Manga Artist Ritsuhiro Mikami Passes Away
Ritsuhiro Mikami, a manga artist known especially for his illustrations in the series "Makai Ouji: Devils and Realist", passed away due to illness on April 17, 2026. The news of his death was confirmed by official sources on June 5, 2026.
Mikami had gained an international fanbase as the illustrator of the series "Makai Ouji: Devils and Realist" (2011-2020) written by Madoka Takadono. This story, blending occult and political intrigue, revolved around the encounter of a young nobleman, William Twining, with the prince of hell. The series was published in 19 volumes and translated into many languages outside Japan.
The artist is known to have worked in various genres throughout his career. Mikami's illustration style was notable for its detailed character designs and gothic atmosphere. While no detailed statement was made regarding the cause of death, it was learned that his family and close circle held a private ceremony.
The manga world published condolence messages on social media after Mikami's passing. Many readers remember with gratitude the unique world and aesthetic sense the artist created with "Makai Ouji". The series' author, Madoka Takadono, also stated in a statement, "It was a privilege to work with him. His illustrations added soul to this story."
Ritsuhiro Mikami's death is a deep loss for both newcomers to manga and longtime fans. His works will continue to be a source of inspiration, especially for lovers of gothic-themed manga. Currently, no memorial event or exhibition has been announced, but it is rumored that publishers may plan some special editions in the near future.
