Ufotable has announced the death of art director Kazuo Ebisawa at age 71. The studio held a private service and will not accept condolences or flowers. Read the
Ufotable Art Director Kazuo Ebisawa Passes Away at 71
On April 30, the renowned Japanese animation studio Ufotable announced that its celebrated art director, Kazuo Ebisawa, had died on April 14 at the age of 71. The studio confirmed that a private service was held on April 20 and that it will not accept condolences or flowers.
Kazuo Ebisawa was a pivotal figure in Ufotable’s visual storytelling, contributing to the studio’s signature style in films such as Fate/Zero, Demon Slayer, and the recent Demon Slayer: Mugen Train. His meticulous attention to detail and ability to blend traditional hand‑drawn techniques with cutting‑edge digital animation helped define the studio’s aesthetic identity over the past decade.
Born in 1953, Ebisawa began his career in the animation industry during the late 1970s. He worked on a number of television series before joining Ufotable in 2005. Over the years he rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the lead art director. His work on the 2016 film Demon Slayer: Mugen Train earned him critical acclaim and helped the film become one of the highest‑grossing anime movies in history.
In interviews, colleagues praised his collaborative spirit and his insistence on maintaining a high level of craftsmanship. “He was a mentor and a friend,” said a senior animator who worked closely with him. “His passion for the craft was infectious, and he always pushed us to go beyond what we thought was possible.”
Ufotable’s statement emphasized that the studio would not accept any public expressions of condolences or flowers, a decision that reflects the company’s desire to honor Ebisawa’s privacy during this difficult time. The studio also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans worldwide, noting that his legacy would live on through the countless projects he helped bring to life.
As the anime community mourns the loss of a visionary artist, fans and fellow creators alike are celebrating Ebisawa’s legacy by sharing favorite scenes and behind‑the‑scenes moments that showcased his artistic genius. His influence will undoubtedly continue to shape Ufotable’s future projects and inspire a new generation of animators.
For those wishing to pay tribute, Ufotable encourages fans to visit the studio’s official website and social media channels, where a dedicated tribute page will be launched in the coming weeks.
📰 Originally reported by Animetv-jp