Yuji Nunokawa (Japanese: 布川ゆうじ; 11 February 1947 – 25 December 2022) was a Japanese anime producer, animator and director.

Yuji Nunokawa
布川ゆうじ
Nunokawa in 2015
Born11 February 1947 (1947-02-11)
Died25 December 2022 (2022-12-26) (aged 75)
Other namesYû Sakata
Employers

Life and career

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Born in Sakata, Yamagata to a family of tailors, Nunokawa studied at the Nippon Design Welfare College, graduating in 1967.[1] He made his professional debut as a colorist for an Eiken subsidiary.[2] He then worked as a freelancer animator and a technical director at several anime production companies, notably Mushi Production and Tatsunoko Production.[1][3] He was key animator for Robotan, and he made his directorial debut in 1975 with the series Time Bokan.[1]

In 1979 Nunokawa decided to establish his own company, and founded Studio Pierrot, which in a few years got a string of successes, including Creamy Mami, Kimagure Orange Road, Naruto, YuYu Hakusho, Bleach, Tokyo Ghoul.[1][2][3] He also served as chairman of the Association of Japanese Animations from 2009 to 2014.[2]

During his career Nunokawa received various awards and honours, notably the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Award [ja] and the Blue Ribbon Medal of Honor.[2][3] He died on 25 December 2022, at the age of 75.[1][2][3]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Alexa, Laurén (28 December 2022). "Famed 'Naruto' Producer and Studio Pierrot Founder Yuji Nunokawa Dies at 75". Animation World Network. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e Lang, Jamie (27 December 2022). "Yuji Nunokawa, Founder Of 'Naruto' Studio Pierrot, Dies At 75". Cartoon Brew. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d Suzuki, Miki (26 December 2022). "Yūji Nunokawa, Studio Pierrot Founder, Dies at 75". CBR. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
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Yuji Nunokawa at IMDb