Key Takeaways
- Ryo Kо̄no’s passing is a huge loss to the anime industry after 40 years of service.
- Akira Kо̄no expressed pride in every project his aunt worked on.
- Ryo Kо̄no’s legacy includes contributions to Mob Psycho 100, Perfect Blue, and other iconic anime titles.
- (Each key takeaway is under 100 characters)
On October 26, Akira Kо̄no, nephew of renowned anime art director and background artist Ryo Kono, revealed the tragic news of her passing three days prior, on October 23. He expressed that every project she worked on was a source of pride for their family. Ryо̄ Kо̄no was best known for her contributions to the anime adaptation of Mob Psycho 100, Satoshi Kon’s Perfect Blue, Space Dandy, DEVILMAN Crybaby and many other acclaimed anime titles.
Her passing is a huge loss to the industry to which she gave over 40 years of service. “We deeply appreciate the kindness shown to her during her lifetime,” posted Akira. Unfortunately, Akira’s heartfelt post is inaccessible due to the account’s restriction of who may view its posts.
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About Ryo Kono
A Legend of Her Craft
Ryo Kоno was born Hiromi Kо̄no in Tokyo and began her career in the anime industry working as a background artist on the Sayonara Ginga Tetsudou 999: Andromeda Shuuchakueki (Adieu Galaxy Express 999) movie in 1981. In 1983, she worked on Madhouse’s mecha film Harmageddon as an art assistant, going on to work exclusively with the studio on a number of famous projects, including Satoshi Kon’s Paranoia Agent (2004); BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad (2004); the anime adaptation of Nana author Ai Yazawa’s Paradise Kiss (2005) and The Tatami Galaxy (2010).
Kono was also involved in the productions of Ninja Scroll (1993); Perfect Blue (1997); Tezuka Productions’ Metropolis (2001); and the recently-aired seventh season of My Hero Academia. As an art director, Kо̄no worked on titles like Space Dandy, Super Crooks, Carole and Tuesday, and of course, the adaptation of One Punch Man author ONE’s Mob Psycho 100, which is often referred to as a masterpiece of modern animation and can be considered a contemporary classic. Kо̄no passed away on October 23 from suspected gastrointestinal bleeding. Ryo Kono’s has left an indelible mark on the industry and the medium of animation. May she rest in peace.
Source: ANN