- Masako Watanabe is known for Black Lizard (1968).
- She was noted in the 1960s for using pastel colors instead of the bright primary colors common at the time, and for pioneering both shojo (teenage girls) horror/mystery stories.
- In 2006 she became the first female manga creator to receive the Order of the Rising Sun decoration. The order is awarded to those who have made distinguished achievements in international relations, promotion of Japanese culture, advancements in their field, development in welfare or preservation of the environment.
- She was inspired to start a career in manga comics in the 1950s after reading Osamu Tezuka comics.
- There are still plenty of stories in my sketchbooks that I want to draw.
- There is no greater enjoyment than creating your work. I have a lifetime of happiness being involved and living with manga. To God, to Buddha, and to all of my fans who blessed me with this life, I am truly grateful.
- Looking back, it was years with mountains and valleys, but I never thought drawing manga was difficult.
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