Lupin the Third anime composer Yuji Ohno dies aged 84

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Yuji Ohno, a celebrated Japanese jazz pianist and composer known for his work on the anime series Lupin the Third, has passed away at 84 years old.

I was so shocked to hear the news – the composer passed away on May 4th, 2026, according to an announcement on his website. It said he was living a normal life right up until the end, and thankfully, he passed away peacefully in his sleep. It’s just so sad.

Ohno is famous worldwide for writing the iconic ‘Theme’ from Lupin the Third, and he largely defined the series’ musical style over many years. His distinctive, jazz-infused compositions made him one of the most important composers in anime history.

Lupin the Third anime composer has died

The official Lupin the Third social media account shared their sadness and appreciation for Ohno’s work, saying, “We offer our deepest condolences and thank him for everything he did over the years.”

Office Augusta, a Japanese music agency, praised Ohno for his long-term contributions to the music industry, stating that his work and music will be cherished by future generations.

Born in 1941, Ohno rose to prominence as a leading composer in Japan after starting his career in the country’s 1960s jazz world. He’s best known for his distinctive jazz style, which became a core part of the Lupin the Third series and helped shape its sound for decades across television, films, and special episodes.

Renowned composer and jazz pianist Yuji Ohno, who created many iconic tracks including the theme song for the anime “Lupin the 3rd Part 2” (1977), passed away on May 4th. We express our deepest condolences and gratitude for his long and impactful career. Thank you.

— アニメ「ルパン三世」公式 (@lupin_anime) May 13, 2026

Throughout his long career, in addition to his work with Lupin, Ohno created music for TV shows, movies, commercials, and various other anime.

The statement said his funeral was a private event for family, but a memorial service will be held at a later time.

Despite the recent passing of Yuji Ohno, Office Augusta confirmed that the Billboard Live TOKYO concert, “Lupintic All Stars Produced by Yuji Ohno,” will proceed as planned on May 30th. According to reports, Ohno had finished preparing for the show before he died.

The statement concluded with a hope that Yuji Ohno’s music will be remembered and enjoyed for years to come.

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2026-05-13 16:49