Veteran Japanese animator and character designer Kenichirō Katsura has died at the age of 59. Katsura passed away on September 30 while receiving medical treatment for an illness, according to a statement from his wife and fellow animator Satoko Miyachi. His death was announced on October 5, with his funeral held privately with close family members.
Miyachi thanked the fans who supported Katsura’s work throughout his career, as well as the animation studios and staff members he worked alongside. The specific illness was not disclosed by his family.
The news has since prompted tributes from several anime productions associated with Katsura, including Synduality: Noir and Knight’s & Magic. Both production committees recognized his contributions to their respective series.
KATSURA’S CAREER SPANNED MACROSS 7 TO SYNDUALITY: NOIR
Katsura began working in animation during the 1980s and eventually became involved with several major anime productions. One of his most notable early achievements came with Macross 7, where he worked as an animation director on four episodes and later contributed to the franchise as a character designer.
His work extended to Macross 7 Plus and Macross 7: The Movie – The Galaxy’s Calling Me!, further establishing his connection to the long-running science-fiction franchise. He also contributed key animation to series including Ranma ½, Noir, Date A Live II and Blue Lock 2nd Season.
In more recent years, Katsura served as character designer and chief animation director for Synduality: Noir, as well as character designer and chief animation director on Knight’s & Magic. He also held chief animation director roles on The Fruit of Grisaia, The Eden of Grisaia, How to Keep a Mummy and That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime.
Katsura continued working until 2026. His recent credits included animation direction on Gintama: The Movie 2026: Yoshiwara in Flames and key animation on That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea. Both films were released in Japan earlier this year.
The official Synduality: Noir and Knight’s & Magic accounts shared condolences following his death, remembering Katsura for his work as a character designer and chief animation director.
