Kazuki Motoyama, the acclaimed Japanese manga artist best known for his work on the Super Mario manga series, has passed away at the age of 69.
Motoyama’s passing was confirmed by Japanese media earlier this week, sparking tributes from fans and fellow creators across the manga and gaming communities.
His long-running Super Mario-kun series, which began in 1991, captured the humor and spirit of Nintendo’s beloved video game franchise, inspiring generations of readers.
Throughout his career, Motoyama’s storytelling and playful art style helped bridge the worlds of comics and gaming, earning him recognition as one of the most influential creators in game-based manga.
Fans around the world continue to celebrate his legacy, sharing favorite moments and panels that defined childhoods and connected cultures through laughter and imagination.
