Monkey Punch has Passed Away (1937 - 2019)

The manga community was heartbroken to learn that Kazuhiko Katō (better known by his pen name Monkey Punch) has passed away on April 11th at the age of 81.

Having had a long and fulfilling career as a manga writer and artist, Monkey Punch is best known for creating Lupin the Third. What started as a three month project evolved to become one of the most iconic media franchises has included several anime adaptations, which also help launch the career of Hayao Miyazaki and gave us one of the most iconic theme songs. The series also has been a source of influence for so many artists and writers.

2017 was a big year for Katō as it was declared “The Year of Lupin” in honor of the series 50th anniversary.

Tributes from the Entertainment World

Following news of his death, the world has been quick to show their respect for this icon. Here are some of the tributes we found:

Thank you for inspiring generations of fans with your work. Thank you for everything, Monkey Punch. pic.twitter.com/lRJudj8Tak
— Crunchyroll (@Crunchyroll) April 17, 2019

Monkey Punch is known as Lupin III but also The Technicolor Time Machine by Harry Harrison as he drew the cover & illustrations. Reiji Matsumoto, Shotaro Ishinomori, all those popular manga artists worked on Hayakawa SF novels. This novel led me to know who Harry Harrison was. pic.twitter.com/QBINmUt0Sn
— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) April 17, 2019

So sad to hear that Monkey Punch, the creator Lupin III, passed away last week.
I can’t count the hours of inspiration I’ve gleaned from his creations over the years. pic.twitter.com/ySRPoaLEWW
— CHRIS SAMNEE (@ChrisSamnee) April 16, 2019

With a heavy heart we share the news Monkey Punch – the creator of #LupinThe3rd – has passed away

Help us celebrate his immortal creation with a special screening of #CastleOfCagliostro this weekend at @nitehawkcinema https://t.co/kCYVojJjTS pic.twitter.com/0FevRvPxYP
— Anime NYC (@animenyc) April 16, 2019

Damn…. Monkey Punch 🥀💔 pic.twitter.com/VmZ8wTiPtp
— Victoria (@sailorbee) April 16, 2019

We're so saddened to hear the passing of LUPIN THE 3rd creator Monkey Punch. Thank you for the immeasurable joy and excitement you brought to us through Lupin and his gang. pic.twitter.com/SanuItMdCE
— TMS Entertainment (@tmsanime) April 16, 2019

Monkey Punch still traveled a lot, still seemed full of energy at his appearances. He must've taken a sudden turn, that's a bummer. RIP 🙁
— Mike Toole (@MichaelToole) April 16, 2019

RIP to Kazuhiko Kato, a.k.a. Monkey Punch, the legendary creator of Lupin III. Thank you for all the amazing stories over the years. pic.twitter.com/qSeSN208Iz
— Dan Casey (@DanCasey) April 16, 2019

RIP Monkey Punch, you gave us one of the most fun anime characters of all time, Lupin III. We’ve lost one of the great ones. pic.twitter.com/S0YE5Cxw18
— LORD DEATH DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) April 16, 2019