Yuji Nunokawa, the founder and president of Studio Pierrot, one of the most influential and successful anime studios in Japan, passed away on December 25, 2022, at the age of 75. His death was confirmed by his company on December 26, 2022, in an official statement on Twitter. The cause of his death was not revealed, but reports suggest that he died suddenly at his home. Nunokawa was a producer, director, and animator who worked on many popular anime series and films, such as Naruto, Bleach, Yu Yu Hakusho, Kimagure Orange Road, Tokyo Ghoul, and many more. He was also a leader in the anime industry, serving as the chairman of the Association of Japanese Animations from 2009 to 2014. He received various awards and honors for his contributions to anime, such as the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Award and the Blue Ribbon Medal of Honor.
Early Life and Career
Nunokawa was born on February 11, 1947, in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture, to a family of tailors. He studied at the Nippon Design Welfare College, graduating in 1967. He made his professional debut as a colorist for an Eiken subsidiary. He then worked as a freelancer animator and a technical director at several anime production companies, notably Mushi Production and Tatsunoko Production. He was a key animator for Robotan, and he made his directorial debut in 1975 with the series Time Bokan.
Studio Pierrot and Success
In 1979, Nunokawa decided to establish his own company, and founded Studio Pierrot, which soon became one of the leading anime studios in Japan. Studio Pierrot produced a number of hit animations for television and films, such as Creamy Mami, Urusei Yatsura, Maison Ikkoku, Kimagure Orange Road, Fushigi Yugi, Saiyuki, Naruto, Bleach, Yu Yu Hakusho, Tokyo Ghoul, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, and many more. Nunokawa served as a producer or executive producer for most of these works, as well as a director for some of them. He also collaborated with other famous anime creators, such as Hayao Miyazaki, Osamu Tezuka, Rumiko Takahashi, Yoshiyuki Tomino, Masashi Kishimoto, Tite Kubo, and others.
Legacy and Tributes
Nunokawa’s death was mourned by many fans and colleagues in the anime industry and beyond. Many expressed their gratitude and admiration for his work and his impact on anime culture. Some of the tributes that were posted online are:
- Masashi Kishimoto (creator of Naruto): “I am deeply saddened by the news of Mr. Nunokawa’s passing. He was the one who gave me the opportunity to make Naruto into an anime. He always supported me with his passion and enthusiasm. He was a great mentor and a friend to me. I will never forget his kindness and his smile. Thank you for everything you have done for Naruto and for me.”
- Tite Kubo (creator of Bleach): “Mr. Nunokawa was a legend in the anime industry. He was the producer of Bleach and many other amazing works. He was always cheerful and energetic, and he had a great sense of humor. He was like a father figure to me and to many other manga artists. He taught me a lot about anime production and storytelling. I owe him so much for making Bleach into an anime that millions of people loved. I will miss him dearly.”
- Yoshihiro Togashi (creator of Yu Yu Hakusho): “Mr. Nunokawa was a visionary and a pioneer in the anime industry. He was the producer of Yu Yu Hakusho and many other classic works. He had a keen eye for talent and quality. He was always respectful and supportive of my creative vision. He was a generous and warm-hearted person who cared about his staff and his fans. He was one of the best producers I have ever worked with. I am honored to have known him.”
- Hayao Miyazaki (co-founder of Studio Ghibli): “Mr. Nunokawa was a colleague and a friend who I respected greatly. He was one of the founders of Studio Pierrot, which was one of the first independent anime studios in Japan. He produced many wonderful works that inspired generations of anime fans and creators. He was also a leader in the anime industry who advocated for the rights and welfare of animators. He was a man of integrity and passion who loved anime with all his heart.”
