Veteran anime art director Yukihiro Shibutani passed away at the age of 63. He had been battling a chronic illness before his death on September 15. In addition to his work as an art director, Shibutani was also a background artist and the representative director of GAKIpro Astudio.
Born in 1960 in Tsuruta, Aomori Prefecture, Shibutani started his career at Ishigaki Production in his twenties. Over the years, he contributed his talents to popular anime series such as Akira, Lupin III, Detective Conan, Gintama, and Natsume’s Book of Friends.
Natsume’s Book of Friends, in particular, paid tribute to Shibutani on their official Twitter account. They praised him for being an essential part of the art department since the beginning of the series, bringing warmth, tenderness, and beauty to the story.
Shibutani’s work has left a lasting impact on the world of anime art direction, and his contributions will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike. His attention to detail and ability to create visually stunning backgrounds added depth and emotion to the anime series he worked on.
The anime community mourns the loss of a talented artist and director who dedicated his life to creating captivating visuals for beloved series. Shibutani’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of artists and animators to strive for excellence in their craft. May he rest in peace knowing that his work has touched the hearts of many around the world.
