Yuji Ohno, the Composer Who Turned Lupin III into Pure Eternal Jazz, Dies

Yuji Ohno, the jazz composer and pianist who defined the sound of Lupin III, passed away on May 4, 2026, at the age of 84. The news was confirmed on May 13 by Office Augusta, his management agency, through a statement published on the musician's official website. According to the text, he died of old age in his sleep, without suffering.

The funeral and farewell were held privately with close family members, and it was announced that a public memorial event would be held at a later date. The concert "Lupintic All Stars Produced by YUJI OHNO," scheduled for May 30 at Billboard Live Tokyo, remained as planned because Ohno had left it prepared before his death.

Ohno debuted as a jazz pianist in the early 1960s and began composing for film and television in the following decade. His main theme for Lupin III first appeared in 1977, as the opening for Lupin III: Part II, and from then on it became an iconic piece of the franchise. In addition to Lupin, he composed for works such as Captain Future and Space Adventure Cobra.

For years he brought his music to the stage with the groups Yuji Ohno & Lupintic Five and, later, Yuji Ohno & Lupintic Six. His work with the Lupin III franchise spanned series, specials, and films for more than four decades.

Originally published on Anitsu by Valeria Quispe. Text reviewed and fact-checked for DonOtaku on November 5, 2026; the original date is preserved.