MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

How did Kazuki Takahashi die? Fans mourn 'Yu-Gi-Oh!' creator after death aged 60

Police said Takahashi had sustained injuries to the belly and lower parts of the body that were consistent with bites from a shark

Kazuki Takahashi, the reputed author of the popular manga series 'Yu-Gi-Oh!', has reportedly died at the age of 60.

NHK and other outlets reported on Thursday, July 7, how Takahashi, whose real name is Kazuo Takahashi, was found floating while wearing snorkeling gear in the waters off Nago, Okinawa Prefecture Wednesday morning, July 6. Coast guard officials confirmed the identity of the body as Takahashi's the following day. The coast guard is currently investigating the cause of death, per reports.

RELATED ARTICLES

Who was Mia Ikumi? 'Tokyo Mew Mew' manga artist dies at 42

How did Koichi Sugiyama die? Dragon Quest composer, 90, was 'notoriously homophobic'

Takahashi was reportedly traveling alone in Okinawa, and a car rental company contacted the authorities Wednesday night after it couldn't reach him. This prompted the coast guard to suspect the recovered body was his. Police said Takahashi had sustained injuries to the belly and lower parts of the body that were consistent with bites from a shark or other marine creatures.

That said, the sudden demise of the renowned author sent shockwaves across the anime world, with many notable figures offering condolences on social media.

"Rest in peace Kazuki Takahashi. Your creation was the cornerstone of my childhood and my life today. And the lives of so many others around the world. You will be forever remembered," Yu-Gi-Oh players Team APS tweeted.

"R.I.P Kazuki Takahashi. Yu-Gi-Oh was such a massive part of my childhood. From Manga I'd read in elementary, anime I'd watch in the mornings & to this day I have my old cards in my drawer. Thank you for bringing this series to life & I hope you know the Legacy you left," Twitch star GamesCage added.

"Kazuki Takahashi, the creator of Yu-Gi-Oh, has passed away. An incredible author and artist responsible for some of the most iconic characters in manga, and a foundational creator of what modern shonen is, the industry will forever be indebted to him. Rest In Peace," anime reviewer John Walsh, also known as Eyepatch Wolf, offered.

"RIP Kazuki Takahashi. Thank you for giving me the greatest childhood ever and something that I STILL play today," Twitch personality Rhyme chimed in.

"My sincerest condolences to Kazuki Takahashi the father of Yu-Gi-Oh! series. Thank you for brightening up my childhood with unique monsters and characters. I love all of your artworks and the stories you created for this world. You will be missed by many," YouTuber Yugo Asuma commented.

"Kazuki Takahashi loved games, horror movies, extravagant designs, and had a deep fascination with Egypt; the fact that he combined such various worldwide influences into an iconic and timeless piece of urban fantasy shonen manga speaks more to his ability than I ever could," Ratamakafon, the main protagonist of Yugioh card review channel Rank10YGO, wrote.

It's worth noting that Takahashi's works are a major hit in Japan as well as the world. His manga series was adapted into television series, movies, as well as card games. In 2011, the Guinness World Records recognized Yu-Gi-Oh! as the world's best-selling trading card game, after it sold more than 25.17 billion units across the globe, Japan Times reported.