R.I.P. Kazuki Takahashi...

Cheery_Sunshine said:
No, this is definitely not a joke. Kazuki Takahashi had just died on July 6. He was found off the coast wearing snorkeling gear at Nago, Okinawa...

News: https://twitter.com/okinawa_nhk/status/1544939487062822913?s=20&t=JVEWnFdHqhz2j32faDO-Og

This is extremely devastating news, especially to his friends, family, and anyone who had such a deep admiration for his work and was inspired from him. My heart goes out for all of them and may he Rest In Peace and his legacy live on forever.

Army officer recognized for rescuing three people from riptide that killed ‘Yu-Gi-Oh!’ creator

By MATTHEW M. BURKE
STARS AND STRIPES • October 11, 2022

TORII STATION, Okinawa – A U.S. Army officer was recognized for rescuing three people from a riptide at a popular Okinawa dive spot in an episode that apparently killed a well-known Japanese manga artist.

Maj. Robert Bourgeau, 49, of Missoula, Mont., the deputy operations officer for the 10th Support Group at Torii Station in Yomitan, was nominated by his command last month for the Soldier’s Medal for his actions during the July 4 rescue at Mermaid’s Grotto in Onna. The medal recognizes acts of heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy.

Kazuki Takahashi, 60, the creator of the popular Japanese manga series “Yu-Gi-Oh!,” attempted to aid Bourgeau in the rescue, unbeknownst to the American, and drowned in the process, a pained Bourgeau told Stars and Stripes on Oct. 3.

. . .

Bourgeau jumped into the rip current and sped out to the girl, but was quickly exhausted as he worked to bring her toward the shallows, he said. Then he encountered her mother who had somehow been sucked into the swirling waters as well.

“I grabbed mom and I grabbed [the girl] and I just kicked for all life,” Bourgeau said.

At some point during the rescue, Takahashi entered the water, Bourgeau said. He said he didn't see the Japanese icon during the ordeal. Bourgeau's students caught glimpses of him until he disappeared beneath the waves.

"He's a hero," Bourgeau said of Takahashi. "He died trying to save someone else."

Fario-P said:
3 months later and we just got more news about his death.

azenobio said:
I’m completely devastated.

Kazuki Takahashi was not only one of my artistic influences growing up, but his creation saved my life.

It was so hard growing up when I was the only girl I knew of, besides the internet, that was into this series and I was severely bullied for it. My home life was not so great and that’s where I relied heavily on this manga as my friends. Everyone failed to protect me but I felt more protected by these books. As I grew up I was able to form many friendships of course, but during the 2000s when I was a child it was hard to get through things alone. Yugioh gave me the confidence to strive for a better future. It gave me the strength I needed to pass through my traumas and I wanted to have friendships like the ones depicted in the series. All else I can really say is thank you, Kazuki Takahashi. For enhancing my childhood in every way possible. I don’t think I’d be here today if it wasn’t for the friends you created.

RIP to a freaking legend.

kokoronokoe said:
This is so touching,I wish your words reach him in some way. If I was him and I knew that my work had influenced and even saved people that way,I`d be extremely happy.