Mitsuteru Yokoyama, the creator of Tetsujin 28 and ostensibly the father of the modern Japanese robot aesthetic, died after being briefly listed in serious condition in a Tokyo hospital. Yokoyama was the victim of a house fire that also injured his two sisters. The 69 year old had apparently been smoking in bed, causing the fire.

Although best known to robot fans for Tetsujin 28 and Giant Robo (1968), Yokoyama was also responsible for Masked Ninja Akakage and Sally the Witch, as well as Chinese historical plays such as "Romance of the Three Kingdoms", and has produced books of his original art. Yokoyama is also the creator of Mars, the inspiration for God Marz.

Source: Yomiuri Shinbun