Japanese animator-director Shigeki Awai, known for My Hero Academia and Attack on Titan, passes away at 71

His latest work consists of Suicide Squad ISEKAI, The Misfit of Demon King Academy Season 2, Terminator Zero and Uzumaki.

Renowned Japanese animator and director Shigeki Awai has passed away at 71, leaving the anime community in mourning. Tributes have been pouring in following the heartbreaking news, confirmed by reliable sources.

On March 19, Anime News Centre reported that Awai, a veteran episode director, had been a key figure in the industry since the 1980s.

According to artist profiles on MyAnimeList and Anime News Network, Shigeki Awai made significant contributions to numerous legendary anime franchises, cementing his legacy in the industry.

His work extended across beloved titles such as Naruto: Shippuden, Bokuto: Naruto Next Generations, One Punch Man, Black Clover, My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan, One Piece, Detective Conan, Doraemon, Bungo Stray Dogs, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Kuroko's Basketball, Haikyu!!, Food Wars!, Mobile Suit Gundam, Seven Deadly Sins, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Tower of God, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Beyblade, and many more.

His latest work consists of Suicide Squad ISEKAI, The Misfit of Demon King Academy Season 2, Terminator Zero and Uzumaki.

Several artists poured in their tributes for the late director including animators Hideaki Matsuoka and Tsutomu Ohno. Hideaki remembered the good old times in the 80s and 90s as they worked together on many projects. Meanwhile, Tsutomu recalled how he got good guidance from Shigeki when they worked together.