Yu-Gi-Oh Manga Creator Dies Aged 60 In Apparent Accident

Legendary manga creator Kazuki Takahashi (real name Kazuo Takahashi) has reportedly been found dead by the Japan Coast Guard off the coast of Nago city in Okinawa. He was 60 years old.

As per NHK (via Anime News Network), Takahashi's body was uncovered by the Coast Guard on the morning of Wednesday, July 6. He was reportedly wearing snorkeling gear, suggesting some sort of diving accident. The police are currently working with the Coast Guard to investigate the exact circumstances behind his death.

The Coast Guard confirms that the body was initially reported by a person on a passing boat who spotted something floating roughly 300 metres from the coast of Nago around 10:30am.

Takahashi's Yu-Gi-Oh manga originally ran in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1996 to 2004. While you might not be familiar with the original books, you'll undoubtedly be aware that Takahashi's work spawned a hit card game, anime, and a huge range of toys and video games. The franchise is still going strong to this day, 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.