Studio Ghibli’s Famed Animator Makiko Futaki Dies at 58

Makiko Futaki worked on many famous films including Akira, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away.

On May 13th, the world lost one of the greatest talents in animation with the death of Makiko Futaki. The legendary animator is well known for working with director Hayao Miyazaki on his films. She contributed to all of his movies including Castle in the Sky and The Wind Rises. Outside of her work with Studio Ghibli, Makiko Futaki also worked on the landmark 1988 film Akira. The film has gone on to become one of the most well-regarded animated movies ever.

Born in 1957, Makiko Futaki first made a name for herself as an amateur animator of cine-calligraphy films. She began work in Japan’s animation industry as an in-between animator in 1979 on an episode of the anime series Lupin III. In addition to her work on large film projects, she was also well-known as an illustrator especially for her drawings for Nahoko Uehashi’s Moribito novels. Her final project was When Marnie Was There. You can check out the trailer for this film below.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZq4uuMP8ss[/embedyt]

Fans of Studio Ghibli’s work or animation in general, should all be thankful for Futaki’s work. Her great talent and attention to detail can be seen in the various projects she was a part of, and they surely wouldn’t have been the same without her. The world will be a little less magical without her presence. If you will excuse me now, I think I am going to watch Princess Mononoke. 

Side Note: Fans of Studio Ghibli looking for good news should also check out the trailer for their newest project, The Red Turtle. You will not be disappointed.

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