Macross 7 Animator Kenichiro Katsura Dies at 59

Animator Kenichiro Katsura died on September 30, 2026. He was 59. Katsura was known for his character design work on Macross 7. He was also the character designer and chief animation director of Knight's & Magic and SYNDUALITY Noir.

His wife, animator Satoko Miyachi, announced his death on October 5 on behalf of the family. Katsura died while being treated for an illness. The funeral was held privately, with only close relatives attending.

Miyachi thanked the fans who loved his work, along with the studios and staff he worked beside throughout his career.

Tributes From the Shows He Worked On#

Two production committees posted messages the same day.

The SYNDUALITY Noir committee wrote that Katsura had given the series his tremendous efforts. "In honor of his achievements, all of our staff and everyone involved offer our heartfelt condolences."

The Knight's & Magic committee, for which he held the same two roles, wrote that it prays for his soul to rest in peace.

A Career That Ran From Ranma to Gintama#

Katsura's name is closely tied to Macross 7. He worked on the 1994 TV series as an animation director. He then served as character designer on Macross 7 Plus and on the film Macross 7 the Movie: The Galaxy's Calling Me! He also directed an episode of the Macross 7 Encore OVA.

His credits as a key animator go back to the 1989 Ranma 1/2 series. Over the decades they came to include Magic Knight Rayearth 2, Noir, Date A Live II, Encouragement of Climb and BLUE LOCK.

In later years he was best known as a chief animation director. Those credits include:

• SYNDUALITY Noir (both seasons), also as character designer
• Knight's & Magic, also as character designer
• The Fruit of Grisaia and The Eden of Grisaia
• That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
• How to Keep a Mummy
• Shy Season 2

He also directed the Utawarerumono OVA.

Katsura was working until this year. His most recent credits were on two films released in Japan in February 2026. He was an animation director on Gintama: The Movie 2026: Yoshiwara in Flames. He was also a key animator on That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea.

Our condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues.