We just lost another legend today 😔 Anime just lost a veteran behind Akira, Death Note, Naruto and today’s biggest isekai titles. Director and animator Yūji Yanase has passed away at 59. His death was announced today by the production committees behind The Insipid Prince’s Furtive Grab for the Throne and The World’s Strongest Rearguard, two currently airing anime he directed. Their staffs expressed deep gratitude for his work and sorrow over his sudden passing. Yanase spent decades working across nearly every level of anime production. His extensive credits included: • Akira — In-Between Animation • Death Note — Key Animation • Hellsing — Animation Director • Chobits — Animation Director • Naruto: Shippuden — Episode Direction • Pokémon XY — Episode Direction • Macross 7 — Key Animation • Aria the Animation — Animation Director • Symphogear — Animation Director • Saint Seiya Omega — Animation Director He later became especially known as a series director, leading anime including In Another World With My Smartphone, If It’s for My Daughter, I’d Even Defeat a Demon Lord, By the Grace of the Gods, In the Land of Leadale, My Unique Skill Makes Me OP Even at Level 1, I’ll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History, and Apocalypse Bringer Mynoghra. His directing career began with Himegoto in 2014. His final chapter is especially bittersweet, with two series under his direction still airing when news of his passing was announced. Rest in peace, Yūji Yanase. From animator to director, his work quietly became part of decades of anime history. 🕊️