TOKYO : Tributes poured in on Monday for the late Japanese cartoonist Yoshito Usui after it was confirmed that the bruised body found on a mountain belonged to the creator of the popular "Crayon Shin-chan" animation series.

The 51-year-old went missing after he left his home in a suburban city north of Tokyo on September 11 for a mountain day-trip alone in nearby Gunma.

A fellow hiker found a body on Saturday and was confirmed to be Usui's by his family on Sunday.

Described as a recluse who was married with two daughters, police and reports revealed that Usui fell and there was no suicide involved.

Monday saw the celebration of the Respect for the Aged holiday being dampened by news of Usui's death in Kasukabe, otherwise known as a suburban city outside Tokyo

where the cartoonist lived and set the "Crayon Shin-chan" story.

A statement by publisher Futabasha that has released some of his comics said, "We had been praying for Mr Usui's safety with his family but now feel the utmost regret over how things have turned out. We are in a big shock."