The Twitter account for artist Mutsumi Inomata shared sad news on Monday. They revealed that Inomata passed away on March 10. Her family arranged a private funeral to bid her farewell.
According to the announcement, Inomata’s death came unexpectedly. Before she passed away, she had begun working on a new illustration. Even though she’s no longer with us, she left behind the draft for this new artwork.
Inomata is famous for her role as one of the main character designers for Namco’s (later Bandai Namco Entertainment) Tales of series of role-playing games, working alongside Kousuke Fujishima. On Monday, the company expressed their condolences and heartfelt gratitude to Inomata.
They also mentioned that the bond fans have with Inomata’s characters from the series will always be cherished in their hearts.
Inomata played a significant role as the sole character designer for several installments of the Tales of series, including Tales of Destiny, Tales of Destiny 2, Tales of Eternia, Tales of Rebirth, Tales of the Tempest, Tales of Innocence, Tales of Hearts, and Tales of Graces.
Additionally, she collaborated with other character designers on specific character designs for other games in the series.
In the world of anime, Inomata began her journey as an animator at Ashi Production from 1979 until 1982. Later, she, along with some animators from Ashi Production, established Kaname Production.
There, she showcased her talent as a character designer and animator for various anime such as Acrobunch – The Quest for Treasure, Plawres Sanshiro, Leda – The Fantastic Adventure of Yohko, Once Upon a Time, and Watt Poe to Bokura no Ohanashi, among others.
#Talesof series character designer Mutsumi Inomata has passed away. Contributing stunning artworks and unique sense of fashion and fantasy. She's also done numerous works for #DragonQuest (which makes this all sting just a little more). RIP. pic.twitter.com/Sp3GYZCAPt
— RPGFan (dot com) (@rpgfancom) March 18, 2024
In her later career as a freelancer, she contributed character designs to anime like Future GPX Cyber Formula, Saitama Bōsō Saizensen Flag! Shinimonogurui no Seishun!!, and Brain Powerd.
Additionally, she illustrated the Utsunomiko and The Weathering Continent novel series, both of which later served as inspirations for anime adaptations.
