Anime industry mourns death of producer Masayasu Sagisu

The global anime community is in mourning following the loss of veteran producer and director Masayasu Sagisu, who passed away on July 12, 2026, at the age of 93.

A foundational figure in Japanese animation, Sagisu was instrumental in shaping the medium during the golden Showa era.

Sagisu was also part of a creative family legacy; his brother was the manga artist Sōji Ushio, and his nephew is the celebrated composer Shiro Sagisu, best known for his work on Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Shiro remembered his uncle as a lifelong creative and an 'accomplished otaku' whose personal collection inspired him from a young age.

In keeping with his final wishes, his family held a private funeral.

As we look back on his massive body of work, we recognize Sagisu as a vital bridge to the early history of anime, leaving behind a profound legacy that continues to influence modern storytelling.