Shuntaro Tanikawa, Influential Japanese Poet, Dies at 92

Shuntaro Tanikawa, a prominent Japanese poet and translator, has died at the age of 92 due to old age. He gained acclaim with his 1952 debut collection, 'Two Billion Light Years of Solitude,' which showcased his innovative use of the Japanese language and has been included in school textbooks. Tanikawa was also known for translating the beloved 'Peanuts' comic strip and writing lyrics for popular anime series, including 'Astro Boy' and 'Howl's Moving Castle.' His poetry, characterized by its conversational tone and vivid imagery, resonated with a wide audience and was translated into many languages. He passed away peacefully in a Tokyo hospital, surrounded by family, and his work continues to influence both Japanese literature and global poetry.