Kawasaki passed away on 23 January of this year.
Japanese screenwriter and novelist Takao Koyama revealed in an X (formerly Twitter) post that anime scriptwriter Hiroyuki Kawasaki has passed away at the age of 60.
It was further revealed that Kawasaki's passing occured on 23 January, 2026. It is unknown why the announcement of his death was delayed.
Koyama’s post regretfully informs the passing of his beloved junior and a member of the former screenwriting talent agency group, Brother Noppo.
Who was Hiroyuki Kawasaki?
Kawasaki was a prominent veteran scriptwriter who penned the scripts for numerous popular anime including Blade the Immortal, Sakura Wars, Ryoko’s Case Files, Silent Möbius, and After War Gundam X. He also co-wrote the popular Love Hina light novel adaptations.
Takao Koyama’s memorial post for Kawasaki reads (machine translated):
I have just received the sad news that Hiroyuki Kawasaki, a screenwriter and one of the first members of Brother Noppo, passed away on 23 January of this year. This is shocking news. He was an outstanding screenwriter among the Noppo members. He was 60 years old. I am saddened by the early departure of my disciple, who was 17 years younger than me. He must have had many regrets. I also have many regrets. I must follow the proper order. May he rest in peace.
Animation director and animator Masami Obari posted a tribute post on X (formerly Twitter) saying (machine translated):
I was greatly indebted to Mr. Hiroyuki Kawasaki for Platinumhugen Ordian.
I offer my heartfelt condolences.
Video game developer Takashi Tokita also made a memorial post stating (machine translated):
I hadn't been able to get in touch with you for a while... We made movies together and worked part-time jobs in high school. We were otaku friends, in different fields like anime, tokusatsu, and games, but we reconnected over the past 10 years and had drinks a few times, and we were talking about getting together again! I was inspired by your energy and dedication. Thank you. You did a great job. May you rest in peace.
Gundam manga artist Kouichi Tokita posted (machine translated):
Dear Mr. Hiroyuki Kawasaki,
Thank you very much as well.
Please continue to watch over with kindness so that the many works created by Mr. Kawasaki will live on in the hearts of fans from here on out.
The anime industry mourns the loss of this talented screenwriter deeply.