The publisher Shogakukan announced on Wednesday that Golgo 13 manga creator Takao Saito passed away on September 24 at 10:42 am from pancreatic cancer. He was 84.

According to Saito’s last wish, Saito Production will continue the manga with the assistance of the editorial department of Shogakukan’s Big Comic magazine and an additional scriptwriting staff.

訃報：さいとう・たかを氏 ご逝去https://t.co/pcIrgg1kbz

— ビッグコミック編集部 (@bigcomic_mg) September 29, 2021

Saito was born in Wakayama in November 1936. He debuted with the Kūki Danshaku manga in 1955. He also published the Sagashiya hage Taka Tōjō!! manga in 1968 before launching Golgo 13 later that same year.

Saito’s Golgo 13 series, which follows the exploits of a highly-skilled assassin is the oldest manga still in publication.

First published in 1968, it was recognized by Guinness World Records as setting a new record for volumes when its 201st volume went on sale in July.

Its 202nd came out earlier this month. Saito Production launched the first-ever spinoff manga for the franchise on July 17.

The manga celebrated its 50th year of serialization in 2018, and Saito celebrated his 65th year as a manga creator in 2020.

Golgo 13 won the 21st Shogakukan Manga Award, a Japan Cartoonists Association Grand Prize award, and the special judge’s award at the 50th Shogakukan Manga Awards. Saito was awarded the Medal of Honor With Purple Ribbon in 2003, and the Order of Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays With Rosette in 2010.

Our entire Team’s thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by his sudden passing away.

Source: Kyodo News