Kazuo Umezu, a renowned manga artist best known for works like 'The Drifting Classroom' and 'Makoto-chan', has passed away at the age of 88. Umezu began creating manga in the fourth grade and gained a reputation as a leading figure in the horror genre with titles such as 'Snake Girl', 'Orochi', and 'Cat-Eyed Boy'. His 1976 series, 'Makoto-chan', featured a kindergarten protagonist and became famous for a quirky hand sign that became a fad among children. Umezu's 'The Drifting Classroom' and others earned him the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award in 1975. Umezu's unique style and contribution to manga have left a lasting impact on the industry.