Matsumoto checked into hospital in August for treatment after relapse of chronic disease in April

Digital Manga Inc. 's (DMI) Kickstarter page for the campaign for Izumi Matsumoto 's Kimagure Orange Road manga updated on Saturday to update backers on Matsumoto's medical condition.

DMI's statement reads:

We got an update just today, and it seems like his condition has been growing worse, and he has recently been experiencing seizures regularly. We ask that you have him in your prayers, and if you would like, you can send us a postcard with your condolences that we will deliver to him. Our CEO will be travelling to Japan in early December, so please send us your postcards to our office by December 1st. Address: Digital Manga Inc. , 1487 W 178th St # 300, Gardena, CA 90248

Matsumoto has been unable to sign any shikishi boards or collectibles that were originally announced for certain backing tiers for the project. DMI added, "We may still be able to acquire them, but please be advised that there is a possibility that we may not be able to. We will update you as soon as we can."

Matsumoto experienced a relapse of cerebrospinal fluid hypovolemia (depleted cerebrospinal fluid) at the end of April, and was bedridden for three months. Matsumoto said in a message to DMI that he experienced the relapse after he hit his head when someone knocked him over while rushing to catch a train. Matsumoto then began hospital treatment for the condition on August 29. He stated that the blue light emitted by LED screens worsens the condition, so he has been unable to use his computer or smartphone, and can't check his emails, but he has asked a friend to check his messages while he is being treated.

Matsumoto previously gave up drawing manga in 1999 due to the same illness, but did not receive the right diagnosis until 2004. He returned to work in fall 2005 after treatment.

Matsumoto's Kimagure Orange Road manga series ran in Shueisha 's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine from 1984 to 1987. The 18-volume story followed a boy with supernatural powers as he dealt with a love triangle between two girls in his high school. Digital Manga Inc. successfully ran a Kickstarter campaign earlier this year to re-translate and publish the manga into English.

The manga inspired a popular 1987-1988 television anime series, two movies, and various anime videos. AnimEigo released the television anime series, the first movie, and the later video anime series, while ADV Films handled the second movie, Kimagure Orange Road: Summer's Beginning .

Thanks to Daniel Zelter for the news tip.