(CNN) --
Kazuki Takahashi, the creator of the internationally successful manga and trading card game Yu-Gi-Oh!, was found dead on Wednesday.
He was 60 years old.
Takahashi's body was recovered off the coast of Okinawa in southern Japan, a coast guard officer in Nago city told CNN.
Takahashi was found wearing snorkeling gear, including a snorkel mask and fins, the official said, adding that his death is being investigated.
Created in 1996 by Takahashi, Yu-Gi-Oh!
began as a manga in the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump, a Japanese anthology that has also been the home of popular series like Dragon Ball and Demon Slayer.
Yu-Gi-Oh!
It reached its worldwide popularity during the 2000s and its card game saw a resurgence during the covid-19 pandemic.
Japanese video and entertainment company Konami, which produces and distributes trading cards, has pledged along with Takahashi's countless fans to continue the legacy of Yu-Gi-Oh!