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Legendary Japanese Anime Director Isao Takahata Passes Away At 82


Cinema is suffering a loss today. One of Japan's most iconic anime visionaries, Isao Takahata, passed away today at the age of 82 after dealing with various health issues.

According to Yahoo! Japan (via Comic Book), the legendary Japanese animator and co-founder of Studio Ghibli passed away at a hospital in Tokyo because of his rapidly declining health. Takahata had problems with his heart, and last summer his heart condition worsened. Now, anime fans and workers in the anime film industry grieve over the death of the legendary director.

Not only did Takahata create Studio Ghibli along with Toshio Suzuki and Hayao Miyazaki, he created a handful of award-winning anime films including the critically-acclaimed Grave of the Fireflies, The Tale of Princess Kaguya (Kaguya Hime No Monogatari), Pom Poko, and Only Yesterday.

The Tale of Princess Kaguya is one of the few anime films to receive a nomination from the Academy Awards.

Takahata didn't only direct, he also worked on music direction, bringing his talent to Studio Ghibli films like Kiki's Delivery Serive and The Red Turtle. Despite his declining health, Takahata continued working through 2016.

We're certain that even after his passing, Takahata's legacy will continue to live on through Studio Ghibli.

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