The Anime's Star and the Series' Author Say Goodbye
Yūya Hirose (広瀬裕也), who voiced protagonist Alto in the 2022 TV anime and is known to international fans as Yūta Hibiki in SSSS.Gridman, posted his farewell on X shortly after the announcement. According to the Oricon News report, Hirose wrote that he was filled with memories from the recording sessions and thanked Umezu for the chance to be part of such a wonderful work, closing with his condolences.
Kōta Amana (天那光汰), who writes the series Umezu illustrated, shared his own statement the same day. He said the news came as a complete shock and left him in deep grief, adding that he could feel Umezu's warm personality and dedication in the manuscript pages she delivered every month.
Monthly Shonen Gangan Confirms the Series Has Ended
The editorial department of Monthly Shonen Gangan, the Square Enix magazine that had run Vermeil in Gold since August 2018, announced Umezu's death on August 12 through the magazine's official site and X account. Per the statement, Umezu died of a cerebral infarction, a type of stroke, on July 7, 2026. Her funeral was held privately with family and close relatives.
The editors noted that such a sudden parting was surely not what Umezu herself would have wanted, and expressed deep respect and gratitude for her artistry. They also confirmed the sad news for readers: the chapter published in the magazine's July issue, which went on sale June 12, 2026, now stands as the series finale. As for the chapters that have not yet been collected in volume form, the editorial department says plans will be announced later in the magazine and on the official site.
What Vermeil in Gold Is About
Vermeil in Gold, serialized in Japan as Kinsou no Vermeil, is a classic school fantasy that pairs flashy magic battles with unabashedly risqué comedy. Alto, a magic-academy student on the verge of being held back a year, dreams of becoming a master mage. One day he breaks the seal on Vermeil, the strongest devil, who then contracts with him as his familiar. The manga follows the pair's bond and growth.
The series became popular enough to earn a TV anime, produced at Staple Entertainment, which aired in Japan from July to September 2022.
Vermeil in Gold was not Umezu's only published work. She also illustrated Minidura, a comedy spinoff of Ryohgo Narita's Durarara!! that ran from 2013 to 2015, according to Anime News Network's obituary.
Where to Watch and Read
International fans can legally watch and read Umezu's best-known work. Sentai Filmworks licensed the 2022 anime, and HIDIVE streams all 12 episodes with both Japanese audio and an English dub. The manga is available in English digitally through Square Enix's Manga UP! Global app and Comikey.
There is no timeline yet for the final uncollected chapters. Any news on how they will be released, in volume form or otherwise, will come first through Monthly Shonen Gangan and the magazine's official site.