The manga world mourns the loss of legendary horror creatorKazuo Umezu, who passed away last week at 88. With a diverse portfolio encompassing science fiction, comedy, and horror, Umezu’s most enduring legacy lies in his pioneering work in the horror genre, earning him the revered title “Godfather of Japanese Horror Manga.” Though Western fans might be most familiar with horror manga through theworks of horror manga pioneers like Junji Ito, Umezu was an absolute icon whose influence is impossible to understate.
As reported byYomiuri Shimbun’s English language newspaper,The Japan News, the renowned manga creator passed away on August 23, 2025. According to the story, Umezu’s health issues began in July, when he collapsed and was subsequently diagnosed with stomach cancer. Further testing revealed the cancer was terminal, prompting end-of-life care to begin in September. Thankfully, Umezu passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.
Umezu Was A Pioneer Of Horror Manga
Umezu was a legend in the manga world, andone of the best mangaka in the medium’s history. Determined to become a manga artist from a young age, he published his first two works,BessekaiandMori no Kyodai, as an 18-year-old high school student. Within a few years, he found his true calling in the industry, namely, creating horror stories that blended supernatural and paranormal elements with grotesque, boundary-defying art styles. HIs first horror series of not was the trilogyReptilia, whose final part was published in 1966. He followed this up in 1969 withOrochi, which helped firmly establish him as a horror mangaka extraordinaire.
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A few years later, in 1972, he began what would become his most famous series,The Drifting Classroom. The story follows an elementary school that is suddenly and inexplicably transported in the middle of a school day to an alternate post-apocalyptic reality. With no one understanding why they’ve been sent there or how to return home, the story delves into the horrors of the unknown and how it affects children and adults differently. In 1974, the series won the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award.
The Legacy Of Kazuo Umezu
Not unlike other pioneering mangaka who cut their teeth in the industry during its golden era, Umezu had a profound influence on the development of horror manga as a genre, as well as on younger horror manga authors. Legendary horror mangaka Junji Ito named Umezu as one of his childhood influences. But horror wasn’t his only interest. Later, Umezu authored a number of popular and critically acclaimed science fiction stories, such asMy Name is Shingo, as well as several comedy stories, including the fan favoriteMakoto-chan.
Regardless of which work fans know him for, Umezu left a massive legacy in the world of manga, including some of thescariest horror manga of all time. Few horror creators can truly claim the status of industry titan likeKazuoUmezu, and though he will be eternally missed by his loved ones and fans, he’s leaving behind an impressive body of creative work that will continue to inspire future generations of mangaka for a long time.
