Manga Artist Ryoichiro Kezuka Passes Away
Ryoichiro Kezuka, the creator of the Record Journey manga, passed away in late May. The news of his death was announced to the public in a report published by Anime News Network on July 15, 2026. While Kezuka's age and cause of death have not yet been disclosed, the manga world is mourning the loss of another talented artist.
Kezuka's most well-known work, Record Journey, followed the epic journey of a protagonist exploring their past in a fantasy world. The series drew attention for its detailed illustrations and emotional depth, quickly building a dedicated fanbase. After being serialized in a magazine in Japan, the manga was also made available to readers on digital platforms. Information regarding Kezuka's other works remains limited at this time.
The manga industry has been shaken by the successive loss of prominent figures in recent years. Kezuka's passing has once again highlighted the fragile environment in which independent and mid-career mangaka work. As the community shares messages of condolence on social media, many readers have expressed how special Record Journey was to them. No official statement has been released by the publisher or his family yet.
The work left behind by Ryoichiro Kezuka will continue to serve as a source of inspiration for the next generation of mangaka. Whether any unfinished chapters of Record Journey will be published in the future remains uncertain for now. While the news of his death has deeply affected manga fans, it seems that Kezuka's drawings and notes will continue to be shared by his admirers for some time to come.
