Quick Links:
Updated: Crayon Shin-chan Creator Missing
Updates/Corrections:
Remains Found In Gunma Mountains
Earlier today, male remains were discovered on Saturday morning in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture. Authorities stated that while the remains are still unidentified, the clothing found on the body resembles what Usui was wearing.
Usui's family revealed that he was going to take a day trip to hike in Gunma Prefecture on September 11. His mobile phone was last detected in the area of Karuizawa, a town located roughly 60 miles northwest of Kasukabe on September 14. Usui previously expressed an intent to climb the Arafune mountain, which borders the Nagano and Gunma prefectures, and has a peak of 4,665 feet.
Between 10:15 and 10:25 this morning, authorities received a report from a climber that there were remains below a rocky ledge. The Mainichi Shimbun (via Anime News Network) reports that the remains were lying face-down with obvious fractures throughout the body. They seemed to be there for several days. It is an area that is difficult to reach, suggesting a fall from above.
The Sankei Shimbun (via Anime News Network) reports that Manga creator Yoshito Usui is missing. His family asked police in Kasukabe, Saitama to begin search efforts on Saturday. Saitama police are currently collaborating with police in other prefectures to expand the scope of the search.
Yoshito Usui is the creator of Crayon Shin-chan, which began in Weekly Manga Action magazine. The series currently runs in other publications including Manga Town. The series sparked an anime series in 1992, which still runs today, and regularly charts in the top 5 positions on the ratings bracket.
