Toyoo Ashida Dead at 67

Anime director and character designer Toyoo Ashida passed away on Saturday, July 23, at the age of 67. Ashida may be most fondly remembered among American otaku as the director of the Fist of the North Star television series and first movie, and director of the 1985 Vampire Hunter D movie. More recently, Ashida directed Madhouse’s 2009 television anime series Souten Koro.

Ashida founded the Studio Live anime production company in 1976 and co-founded the Japan Animation Creators Association (JAniCA) in 2007, serving as its president from the organization’s foundation until his death.

Anime has lost a great talent and voice.

Source: Anime News Network