Tokyo Anime Award Festival 2021 (TAAF2021) has bestowed Lifetime Achievement Awards to eight individuals, including Studio Ghibli co-founder Toshio Suzuki, “Mobile Suit Gundam” creator Yoshiyuki Tomino, and “Chibimaruko-chan” author Momoko Sakura (posthumously).

Other awardees were “Dragon Ball Z” scriptwriter Takao Koyama, “Gauche the Cellist” key animator Shunji Saida, “AKIRA” editor Takeshi Seyama, “Heidi, Girl of the Alps” theme singer Kayo Ishu, and “Legend of the Galactic Heroes” voice actor Michio Hazama.

The Anime Achievement Award recognizes people who have contributed significantly to the development of the industry and culture of animation. The award is given not only to praise many years of achievements in technology, artistic expression, and human resource development — but also to those who have contributed widely to the improvement of the status of the animation industry, including educational activities and international exchange.