The anime industry mourns the loss of a talented visionary as Shigemi Ikeda, the esteemed art director behind numerous beloved series, including the critically acclaimed “One Punch Man,” has passed away at the age of 69. Ikeda’s family announced the heartbreaking news through his social media account on October 13, 2024.
A Legacy of Artistic Excellence
池田の家族です
10月13日池田が永眠いたしました。69歳でした。
交流のあった方々に感謝致します。
ありがとう御座いました。
なお、葬儀は内輪のみで済ませており、お香典お花などはご遠慮しております。— 池田繁美 (@rgoRcTW1sMPMWBb) October 26, 2024
Shigemi Ikeda’s contributions to the world of anime were both extensive and influential. His artistic vision helped shape the visual aesthetics of many popular series, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Some of his most notable works include:
- One Punch Man (2015-2019, both seasons)
- High School DxD (2012-2018, seasons 1-4)
- My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU (2013-2023, all entries)
- Inuyasha (2000)
- Planetes (2003)
- Samurai 7 (2004)
- Eureka Seven (2005-2006)
Ikeda’s talent extended beyond these titles, as he also lent his expertise to various installments of the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise and the dark fantasy series Overlord.
Impact on One Punch Man
Ikeda’s work on “One Punch Man” was particularly noteworthy, as he served as the art director for both the first and second seasons of the immensely popular series. His contributions helped bring the unique world of Saitama and his fellow heroes to life, capturing the essence of ONE’s original webcomic and Yusuke Murata’s manga adaptation.
A Loss Felt Across the Industry
Art director of One punch man season 1 and season 2 passes away.
byu/DeXTeR-Fr inOnePunchMan
The passing of Shigemi Ikeda has sent shockwaves through the anime community, with fans and industry professionals alike expressing their condolences and appreciation for his work. His death comes at a time when the industry has already experienced several significant losses, making the news even more impactful.
Remembering a Visionary
Shigemi Ikeda’s legacy will live on through the countless anime series he helped bring to life. His ability to create immersive and captivating backgrounds enhanced the storytelling of each project he worked on, contributing to the overall success of these beloved shows.
As the anime community reflects on Ikeda’s contributions, many are expressing gratitude for his dedication to the art form and the joy his work brought to fans around the world. His passing marks the end of an era, but his influence will continue to inspire future generations of artists and animators in the industry he so passionately served.
