Ken Mori, Founder of Gift-o'-Animation, Passes Away

Ken Mori, founder and former president of the animation studio Gift-o'-Animation, has died. As announced by the studio Kinema Citrus and his family via his social media account, Mori passed away on February 20 after a long illness. In the announcement, the family expressed gratitude for the support he received during his illness.

Mori founded Gift-o'-Animation in 2015 and served as its first president. The studio produced several series for the Cardfight!! Vanguard franchise, including two seasons of Cardfight!! Vanguard Divinez, the two spin-offs Divinez Deluxe-hen and Divinez DELUXE Finals, as well as two seasons of Cardfight!! Vanguard overDress and three seasons of Cardfight!! Vanguard will+Dress. Mori directed Cardfight!! Vanguard overDress and served as chief director for the three seasons of Cardfight!! Vanguard will+Dress.

Beyond his work on the Cardfight!! Vanguard series, Mori was involved in a wide variety of other productions. He directed individual episodes of Made in Abyss, Scorching Ping Pong Girls, and the first season of The Rising of The Shield Hero. As a mechanical animation director, he contributed to the film Eureka Seven - good night, sleep tight, young lovers, as well as episodes of Star Driver and Sacred Seven. He also served as animation director for an episode of Mobile Suit Gundam UC.

Kinema Citrus, an affiliated company, honored Mori in a tribute for his dedication to production, his leadership role in numerous works, and his contributions to the company's founding and his nurturing of new talent.