“Lupin the Third” Theme Song Composer Yuji Ono Dies at 84

Tokyo, May 13 (Jiji Press)–Japanese composer and jazz pianist Yuji Ono, well known for the theme song of popular Japanese animation series “Lupin the Third,” died of natural causes on May 4. He was 84. A native of Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, Ono taught himself jazz in high school before working as a jazz pianist and later composing music for television programs and films. His most famous work was the music, released in 1977, for the TV animation series “Lupin the Third,” whose theme song became iconic. He later composed the music for the animated film “Lupin the Third: The Castle of Cagliostro,” as well as for films including “The Inugami Family” and “Never Give Up.” His work also extended to the anime series “Space Cobra,” as well as the travel program “Chiisana Tabi” of public broadcaster Japan Broadcasting Corp., or NHK. He also wrote songs for TV commercials, including the jingle for Meiji Co.’s “Kinoko no Yama” chocolate biscuit. In recent years, he resumed his band activities. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]