The Tokyo Anime Award Festival 2017 not only awards the anime of the year, but also honors the people who have contributed much to the anime industry itself. Their official website has now revealed the 10 honorees for their Meritorious Service Award.

They give the award to those who “made great contributions to the growth of the animation industry and culture, and who have elevated the status of the anime industry through their art, expression, training of others, and international exchange.” The 10 honorees are:

Susumu Aketagawa ( Sound Director for Princess Knight, Akira, Legend of the Galactic Heroes)

Hiroshi Ikeda (Director for Mahoutsukai Sally, Flying Phantom Ship, Animal Treasure Island)

Yoshifumi Kondou (posthumous awardee) (Animation Director for Anne of Green Gables, Only Yesterday, Whisper of the Heart)

Sumio Gotoda (posthumous award) (Producer for Atarashii Douga: Mittsu no Hanashi, Minna no Uta: Daremo Shiranai, Okaa-san to Issho: Youji no Tame no Animation)

Tadanao Tsuji (Art Director for Mazinger Z, Magnos The Robot, Dragon Ball)

Taku Furukawa (Animation Writer for Odoroki Ban, Speed, Minna no Uta: Ishindenshin Shiyou)

Yoko Maekawa (Theme Song Singer for Hyokkori Hyoutan-jima, Princess Knight, Cutey Honey)

Eiko Masuyama (Seiyuu for Tensai Bakabon’s Mama, Cutey Honey’s Honey, Lupin III: Part II’s Fujiko Mine)

Leiji Matsumoto (Creator of Galaxy Express 999, Space Pirate Captain Harlock)

Michiyo Yasuda (posthumous award) ( Color Designer for Grave of the Fireflies, Only Yesterday, The Wind Rises)

The festival will also be honoring these 10 legends in a special panel exhibition of their works. They will be receiving their awards during the awarding ceremony on 13 March 2017. As for the festival itself, it will take place from 10 – 13 March 2017 in Ikebukuro, Tokyo.