime “Galaxy Express 999”, a few minutes after arriving, Matsumoto felt sick and other Japanese collaborators noticed that Matsumoto was speaking in a strange way and they were alarmed. Matsumoto returned to the hotel.

His condition deteriorated (according to La Republica, staff were unable to wake Matsumoto up) and Matsumoto was transported to the hospital via ambulance.

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