The anime industry bids a sad and grateful farewell to Shigemi Ikeda, the talented art director behind series that have touched generations. At 69, Ikeda leaves behind a legacy of vibrant, detailed worlds, the same settings that made heroes like One Punch Man and My Hero Academia shine. His unique vision, which transformed every landscape and every corner into a living, breathing piece, will live on in the hearts of fans who grew up watching his work.
Farewell to Shigemi Ikeda, the artist who gave soul to One Punch Man and My Hero Academia.
In a sad event for the anime industry, Shigemi Ikeda, acclaimed art director behind iconic productions such as One Punch Man and My Hero Academia, passed away at the age of 69. His departure leaves a profound void in the world of animation, where his style and artistic vision helped transform and elevate the genre globally.
Shigemi Ikeda dedicated decades of his life to enriching Japanese anime with a unique and detailed aesthetic. Throughout his career, Ikeda worked on a wide variety of productions that have become industry benchmarks. Notable titles in his portfolio include Planetes, Oregairu and The Promised Neverland. With each of these projects, Ikeda demonstrated his ability to create immersive atmospheres that complemented the stories and characters, earning the admiration of his colleagues and a global audience.
Shigemi Ikeda’s talent was not only recognised in Japan, but also abroad. In 2009, Ikeda won an Emmy Award for his work on Afro Samurai: Resurrection, cementing his reputation as a master art director. This award, given for his work on a series that fuses elements of Japanese anime with Western influences, reflects his ability to innovate and adapt to industry trends while maintaining a distinct artistic identity.
Shigemi Ikeda’s influence on the world of anime is incalculable, and his legacy will live on through the series he helped bring to life. Fans around the world today remember his talent and his unparalleled contribution to Japanese animation, a body of work that will remain a symbol of his passion and dedication.
The news of Shigemi Ikeda’s passing has left anime fans deeply saddened, with many expressing their grief on social media. Many have shared their memories using gifs of the works in which Ikeda left his mark. One fan exclaimed: ‘Afro Samurai was a gem and all the anime he worked on were OP. Rest in peace, sensei’. This mix of sadness and admiration reflects the impact his work had on the lives of so many fans of the genre.
Reactions also highlighted the diversity of the series Ikeda worked on. ‘That’s crazy. I loved Oregairu and One Punch Man. They are very different series, but still have the same love and passion,’ shared another user, highlighting how his style and dedication manifested in such disparate productions. Ikeda’s ability to bring his talents to different narratives has resonated with many, who feel that his legacy will live on through his works.
Shigemi Ikeda left an indelible mark on the anime world with his work as art director on iconic productions, including One Punch Man and My Hero Academia. On One Punch Man, the series that parodies the superhero genre, Ikeda directed several key episodes that helped establish the series’ unique atmosphere and distinctive visual style.
His work on the opening episode was pivotal, introducing viewers to the chaotic and humorous world surrounding the most powerful hero, Saitama. The attention to detail in the sets and characterisation of the characters became a benchmark for the series, capturing the essence of the satire while maintaining an impressive visual standard.
On the other hand, in My Hero Academia, Ikeda also showed his mastery in directing episodes that introduced new characters and exciting plots. In the third episode of the first season, featuring the exciting U.A. Academy entrance exam, his art direction enhanced the intensity of the scenes and allowed viewers to immerse themselves in the world of the heroes-in-training. The vibrant colours and character designs, which Ikeda helped bring to life, helped create an energetic atmosphere that has kept fans enthralled ever since.
Ikeda’s ability to balance action with comedy in One Punch Man and emotion with drama in My Hero Academia has been a key factor in the success of both series. His work not only served to establish the visual aesthetic of these anime, but also helped build emotional connections between the characters and the audience. The episodes he directed are still remembered as examples of his exceptional talent and dedication to the art of anime. With every scene, Ikeda demonstrated that art is essential to telling stories that resonate in the hearts of viewers.