Veteran animator Kenichiro Katsura, known for his character designs on Macross 7 and the ToHeart2 series as well as his work as chief animation director on Knight's & Magic, has died at the age of 59. His family announced on October 5 that Katsura passed away on September 30 while receiving medical treatment. The news came as a shock to fans and the official teams behind several anime productions, who mourned the loss of one of the industry's most accomplished animators.
Kenichiro Katsura began his career in 1984, contributing to major anime productions of the era including Fist of the North Star and Ranma ½. He later made his name as character designer and animation director on Macross 7. His animation director credits also included D.C. ~Da Capo~, Knight's & Magic, The Slime Diaries, and Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho.
Katsura also handled character design for numerous OVAs, including BASTARD!!, All Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku, the ToHeart2 series, and NAKAIMO ~ My Little Sister Is Among Them! Under the name Katsura Edage, he contributed to the adult game series VIPER, while WHITE ALBUM2 credited him under his real name as a key animator.
Katsura's family issued a statement titled “Obituary: Notice of Animator Kenichiro Katsura's Passing” announcing the news:
“Animator Kenichiro Katsura passed away on September 30 while receiving medical treatment. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all the fans who loved the works and designs my husband contributed to, as well as the production companies, staff members, colleagues, and everyone else who worked with him throughout his career. The funeral was held privately with close family members. We apologize for informing everyone only after the service. Thank you sincerely for all the support and kind words you have given him over the years.”
The family also shared a final message for fans of Katsura's work:
“To everyone who praised Katsura's illustrations, animation, and designs, and who told him how much they loved his work: if you quietly think, ‘I love this character,’ ‘I love this series,’ or ‘I love his animation,’ we believe those feelings will reach him and make him very happy. If you have the time, nothing would mean more to us than for you to revisit the works he helped create. Thank you for reading to the end.”
The official X account for Knight's & Magic, on which Katsura served as chief animation director, also posted a tribute:
“Kenichiro Katsura, who served as character designer and chief animation director on the Knight's & Magic TV anime, passed away on September 30, 2026. We offer our heartfelt gratitude for his many contributions over the years. With the utmost respect for his achievements, the staff and everyone involved in the production extend our deepest condolences and pray that he may rest in peace.”
