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My Hero AcademiaandGundamshare commonalities in more ways than one. Both series are successful in their way. But most importantly, both series had an eminent figure behind their success.
Apart from animators, art directors deserve their due recognition for their pivotal role. This is especially the case with Shigemi Ikeda san. As unfortunate as it is, the talented art director has passed away at the age of 69. And there’s more to it.
Ikeda San worked as a prolific art director for notable projects. These includeGundam,Macrossas well asInuyasha, and so on. His death is a huge loss for the anime industry. Apart from that he has left behind a legacy of impeccable series through his contribution to the industry.
Prolific Art Director Shigemi Ikeda passes away at the age of 69
We often tend to overlook the collective efforts behind a successful anime. This is especially the case with art designs and sound teams. Behind the short-lived success are the tedious efforts that make it possible. And Shigemi Ikeda San is no exception.
The renowned art director has worked on several projects includingMacross,The Promised Neverland, and so on. His career spans over five decades covering remarkable projects. And there’s more to his brilliant portfolio as an art director.
Ikeda San’s first project was for the seriesBeast King GoLion(1981-82). He started his first project at the age of 27 and has produced impeccable works. As an art director, he played a pivotal role in the anime industry.
Most fans commend him for his impeccable world-building. This is especially true for theGundamseries. The mecha franchise is an embodiment of finesse in terms of its robot designs. After lending his expertise to more than 80 projects, Ikeda san unfortunately passed away.
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Anime Gonzo’s account on Xconfirmedthis news on October 26th. The account reposted Ikeda San’s passing away at the age of 69.
池田繁美様にはGONZOの様々な作品で大変お世話になりました。ありがとうございました。心よりご冥福をお祈りいたしますhttps://t.co/5uP1oWHP7q
According to Gonzo, Ikeda San passed away on October 13th. While tributes and condolences poured in, one thing is certain. His death points to an immeasurable loss for the anime industry. Let us take a look at some of his remarkable feats as an art director.
FromMy Hero AcademiatoGundam: A journey into Ikeda San’s work
Notably, Ikeda san’s popular works include Kohei Horikoshi’s magnum opusMy Hero Academia. The series is a massive hit in the superhero shonen genre. Horikoshi’s illustrations and Ikeda san’s designs are a lethal combination.
That, however, is not all considering Ikeda san’s impressive portfolio. Apart fromGundamandMy Hero Academia, he contributed to some major popular projects. These includeHigh School DxD,Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon, andMy Teen Romantic Comedy: SNAFU.However, that is not all.
Ikeda san’s most notable project as an art director isOne Punch Man. Undoubtedly, this is one of his best directions. The series, written by One, outclasses other shonen anime in terms of its well-written characters. He worked on the series for 24 episodes as an art director.
Besides that, he won the Primetime Emmy Award in 2009. He won the award for his art direction inAfro Samurai: Resurrection. Apart from anime, Ikeda san worked as an art designer for several video games and movies. These includeHatsune MikuandG-Saviour.
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Shigemi Ikeda’s death leaves behind an unforgettable legacy in the anime industry. It also underscores an immeasurable loss for his family members and loved ones. We offer our condolences and pray that they find peace in these tough times.
Himanshi Jeswani
Anime Writer
Articles Published :993
Himanshi Jeswani is an anime writer at Fandomwire, with her work spanning over 900 articles. Her articles cover shojo, shonen, seinen, and all things beyond. Her interests, however, aren’t limited to simply anime. She has a penchant for exploring different genres of manga, be it horror, yanki, music, and food. She brings out her specialization and expertise in the performing arts through her articles. As a writer, she strives to bridge the gap between the viewers and the medium itself. To her, anime is a revolutionary medium that is capable of creating communities and stories after all.
