Yukihiro Shibutani, a distinguished anime background artist and art director, has passed away at the age of 63. He died on September 15 in a Tokyo hospital after a prolonged battle with a chronic illness. A private funeral was held by his close relatives.
Shibutani was a prominent figure at GAKIproAstudio, where he served as a board director. His contributions to the anime industry spanned several decades, and he played a pivotal role in creating the visual aesthetic for many beloved series. Plans for a public memorial service are in place, though details have yet to be finalized, according to Y.A.P. Ishigaki Production, the parent company of GAKIproAstudio.
Known for his significant role as art director for the backgrounds of Natsume’s Book of Friends, Shibutani worked on the series from its debut season in 2008 through to its seventh season, which premiered just this month. Both the official account for the anime and the production studio Shuka shared tributes on social media following his passing.
Shibutani began his career in background art at Y.A.P. Ishigaki Production at the young age of 20, contributing to numerous anime projects since the early 1980s. His extensive portfolio includes notable works such as Patlabor, Detective Conan (including its first 283 episodes and 15 films), Key the Metal Idol, Kamichu!, and To Your Eternity, among many others.
His legacy will continue to influence the anime industry, as fans and colleagues remember his remarkable contributions to the art of storytelling through animation.
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