Who Was Mutsumi Inomata? Tales of RPG Series Artist Reportedly Passes Away

The announcement added that Inomata’s death was sudden, and she still had the draft for a new illustration that she had only started drawing before she died.

Who is Mutsumi Inomata?

Mutsumi Inomata was a Japanese illustrator and animator. Inomata was born in Kanagawa Prefecture on December 23, 1960. Inomata began working for Ashi Productions, working as an animator, key animation director and character designer on several anime television series.

In 1982, she joined some of the younger staff of Ashi Productions who established Kaname Productions, where she worked as an animator, animation director, and character designer on several of its series. In 1983, she also made her debut as a manga artist, with her work GB Bomber being featured in Tokuma Shoten’s The Motion Comic. Later, in 1984, she left Kaname Productions and continued her work as a freelance animator.

She is noted for her work as an animator, character designer and animation director on several anime titles, including Windaria, Plawres Sanshirō, Future GPX Cyber Formula, and Brain Powerd.

Inomata was also a prolific novel illustrator, known for her vivid watercolor paintings which often center around young women with wide, jewel-like eyes. Many of her illustrations are collected in her artbooks, which include Voice of the Stars, Dreams of the Moon, Eccelente, SAI, and numerous others. She is also noted for being the main character designer on a number of titles in Namco’s Tales of series of video games.

Sadly, Inomata has passed away at the age of 63. An announcement was posted on X, with her sister saying that it happened suddenly on March 10. She also says that there are drafts she had been working on, and that she believes Mutsumi is working on them in heaven. The tweet said,

“It happened so suddenly… There were even rough sketches left unfinished, but she must be drawing them now in heaven. Surrounded by her beloved cats, she should be continuously creating characters with cute and strong eyes. We express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who loved and supported Mutsumi Inomata. We sincerely hope for your continued love and support in the future, and hereby notify you with deep respect. The funeral was held privately with close relatives only. As per the deceased’s wishes, we respectfully decline any condolences, monetary gifts, offerings, floral tributes, or any other form of condolences.! We kindly ask for your understanding.”

Kadokawa also made an announcement offering their condolences and mentioning they worked with Mutsumi since 1980s and some of the most popular works.

Exploring Mutsumi Inomata’s works

Mutsumi Inomata was noted for her work as an animator, character designer and animation director on several anime titles, including Windaria, Plawres Sanshirō, Future GPX Cyber Formula, and Brain Powerd. Lets dive into more of her works.

Manga: GB Bomber and Nyan no Ohanashi

Anime:

Kujira no Josefina
Zukkoke Knight Don De La Mancha
Space Warrior Baldios
Gekijōban Uchū Senshi Baldios
Sengoku Majin GoShōgun
Sasuga no Sarutobi
Leda: The Fantastic Adventure of Yohko
Windaria
Acrobunch
Plawres Sanshiro
Urusei Yatsura
City Hunter
City Hunter 2
Utsunomiko
The Weathering Continent
Watt Poe to Bokura no Ohanashi
Magical Princess Minky Momo
Future GPX Cyber Formula
Brain Powerd
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED
My-HiME
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny
Sacred Seven
Games;

Alpha
Dungeon of Windaria
EMIT
Surging Aura
Yami no Matsuei
Tales series
Tales of Destiny
Tales of Eternia
Tales of Destiny 2
Tales of Rebirth
Tales of the Tempest
Tales of Innocence
Tales of Hearts
Tales of Graces
Tales of Xillia
Tales of Xillia 2
Tales of Zestiria
Tales of Berseria
Tekken series
Tekken 5
Tekken 6
Tekken Tag Tournament 2
BB Ball
Dandadan Anime Unveils New Trailer; Gives Insight Into Okarun and Momo’s Adventures