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‘Naruto’ And ‘Beck’ Director Osamu Kobayashi Has Died, Aged 57

Imogen Mellor

Published 

‘Naruto’ And ‘Beck’ Director Osamu Kobayashi Has Died, Aged 57

Featured Image Credit: Pierrot

In very sad news, it has come to light that the anime director Osamu Kobayashi has passed away. He was 57 and will be remembered for his fantastic work on some of the biggest anime productions out there, including the last season of Naruto: Shippuden and Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad.

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According to our sister site UNILAD, Kobayashi's Twitter account revealed that he had been diagnosed with kidney cancer two years ago. The tweet, originally in Japanese, says: "I left for heaven last night. I've been fighting kidney cancer for two years, but unfortunately, I'm exhausted... I'm sorry that I still had something I wanted to do and work I wanted to make. I'm sure I'll be reborn and make good work! Adios. From the eternal 23-year-old."


Of course, this is desperately sad for the fans of Kobayashi who have expressed widely how much the director's work meant to them. He helmed a number of episodes in the last season of Naruto Shippuden, an episode of Gurren Lagann, as well as the complete run of Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad and Paradise Kiss. He was certainly a talented individual who will be missed within the anime community.

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AnimeAjay on Twitter remembered Osamu with a tweet that reads: "Wow, Osamu Kobayashi, an absolutely legendary icon of the animation industry has reportedly passed away from cancer at age 57. That is beyond devastating. Rest in peace. Your work affected me in indescribable ways."


Xmax360 on Twitter showed off the style of Osamu's aesthetic and animation, posting some of his stunning work. "Osamu Kobayashi will always be a unique creator with distinct aesthetic. Greatly respect his will to explore rough and not traditionally beautiful. His passion for music, urban and fashion is greatly felt in his works. Rest in peace."

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Mike Toole, who is the editor-at-large of Anime New Network, also reflected on Osamu's influence within the industry. "57 is too young :( RIP Osamu Kobayashi, who directed BECK, Paradise Kiss, and episodes of stuff like Kemonozume and Lupin the 3rd Pt IV that _always_ stood out for their rough, expressive style. Wish he got to do more." Our thoughts are with Osamu's friends and family, and of course the fans who've been touched by his work over the years.

Topics: News, anime, TV

Imogen Mellor
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