Yukihiro Shibutani, Art Director of 'Natsume Yuujinchou', Dies at 63
Yukihiro Shibutani, the acclaimed art director behind iconic works such as Natsume Yuujinchou (Natsume's Book of Friends) and Meitantei Conan (Case Closed), died on September 15 at the age of 63.Shibutani died in a Tokyo hospital due to complications from a long-term illness, according to an announcement by his production company Yoyogi Art Planning and GAKIproAstudio.
Born in 1960 in Tsuruta, Aomori Prefecture, Shibutani began his career at Ishigaki Production at the age of 20. Over the decades, his artistic touch shaped the visual atmosphere of numerous beloved anime series. His work contributed to the rich aesthetics of Lupin III, Gintama, Akira, and Detective Conan, among many others. Most notably, Shibutani served as a key figure in the art department of Natsume Yuujinchou (Natsume's Book of Friends), lending warmth and beauty to the series' emotional landscapes.
Following the news of his death, the official X (formerly Twitter) account of Natsume Yuujinchou (Natsume's Book of Friends) paid tribute, stating, "Shibutani was a pillar of the art team from the very first season of the anime, breathing kindness, warmth, and beauty into the story."
Shuka, the animation studio which worked with Shibutani on the anime series, also expressed its condolences, saying, "Though he may have appeared stern, Shibutani had a great sense of humor and was deeply committed to the art and projects he worked on."
Shibutani's more recent art director works include Seishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny Girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai (Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai), Tonikaku Kawaii (Tonikawa: Over The Moon For You), and Fumetsu no Anata e (To Your Eternity).
In accordance with his wishes, a private funeral was held for close family members. Plans for a memorial service will be shared at a later date. His family and company have respectfully requested that condolences, floral tributes, and visits be refrained until further notice.
Source: Sponichi Annex, Nikkan Sports
14 Comments Recent Comments
Rest in peace Mr. Shibutani 🙏 Thank you for your amazing work
Oct 21, 2024 12:04 PM by Sola-nine
RIP, I enjoyed his work on Natsume a lot.
Oct 19, 2024 2:53 PM by malvarez1
Oct 19, 2024 3:41 AM by EcchiGodMamster
@EcchiGodMamster that's like 80% of human population.
Oct 18, 2024 2:48 PM by tchitchouan
I saw several works he had worked on in the past. Very talented and skilled art director. He will be missed. Rest in peace.
Oct 18, 2024 2:40 AM by Adnash
"A Terrible Day For Rain."
Oct 17, 2024 11:51 AM by Gorenko
One more legend died... Rest in peace.
Oct 17, 2024 8:36 AM by Memore
Great art director, rest in peace. 🙏
Oct 17, 2024 8:13 AM by Jonas-K
Rest in peace Sir.
Oct 17, 2024 5:51 AM by Absurdo_N
Ah..I really love his directing on Natsume Yuujinchou series and Oofuri, RIP Mr.Yukihiro Shibutani..
Oct 17, 2024 5:26 AM by livexevil
it was great to see someone before actually live till 90... but alas... the 30-70 club continues
Oct 17, 2024 5:09 AM by EcchiGodMamster
Rest in Power King
Oct 16, 2024 10:48 PM by DioBrando_69420
Rest in Peace, Mr. Shibutani.
Oct 16, 2024 10:42 PM by MistyBlue
Related Database Entries
| People: | Shibutani, Yukihiro |
Search News
Related News
-
'Mob Psycho 100' Art Director Ryou Kouno Dies Oct 31, 2024 10:40 PM by Vindstot14 Comments -
Seiyuu Kouji Tsujitani Dies Oct 23, 2018 7:31 PM by tsubasalover28 Comments -
Animator Tatsufumi Itou Dies at 55 Jul 1, 2020 3:36 PM by ImperfectBlue13 Comments -
'One Punch Man', 'Planetes' Art Director Shigemi Ikeda Dies at 69 Nov 3, 2024 9:21 PM by Vindstot20 Comments -
Animator Yasuo Ootsuka Dies at 89 Mar 16, 2021 9:25 PM by ImperfectBlue11 Comments
MoreNew Anime
-
-
-
Manga 'Black Torch' Gets TV Anime AdaptationMar 8, 1:58 PM by Vindstot26 Comments
-
-
MoreSpring 2025
MoreSummer 2025
Oct 30, 2024 7:17 PM by Hirax