As time goes by, the Japanese entertainment scene has had to say goodbye to many iconic figures who have left a lasting mark. Sadly, renowned art director Shigemi Ikeda (池田繁美), celebrated for his incredible work on various anime series, passed away at the age of 69. While the exact cause of his death hasn’t been made public, his studio, GONZO, confirmed that he passed away peacefully on October 13, 2024. The news was shared by his family on October 26 through Shigemi’s Twitter account.
In their heartfelt tweet, his family wrote, "This is Ikeda’s family. On October 13, Ikeda passed away peacefully at the age of 69. We are grateful to everyone who knew him. Thank you very much. The funeral was private, and we kindly ask for no flowers or condolence offerings." To honor Shigemi’s impressive contributions to anime, let’s dive into five standout highlights from his remarkable 43-year career.
1. Emmy Award Winner in 2009
One of Shigemi’s biggest achievements was earning a Primetime Emmy Award in 2009 for his role as the art director of the television movie Afro Samurai: Resurrection (アフロサムライ レザレクション). This work was significant as it marked the first time a Japanese-animated production received this prestigious recognition, showcasing Shigemi’s talent and creativity.
2. Contributor to My Hero Academia
Shigemi played a major role in the popular superhero anime My Hero Academia (僕のヒーローアカデミア), contributing to the visual designs across all seven seasons since its debut in 2016. This anime, inspired by Horikoshi Kōhei’s manga, has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. While it’s unclear if he’ll be involved in the upcoming final season set to air in 2025, his impactful design work undoubtedly helped shape the series’ massive appeal.
3. Founder of Atelier Musa
In 1986, Shigemi founded Atelier Musa, a Tokyo-based art studio known for its top-notch background art and design. Their meticulous attention to detail has made the studio a powerhouse in the anime community, firmly establishing itself by working on popular franchises like Gundam. It’s no surprise that many fans can pinpoint their stunning visual impacts in their favorite shows.
4. Art Director for One-Punch Man
Shigemi also made waves with his work on One-Punch Man (ワンパンマン), overseeing the art direction for both seasons launched in 2015. This hilarious yet action-packed series is adored by fans, and it’s set to return for its third season in 2025. Although his involvement in the upcoming season remains uncertain, the vibrant visuals he created certainly left a lasting impression.
5. Creativity in My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU
Shigemi showcased his versatility by serving as the art director for the romantic comedy series My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU (やはり俺の青春ラブコメはまちがっている). His artistic vision helped bring the show’s slice-of-life elements to life, proving his adaptability across various genres. Fans of this series appreciate how Shigemi’s design choices create relatable and engaging atmospheres.
Though Shigemi Ikeda has passed on, his legacy lives on through his incredible body of work, bringing joy to fans and continuing to inspire the anime industry.
Sources: Twitter, PinkVilla, Sportskeeda
Contributed by Alia.
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