The manga and anime community is mourning the loss of Nami Sano, the talented creator behind the popular series “Haven’t You Heard? I’m Sakamoto” (known as “坂本ですが?” in Japanese), who passed away at the age of 36 due to cancer.
The news of Sano’s death was shared by KADOKAWA’s “Harta” on social media, along with heartfelt messages from her family, the editorial department, and fellow manga artists. Nami Sano passed away on August 5, while the funeral was held on August 7 and August 8.
Nami Sano’s journey began with her debut in “Fellows!” under the KADOKAWA’s “Harta” label. Her unique style quickly caught the attention of readers, but it was her creation, “Haven’t You Heard? I’m Sakamoto,” that catapulted her to fame.
The series, known for its perfect protagonist, Sakamoto, was even adapted into an anime in 2016.
In addition to “Sakamoto,” Sano was also the author of “ミギとダリ” (“Migi to Dari”), another remarkable series that showcased her storytelling prowess. Migi to Dari is getting an anime adaptation which is set to release in October 2023. Nami was also involved in the anime adaptation of Migi to Dari.
Nami Had Plans for a New Series
Before her illness was discovered, Sano was actively working on a new series. She was engaged in discussions for a new serialization while also supervising (Migi to Dari) anime adaptation.
Her passion for her work was evident, and she once expressed, “If I overcome this [illness], I feel like I can create an amazing manga.”
Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. In her final letter, she expressed:
“This ended up being a fun life. I am now going to a more free world. Goodbye.”
Nami Sano’s creative journey began with the launch of “Haven’t You Heard? I’m Sakamoto” in 2011, a series that quickly gained popularity and was subsequently adapted into a television anime in April 2016.
The manga concluded in December 2015, with the fourth and final volume released in North America in July 2016. Sano’s other notable work, “Migi & Dali,” was launched in July 2017 and concluded in November 2021, with the seventh and final volume shipped in December 2021.
Source: ANN, Harta Twitter
