Youko Umezu, Vermeil in Gold’s Manga Illustrator, Has Died

Youko Umezu, Vermeil in Gold‘s illustrator, passed away on July 7 due to an ischemic stroke. Monthly Shonen Gangan broke the news through its official X account on August 11. The magazine also mentioned that Umezu-sensei had a small funeral with their friends and family in attendance. According to their post, the illustrator had no pre-existing conditions. With Umezu-sensei’s passing, Vermeil in Gold has ended its serialization. The chapter released in June will be the last.

Square Enix stated that they will inform fans of the series about the plans for the manga’s uncollected chapters at a later date.

Vermeil in Gold Manga Details

Kouta Amana (author) and Youko Umezu debuted Kinsou no Vermeil: Gakeppuchi Majutsushi wa Saikyou no Yakusai to Mahou Sekai wo Tsukisusumu in August 2018. Square Enix’s Monthly Shonen Gangan magazine serialized Vermeil in Gold from its debut until June 12, 2026.

Staple Entertainment, known for their work on Tales of Wedding Rings, animated Vermeil in Gold. HIDIVE streams the anime in select territories. The story follows Alto Goldfilled, a hardworking mage (in training) at the Ortiga Academy of Magic. Despite his best efforts, Alto constantly fails to summon a familiar.

Fed up with his failures and desperately worried that he’ll fail his school year, Alto uses a grimoire to facilitate his summoning magic. But instead of a black cat or owl, he summons a busty demon! And if that weren’t enough, since the demon Vermeil is now his familiar, she gets to live with him! And she constantly tries to plap plap plap the young Alto.

RIP Youko Umezu

I’ve been an anime blogger for about three years now, and in that time I’ve written a few articles about the death of industry professionals. Youko Umezu hit especially hard. I love Vermeil in Gold — it’s my kind of ecchi. I still held hope that one day the anime would get another season, maybe when the story concluded. But it shows that you never have the time you think you have. Sometimes death isn’t a prolonged affair. Often, it’s mere moments. So take the time to tell the people you love that you care for them. Enjoy the things near to you while you’re able to. Rest in peace, Umezu-sensei. Your work will be missed.

Source: Monthly Shonen Gangan X Account
© Kouta Amana • Youko Umezu / SQUARE ENIX

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