Featured Image Credit: Konami
Topics: Konami
Last week beloved manga creator Kazuki Takahashi (real name Kazuo Takahashi) was found dead by the Japan Coast Guard off the coast of Nago city in Okinawa. He was 60 years old.
NHK reported at the time (via Anime News Network) that Takahashi's body was discovered by the Coast Guard on the morning of Wednesday, July 6. He was floating in the water wearing snorkeling gear. The police confirmed at the time that they would work with the Coast Guard to determine the exact cause of his death.
According to medical examiners this week, Takahashi's autopsy confirms that he died by drowning on July 6 as previously thought. No foul play is suspected.
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Takahashi's Yu-Gi-Oh manga originally ran in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1996 to 2004, which went on to spawn a hit card game, anime, and a huge range of toys and video games. The franchise is still massive today, with Yu-Gi-Oh card tournaments held around the world.
In 2015 Takahashi won Comic-Con International's Inkpot Award, a coveted prize which is handed to creators for their outstanding contributions to the world of comics, sci-fi, animation, TV, film, and fandom.
Tributes to Takahashi have poured in over the last week, with thousands of fans around the world celebrating his legacy.
Yu-Gi-Oh publisher Konami wrote in a statement: “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.”