Akira Itō, the lyricist for many popular commercial jingles and the first opening theme song for the Urusei Yatsura anime as well as other anime classics, passed away on May 15 at a Yokohama hospital due to acute renal failure.
Itō is arguably best known outside commercial jingles for penning the lyrics for the first opening theme song “Lum no Love Song” (Lum’s Love Song) for the Urusei Yatsura anime.
He also wrote theme songs for Tetsujin 28-go (Gigantor), Cutey Honey, Muteki Robo Trider G7, Barefoot Gen 2, Mashin Hero Wataru, Nanako SOS, Stop!
His commercial jingle “Hitachi no Ki” (Hitachi Tree) for the electronics maker Hitachi became well-known throughout Japan.