Tatsuo Satou, the acclaimed director and screenwriter behind Kidou Senkan Nadesico (Martian Successor Nadesico) and Madan no Ou to Vanadis (Lord Marksman and Vanadis), died on April 24 due to liver failure. He was 61.

Animation studio Nagomi announced the news on Thursday, stating that Satou had been undergoing medical treatment for some time prior to his passing. According to the statement, Satou remained deeply committed to his craft until the end, actively working on new animation projects. "We are deeply grateful for director Satou's passion and immense contributions, and we offer our sincerest condolences," the statement read.

Born in Oiso, Kanagawa in July 1964, Satou graduated from Waseda University before joining the animation studio Ajia-do. He worked as an animator and assistant director before making his series directorial debut with Tobe! Isami (Soar High! Isami) in 1995. He gained widespread recognition the following year with the sci-fi hit Kidou Senkan Nadesico, the movie sequel of which won the Seiun Award in the Media division in 1999. Satou won the award again for Mouretsu Pirates (Bodacious Space Pirates) in 2013.

Satou's notable directorial credits also include Shigofumi (Shigofumi: Letters from the Departed), Uchuu no Stellvia (Stellvia), Tokyo Tribe 2, Rinne no Lagrange (Lagrange: The Flower of Rin-ne), and Helck.

Source: Oricon News