The animation community is in mourning following the passing of veteran animator and character designer, Youichi Oonishi. News of his death was shared by his friend and fellow animator, Eisaku Inoue, on Facebook on January 8, 2025. Oonishi’s career spanned decades, contributing to numerous iconic anime series and films.
A Career Spanning Decades
Youichi Oonishi began his journey in the animation industry in the early to mid-1980s, joining the sub-contracting studio Monsieur Onion Production. His early work primarily involved in-between animation for Toei Animation, a major Japanese animation studio. During this time, he contributed to popular series like Fist of the North Star (1984) and Great Riot! Seigi Choujin (1984).
Transition to Key Animator and Animation Director
By the early 1990s, Oonishi’s talent and dedication led to promotions. He became a key animator and animation director, showcasing his ability to create more complex and pivotal scenes. Notably, he served as one of the animation directors for the original Slam Dunk (1993) television series, a show beloved by many.
Character Design and Beyond
Oonishi further broadened his impact by taking on character design roles. In 1996, he helmed character design for Hell Teacher Nube, a Toei adaptation directed by Yukio Kaizawa. This marked a significant step in his career, establishing him as a versatile and valuable asset in anime production. He went on to design characters for other series, including Kanon (2002) and Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo (2006), demonstrating his creative vision and range.
Oonishi also contributed as an animation director on Doctor Slump (1997). In the mid-to-late 2000s, he participated in several productions before becoming an animation director for Saint Seiya Omega in 2012. Later, he contributed to Dragon Ball Super, further cementing his place in the hearts of anime fans worldwide.
Impact on Dragon Ball
Oonishi’s contributions to the Dragon Ball franchise are especially noteworthy. He worked on multiple Dragon Ball Z films, including The Return of Cooler, Super Android 13, Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan, and Bojack Unbound. He also contributed to Dragon Ball Super, starting with episode 49 during the Goku Black Arc. His involvement across these various projects highlights his importance to the franchise.
Recent Projects
In his later years, Oonishi remained active in the industry. Recently, he worked on episodes of Astro Note and A Condition Called Love as an animation director. Since 2023, he has been the character designer and chief animation director for the ongoing television series Tousouchuu: Great Mission.
A Wide Range of Contributions
Beyond Dragon Ball, Oonishi’s extensive resume includes work on numerous other notable anime series. He contributed to Assassination Classroom, A Certain Scientific Railgun, Saint Seiya, Edens Zero, Digimon Adventure, and World Trigger. His work also includes series such as Fruits Basket, Miss Nagatoro, Sword Art Online and That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. This extensive list demonstrates his broad influence across a variety of genres and styles within the anime landscape.
Tributes and Remembrances
News of Oonishi’s passing has been met with sadness from the anime community and beyond. Fellow animator Eisaku Inoue, who worked near Oonishi, shared his sorrow in a Facebook post, regretting a missed opportunity to meet.
Fans have also taken to social media platforms to express their grief and appreciation for Oonishi’s work. His contributions to beloved shows and films have left an indelible mark on the animation world. Many recognize him as a “legendary animator” for his decades of work.
The loss of Youichi Oonishi is a significant blow to the animation industry. His dedication, talent, and versatility have influenced countless projects and inspired many. His legacy will continue to live on through his remarkable work. The anime community will remember him not just for his skills but also for the passion he brought to every project. He helped to create some of the most memorable scenes in anime history, impacting fans worldwide. His unique style and attention to detail made his contributions stand out.
As the animation world mourns his loss, his work will continue to be celebrated, cementing his status as a true legend in the field. Oonishi’s influence extends across multiple generations of anime viewers, making his loss all the more significant. His passing is not just a loss for the industry but also for the numerous fans who grew up watching and admiring his work.
The anime community remembers him as one of the greats, leaving behind a rich catalog of work that will continue to be enjoyed for years to come. His contributions are not just seen in the finished product but also in the countless animators he has inspired. The impact of his work will endure, serving as a testament to his creative talent and dedication to the craft of animation.
