Kazuo "Kazuki" Takahashi, the creator of the internationally popular Yu-Gi-Oh! manga and trading card game, has died aged 60.
As reported by The New York Post, the Japanese coast guard has confirmed that the body of Takahashi was found on Wednesday around 330 yards off the coast of Okinawa.
An official from the Naha Coast Guard Nago station revealed that a local marine leisure business owner discovered the 60-year-old's body.
It is believed Takahashi had been snorkeling prior to his death.
Members of the coast guard and the fire department said Takahashi's body was found face down and with a snorkeling mask.
Reports also suggest that Takahashi may have been dead for one or two days prior to his body being found. Although an investigation is still ongoing, reports say that the body did have indications that it had been attacked by marine wildlife.
Police later identified Takahashi on Thursday, with officials revealing that a rented car was also found abandoned on the beach with Takahashi's driver's license inside. His family were later notified and confirmed the body to be that of Takahashi.
Takahashi is perhaps best known for being the creator of the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise, which debuted in Shonen Jump magazine back in 1996.
Since then, it spawned a television show, movies, video games, merchandise, and the insanely popular Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card game. The Independent reports that the number of Yu-Gi-Oh! cards in the world is well into the billions.
The series primarily followed the story of a young boy named Yugi Mutou, who used his skills in the Duel Monsters card game in order to try and uncover the mystery behind the ancient Millennium Puzzle.
Voice actor Eric Stuart - who played Seto Kaiba in the English adaptation of the show - tweeted in response to Takahashi's death: "This is incredibly sad news. So shocking. An amazingly talented man. Sensei created a role that would help define my voice acting career. He once told me my version of Seto Kaiba was his favorite. RIP. Love, Kaiba."
Popular YouTuber 'The Anime Man' also paid tribute to Takahashi, writing: "Takahashi Kazuki - the creator of YuGiOh - has passed away. This man literally shaped an entire generation of childhoods, including my own. It’s so incredibly sad to see amazing minds taken from us so suddenly and tragically."
Our thoughts are will Takahashi's family, friends, and fans at this time.
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