Shin'ya Ôhira

A mastermind of Japanese animation, Shin'ya Ôhira was born in 1961 in Ishikawa, Japan. His career, spanning from the 1980s until his untimely death in 2020, was predominantly focused on the animation and fantasy genres, with his acclaimed films like "Akira" and "Spirited Away" earning him international recognition and numerous awards, including the prestigious Japan Academy Prize. Ôhira's distinctive authorial style was characterized by fluid animation, meticulous attention to detail, and a unique approach to portraying movement, setting him apart in the world of anime. As a person, Shin'ya Ôhira was a humble genius, his groundbreaking work forever shaping the landscape of animation, yet always maintaining an air of modesty and a love for his craft.