A Japanese author renowned for his cosmic epics has died. Matsumoto Leiji created "Galaxy Express 999 " and "Space Battleship Yamato" --- manga and anime that popularized the space genre.

The smash-hit titles also made it to the silver screen, delighting audiences the world over. He earned prestigious honors from both the Japanese and French governments. Matsumoto's signature drawing style was characterized by his meticulous attention to detail.

He relied on extensive research and his own family's history. Many of Matsumoto's works were influenced by stories his father told him about life as a pilot in the now-defunct Imperial Japanese Army.

He said, "My father told me his eyes met those of an American pilot, who he thought might have family and children. But he had to be a devil and shoot down the enemy plane."

Matsumoto was also known for his works of historical fiction. He said he spent half a century trying to depict the foolishness of war, stressing the importance of life.

He said "My hope, dream or wish is that someday there will be no more war."

Matsumoto died in a Tokyo hospital from heart failure. He was 85 years old.