Toyoji Yoshida, aka Ippei Kuri, one of the founders of Tatsunoko Productions, passed away. He worked on many masterpieces including "Space Ace," "Gatchaman," "Tekkaman," and "Minago Hatch.

On July 19, Tatsunoko Productions announced on its official website that Toyoji Yoshida (pseudonym Ippei Kuri), former president of the animation production company Tatsunoko Productions and younger brother of the company's late founder, Tatsuo Yoshida, passed away on July 1, 2023. He was 83 years old.

According to the official website, " The funeral was held on July 10 with only his close relatives present.

Toyoji Yoshida was active in rental manga under the pen name Ippei Kuri, and then his eldest brother Tatsuo Yoshida. He established Tatsunoko Productions with his second brother, Kenji Yoshida. In addition to producing and directing, he also worked as a character designer for "Space Ace," "Science Ninja Team Gatchaman II," "Gold Raitan," and "Muteking," among others.
From 1987 to 2005, he was the third president of Tatsunoko Productions. After stepping down as president, he continued his energetic creative activities until his later years, including the publication of his last gekiga, " Darkness Doshin Tsubanari Kenjikaburo: Grudge Slaying," a newly written work.

The death of this great creator, who was active in the animation industry from its early days, has caused many people in the industry to express their surprise and condolences on SNS and other social media.