Konami Shares Tribute Following Death Of Yu-Gi-Oh Creator

Just a few days ago, Yu-Gi-Oh! manga creator Kazuki Takahashi (real name Kazuo Takahashi) passed away at the age of 60. Takahashi was reportedly found dead by the Japan Coast Guard near the city of Nago in Okinawa.

His body was recovered on 6 July. Takahashi was reportedly wearing snorkelling gear, leading authorities to believe that the manga legend had perhaps become involved in a diving accident. In the days since the news broke, many have paid tribute to Takahashi including Yu-Gi-Oh! publisher Konami.

Konami posted their condolences to Twitter. The teams involved in sharing Yu-Gi-Oh! with the world detailed their complete and utter shock.

The full tweet read, “In memory of Mr. Kazuki Takahashi. We are shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Mr. Kazuki Takahashi. We are deeply grateful for the wonderful Yu-Gi-Oh! universe that he has created, and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time. Together with his countless fans, we pledge to carry on the Yu-Gi-Oh! legacy with all the love and care it deserves.”

Takahashi’s body was reportedly spotted by a passing boat around 300 metres from the coast of Nago. The coast guard was then phoned.

To this day, Yu-Gi-Oh! continues to be a hugely popular franchise. The manga began in 1996, running in Weekly Shonen Jump. The run drew to a close in 2004. It was Takahashi’s manga that inspired the card game, anime, and subsequent games and toys - giving Takahashi a wonderful legacy to leave behind.