India, March 19 -- Japanese animator and director Shigeki Awai (or Shigenori Awai) has passed away. He was 71 years old.

Heartbreaking news shook the anime community this week, as reports and tributes following Shigeki Awai's passing poured out through reliable sources. Anime News Centre, an Instagram news and media source, announced on March 19 that the veteran anime episode director had been working in the industry as a key animator since the 1980s.

His illustrious oeuvre included directing an estimated 200+ episodes and contributing to the key animation of around 400-500 episodes.

According to the artist's profiles on MyAnimeList and Anime News Network, Shigeki Awai left his mark on beloved franchises like My Hero Academia, Black Cl...