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Horror manga author Kazuo Umezu, known as the ‘God of Horror Manga,’ passed away on Oct 28 at the age of 88. His funeral was held privately, attended only by close family and associates.
A public memorial service will be arranged later to honor his memory.
According to Yomiuri Shimbun, Umezu passed away due to stomach cancer.
Umezu had collapsed at his Tokyo home in Kichijoji in July 2024 and was later diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer. He opted not to undergo surgery, receiving palliative care at a hospice in Tokyo.
Throughout his illness, Umezu remained passionately committed to his craft.
When a journalist visited him, he revealed his drive to create, stating, “Humans can’t lose to machines. I’m working on a story that won’t lose to quantum computers.” He shared glimpses of a new concept he was developing, saying, “Once I’m better, I’ll need to draw this story.”
Despite his deteriorating health, Umezu established the UMEZZ Foundation in August to manage his copyrights and ensure his work would be preserved for future generations. He expressed excitement about future events and projects to celebrate his work.
Although he disliked pain and refused injections or IV drips, relying solely on medication, his condition rapidly declined in October.
Yusuke Ueno, representative director of the UMEZZ Foundation, who stayed with him during his final days, shared with Yomiuri Shimbun that Umezu requested his favorite energy drink and an onigiri rice ball on the afternoon of Oct 28.
After taking a small sip, he reportedly smiled and said, “Delicious,” before passing away peacefully.
“He had a very peaceful expression. It was so sudden, but it was exactly as he wished. He wanted to go as if falling asleep,” Ueno said.
At the funeral, Umezu’s trademark red-and-white striped shirt and red cap were placed with him in his casket. His memorial portrait captured him in his iconic “Gwashi!” pose.
“Kazuo Umezu wished for his works to reach people worldwide and be cherished across generations. He had deep faith in the artistic value of his creations, and we hope his spirit will continue to resonate with his fans,” stated his art company UMEZZ.
Shogakukan and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions also expressed their respect, saying, “Umezu-sensei left revolutionary works across horror, comedy, and sci-fi genres. He even transcended the medium through his ventures into film and art exhibitions. We extend our gratitude and condolences for his lifelong achievements.“
Some of Kazuo Umezu’s prominent works include The Drifting Classroom, Makoto-chan, My Name Is Shingo, Orochi, Baptism, God’s Left Hand, Devil’s Right Hand, and Cat-Eyed Boy, among others.
