Japanese horror manga artist Kazuo Umezu passed away last week on October 28, 2024 at the age of 88. His family and close friends held a private funeral.
The artist was diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer after collapsing at his home in July 2024. He has been living in hospice care since last September.
© Kazuo Umezu
Umezu was born in Koya in Wakayama Prefecture on September 3, 1936, but grew up mainly in Gojo City in Nara. He debuted as a professional manga artist at the age of 18 in 1955, making manga inspired by Hansel and Gretel Mori no Kyodai and Bessekai published under Tomo Books.
Heavily influenced by Japanese folk tales, his manga often focuses on horror elements, but he has also worked in genres such as science fiction (My Name is Shingo) and gag comedy. (Makoto-chan), as well as contributing works in the shoujo genre such as Reptilia.
His most notable work, The Drifting Classroom, published from 1972 to 1974, won the 20th Shogakukan Manga Award. It inspired three live-action film adaptations .
VIZ Media recently made Umezu's work available in English and named him “Kazuo Umezz”. The company has licensed and published The Drifting Classroom, Cat Eyed Boy, My Name is Shingo and Orochi.
The Japan Agency for Cultural Affairs awarded Umezu the “Commissioner of Culture” award in March 2019, honoring “individuals with outstanding achievements in cultural and artistic activities.”
Anime Trending sends its sincere condolences to Umezu's family, friends, colleagues and fans.
Source: NHK News, Japan News Obituaries, Anime News Network
