A leading Japanese manga artist, Fujiko A. Fujio, has died. He was known for such popular series as "Ninja Hattori-kun" and "Kaibutsu-kun," or the monster kid.

He was reportedly found dead at his home in Kawasaki City, near Tokyo, on Thursday morning. He was 88.

The cartoonist was born in Toyama Prefecture in 1934. His real name was Abiko Motoo. He teamed up with a former elementary school classmate, Fujimoto Hiroshi, to make their debut as manga artist Fujiko Fujio.

The duo moved to Tokyo in 1954, and together they created "Obake no Q-Taro," or "Little Ghost Q-Taro" and many other hit manga and animation series.

After dissolving the partnership with Fujimoto in 1987, Abiko continued to create manga as Fujiko A. Fujio.

Besides funny manga series with colorful characters, he also penned works depicting the dark side of society, such as "Warau Salesman," or the laughing salesman.

In 2008, the government awarded him the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, for his achievements in the field.

Fujimoto, the creator of "Doraemon," continued working as Fujiko F. Fujio after dissolving the duo. He died in 1996.