Jazz pianist and composer Yuji Ohno, known for works such as "Lupin the Third Theme," has died of old age at the age of 84.
Yuji Ohno was born on May 30, 1941, in Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture. He started playing piano in elementary school and taught himself jazz during high school. While attending Keio University, he was a member of the student big band, the Light Music Society. He began his career as a jazz pianist with the Koji Fujie Quintet. Eventually, he formed his own band, the Yuji Ohno Trio. After the band disbanded, he worked as a composer, creating a vast amount of music for commercials, as well as music for films and television shows such as "The Inugami Family" and "Proof of the Man."
In 1977, he composed the music for the TV anime "Lupin the Third," which would become his life's work. Furthermore, in 1978, the soundtrack for the drama "The Great Chase" (Nippon Television) became popular.
In recent years, he has focused his composition activities on "Lupin the Third" and NHK's "Small Journey," and has resumed his activities as a performer. In 2022, he fell ill and was hospitalized, but in 2024 he announced his return, although not on stage.
◇The comments are as follows:
Announcement of the passing of Yuji Ohno
Our affiliated composer and jazz pianist, Yuji Ohno, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026, due to old age. He was 84 years old.
We express our deepest gratitude for the exceptional kindness you showed her during her lifetime, and we respectfully inform you of her passing. Until just before her death, she was behaving as usual and passed away peacefully in her sleep without suffering.
Since making his debut as a jazz pianist in the early 1960s, he has produced numerous works, including the music for the anime "Lupin the Third," and has contributed to the development of the music industry for many years. We are confident that his achievements and music will continue to be loved and cherished for generations to come.
Please note that the funeral and memorial service have already been held with only close family members present, in accordance with the wishes of the bereaved family. We plan to hold a memorial service at a later date, and we will inform you again at that time.
Furthermore, the "Lupintic All Stars Produced by YUJI OHNO" concert scheduled for May 30th at Billboard Live TOKYO will proceed as planned, as preparations for it had been made by the deceased during his lifetime.
I hope that Yuji Ohno's music will continue to live on in the hearts of many people.
May 13, 2026
Office Augusta Co., Ltd.
