Kazuki Takahashi created Yu-Gi-Oh! in 1996, and it’s as popular as ever. It’s about a world that revolves around playing a card game. You might think it sounds simple, but the story has far more depth than it should.

Kazuki created one of the greatest engineer characters to grace media, the character Seto Kaiba. That character is responsible for bringing the card game to “life” in the story with his never-ending pursuit of technological advancement. You can read about why I think we all can be inspired by Seto Kaiba, and why he is an awesome engineer in my review of the film “Yu-Gi-Oh! The Dark Side of Dimensions.”

343 manga chapters drawn by Kazuki later, we have eight animated series, four movies, 35 billion cards sold, 59 video games, 60 million downloads of the mobile game live services, dozens of  collaborations, and countless other products. It’s popular, to say the least. Kazuki made a profound impact on the entire world.  

Sadly, Kazuki Takahashi passed away on July 4th, 2020, while vacationing alone in Okinawa. At “Mermaid’s Grotto” there was a mother, her boyfriend, and her 11-year-old daughter swept away by turbulent rip currents. Witnesses said Kazuki made his way to the commotion and immediately jumped into the water to save them. Takahashi reportedly reached one of the swimmer’s hands, but large waves and whirlpool-like currents overwhelmed the rescue scene. The original three people made it back to shore, but Kazuki did not.

At 60 years old, Kazuki died a hero.

I was struck by the event. It was shocking. I loved his art and creations, but now, knowing what he did in those final moments, I truly admire him as a person. Such an all-around inspiration.

I go through bouts of over-obsessing on the art, story, and creator of Yu-Gi-Oh! One such time I attempted to draw myself in Kazuki’s style. It’s the best I could do. I loved drawing this. For a split second, I felt like I was in that world.