S/ Tanikawa Shuntaro (then 71): It’s truly wonderful to have your work loved by many people.  

Japan's leading poet Tanikawa Shuntaro died of old age at the age of 92 on November 13.  

Tanikawa published his first collection of poems, “Two Billion Light-Years of Solitude,” in 1952. He has written many works since then.  

His poem “Ikiru”, or "To live” in English, continued to appear in elementary school Japanese language textbooks for over 40 years.  

Tanikawa was not just a poet.

He also translated “Swimmy,” published by American picture book author Leo Lionni, and U.S. cartoon series, “Peanuts.”

He also wrote the theme song for the “Astro Boy” animation series.  

The funeral service will be held only within close relatives. A farewell party is schedule to be held later.