Animator and anime director Yūji Nunokawa, the founder of Studio Pierrot, passed away on December 25 at the age of 75. Nunokawa's close family will hold a private service, followed by a memorial service organized by the studio.
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Born in Sakata city in Yamagata prefecture, Nunokawa graduated from the Nihon Design School in 1967 and began his career as an animator and technical director at Mushi Production, Studio Jack, and Tatsunoko Production. During his time at these studios, he worked on a number of anime series, including The Funny Judo Champion, Casshan, and Time Bokan, and served as episode director on several of these shows.
In 1979, Nunokawa founded Studio Pierrot, which went on to work on a number of popular anime series, including Magical Angel Creamy Mami, Magical Fairy Persia, Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs, Osomatsu-kun, and Kimagure Orange Road. The studio eventually gained recognition for its adaptations of Weekly Shonen Jump manga, such as Yū Yū Hakusho, Bleach, Naruto, Beelzebub, and Black Clover.
Just before his passing, Nunokawa served as the chair and chief adviser of Studio Pierrot. In 2019, he was honored with the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs award from Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs. Nunokawa's contributions to the anime industry and his impact on the world of animation will not be forgotten.
Born in Sakata city in Yamagata prefecture, Nunokawa graduated from the Nihon Design School in 1967 and began his career as an animator and technical director at Mushi Production, Studio Jack, and Tatsunoko Production. During his time at these studios, he worked on a number of anime series, including The Funny Judo Champion, Casshan, and Time Bokan, and served as episode director on several of these shows.
In 1979, Nunokawa founded Studio Pierrot, which went on to work on a number of popular anime series, including Magical Angel Creamy Mami, Magical Fairy Persia, Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs, Osomatsu-kun, and Kimagure Orange Road. The studio eventually gained recognition for its adaptations of Weekly Shonen Jump manga, such as Yū Yū Hakusho, Bleach, Naruto, Beelzebub, and Black Clover.
Just before his passing, Nunokawa served as the chair and chief adviser of Studio Pierrot. In 2019, he was honored with the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs award from Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs. Nunokawa's contributions to the anime industry and his impact on the world of animation will not be forgotten.
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