With a heavy heart, it was declared on Tuesday that senior animator, and character designer Masami Suda responsible for series like Fist of the North Star, Yo-kai Watch, Slam Dunk, etc. has passed away at the age of 77. He took his last breath on August 1st, after suffering from a long time severe illness.

RIP Masami Suda (1943-2021), legendary animator and character-designer (Hokuto no Ken, Slam Dunk…).
I've had the honor to host panels with him during Japan Expo festival 2017. https://t.co/cFyJzzVINr pic.twitter.com/4JJUziKYbp

— Catsuka (@catsuka) August 17, 2021

Suda was born on September 16, 1943, in Saitama, Japan. He began working at Tatsunoko Productions in the 1960s, and he had also worked on multiple of Toei Animation’s series.

Suda was popular for his work on the Fist of the North Star anime adaptation as both character designer and animator, creating the iconic character Kenshiro. He was also the one who brought Ken the Warrior to the screen. He also worked on other series, such as Speed Racer Slam Dunk, Hell Teacher Nube, and the original Gatchaman as a key animator.

Later in his life outside of work in the animation industry, he also became known for being one of the original founders of the Japanese Animation Creators Association with another animation legend Satoshi Kon and other key figures in the industry in 2007. It served as the representative labour union for workers of all levels in the Japanese animation industry.

He recently oversaw the animated transposition of Yo-kai Watch and Inazuma Eleven in the videogame field.

Fans and creators have expressed their grief through online comments and condolences to have the man Masami Suda rest in peace.

Our entire Team’s thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by his sudden passing away.

Source: Yahoo News