The animation industry around the world is now in mourning, as Japanese animation legend, Isao Takahata has passed away. He was 83.

According to several reports, unnamed sources have told them that the director’s health was already failing since last summer. But while they reported this, they didn’t reveal the exact cause of the Ghibli co-founder’s death.

Takahata worked on several anime classics like Heidi: Girl of the Alps when starting out with Toei. He then left the company to form Studio Ghibli alongside Hayao Miyazaki, and the rest is history. People will remember his works, which include Grave of the Fireflies, Only Yesterday, Pom Poko, and My Neighbors the Yamadas, and of course, the Oscar-nominated The Tale of Princess Kaguya.

From all of us here in Wow Japan, we would like to send our condolences to Isao Takahata’s family and friends. May he Rest in Peace.

Source: Sanspo