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 | |
| Born | 11 February 1947 Sakata, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan |
| Died | 25 December 2022 (aged 75) |
| Other names | Yû Sakata |
| Employers |
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Life and career
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 and the Blue Ribbon Medal of Honor.[2][3] He died on 25 December 2022, at the age of 75.[1][2][3]