Following the news of renowned manga artist Kazuo Umezz’s passing on October 28, 2024, at the age of 88, the French Embassy expressed its condolences on social media. Shogakukan announced the loss on November 5, prompting a heartfelt tribute from the embassy’s official X account, recognizing Umezz’s profound impact on global audiences.

In their message, the French Embassy honored Umezz’s unique artistry, saying, “We are deeply saddened by the news of Kazuo Umezz’s passing. His works, blending the grotesque with beauty, horror with humor, and reality with fantasy, enthralled and unsettled many, pulling viewers into his artistic horrors. His unique world-building earned him the Heritage Award at the Angoulême International Comics Festival in 2018. We extend our deepest condolences.”

Accompanying the tribute was an image of the French cover of My Name is Shingo (Je Suis Shingo), one of Umezz’s most acclaimed works in France.

Kazuo Umezz’s Enduring Legacy and Contributions

Born in 1936 in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, Umezz started drawing manga in elementary school. His breakout works, including Snake Girl and Nekome Kozou, earned him the title “God of Horror Manga.” At the same time, Umezz demonstrated his versatility with the comedy Makoto-chan, where the iconic gag “Gwashi!” became a cultural phenomenon in Japan.

His works include a vast array of popular titles, such as Orochi, The Baptism, My Name is Shingo, Left Hand of God, Right Hand of the Devil, and 14 Years Old. In 2022, he released 20KU-SHINGO, his first new work in 27 years, cementing his creative legacy. Umezz’s achievements have been widely recognized, including the Shogakukan Manga Award for The Drifting Classroom in 1975, the Heritage Award at Angoulême in 2018 for My Name is Shingo, the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Award in 2019, and the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize Special Award in 2023.

Source : ORICON NEWS