Since the debut of the original manga series in 1996, Yu-Gi-Oh has grown into one of the largest and most well-known media franchises of the past three decades. The manga following Yugi Muto and the mysterious spirit of the Millennium Puzzle has spawned multiple anime series, video games, and a massively popular trading card game of the same name. Now, a recent report coming out of Japan reveals the game's creator Kazuki Takahashi has tragically passed away.
Though Yu-Gi-Oh came as Takahashi's biggest success, the game-focused series was far from his first as his career as a manga artist started nearly 15 years earlier in 1982. Takahashi would publish two original works before Yu-Gi-Oh! with Fighting Hawk releasing in 1990 and Tennenshoku Danji Buray from 1991 to 1992; however, both would see limited success. Takahashi would continue to stay active as an artist even following the original Yu-Gi-Oh's conclusion, recently collaborating with Marvel on a graphic novel earlier this year. Now, Japanese news outlet NHK has reported Kazuki Takahashi was found dead earlier this week.
The original report reveals that Japanese coast guard officials found Takahashi floating in the water near the city of Nago in Japan's Okinawa prefecture on Wednesday, confirming the Yu-Gi-Oh creator's identity this morning. Takahashi was reportedly found wearing snorkeling gear, leading many to believe his death may have been related to an accident while diving. Coast guard officials stated they are "looking into the cause of death" with no official confirmation given as to how the prolific manga artist passed away.
News of Takahashi's untimely passing was quick to take over social media with fans of the card game and anime series paying respect to the artist. Eric Stuart, the English voice actor for Seto Kaiba, paid respect to the legendary creator, sharing his memories of Takahashi calling Stuart's version of the Yu-Gi-Oh antagonist "his favorite." Takahashi remained involved in Yu-Gi-Oh even after the end of the original manga's run, acting as a supervisor for future manga adaptations and in a broader role for the franchise's creative direction.
Takahashi leaves behind a legacy that has created one of the gaming industry's most iconic franchises. The release of Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel earlier this year saw universal success with the game boasting millions of downloads within weeks of its surprise launch. Yu-Gi-Oh's animated ventures have remained popular as well with the franchise's eighth animated series, Yu-Gi-Oh Go Rush!!, debuting in April. The impact Kazuki Takahashi had on the landscape of anime, card games, and entertainment as a whole will surely continue to be felt for years to come.
Source: Kotaku