According to Sankei news, stop motion anime director Kawamoto Kihachiro passed away on August 23rd due to pneumonia. He was 85 years old.
Kawamoto is known as one of the founders of Japanese puppet animation and his unique art style has been receiving international praise.
Dojoji Temple: Annecy International Animation Film Festival Émile Reynaud Award and Audience Award (1976)
Winter Days: Japan Media Arts Festival Grand Prize (2003)
The Demon and other works: Mainichi Film Concours Ohfuji Noburo Awards (1972, 1974, 1976, 1990, 2003)
Shisha no Sho: Sitges International Film Festival Special Award (2005)
Source: Sankei
