This was very unfortunate news to read this morning. Tatsunoko Production released the following statement on their home page (in Japanese):
"Toyoharu Yoshida (pen-name, Ippei Kuri), the youngest brother of Tatsuo Yoshida, and former President and CEO of our company, passed away on July 1 at the age of 83.
We want to express our sincere gratitude to the deceased for all of the kindness he gave to us during his life.
A funeral was held for immediate family only on July 10.
July 2023
Tatsunoko Production Co., Ltd.
CEO Kyo Ito"
As most of you probably know, Mr. Kuri was the producer for Gatchaman, and he helped come up with the look of the Ninja Team. I will hope to say much more when I can sit to write out something proper. This was unsettling news to wake to.
