Ikuji Fukawa, founder of Japanese animation studio Jokersha, dies

Studio Pierrot, a Japanese animation production company that was responsible for the production of many "Naruto" movies, announced on Monday that its founder, animator and director Ikuji Fukawa died on December 25 at the age of 75. His next of kin will hold a funeral, followed by a memorial service by the studio.

Mr. Fukawa was born in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture. After graduating from Nippon Design School in 1967, he worked as an animator and technical director at Mushi Production, Studio Jack, and Tatsunoko Production, and was responsible for many productions.

Mr. Fukawa founded Studio Pierrot in 1979 and served as chairman and chief consultant until his death. The studio later became famous for its TV adaptations of Weekly Shonen Jump manga. Projects that Mr. Fukawa personally participated in planning include the TV anime of Bleach, Yu Yu Hakusho, and Naruto.