He also directed several of the Cardfight!! Vanguard anime series.
Animation studio Kinema Citrus revealed in an obituary post on 24 February that Satoshi Mori, the founder and former president of Gift-o’-Animation has died. He passed away on 20 February after battling an undisclosed illness. Satoshi Mori’s family also announced the news of his death on social media, and thanked everyone who supported him.
Satoshi Mori was behind some of the Cardfight!! Vanguard anime
The post from Mori’s family reads:
The family would like to announce the passing of Ken Mori to all of you who have always supported him.
Ken Mori had been battling illness for some time, but he passed away on February 20, 2026.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who showed their warm support and encouragement during his lifetime.
The obituary from Kinema Citrus reads:
Mr. Satoshi Mori, founder and former president of Gifu Animation, who had been battling illness for some time, passed away on February 20.
He faced the front lines with sincerity, led numerous works, and also devoted himself to the establishment of the company and the training of successors.
We express our deepest gratitude for his kindness during his lifetime and respectfully convey our condolences.
Satoshi Mori was not only the founder of Gift-o’Animation, but also the brilliant mind behind some of the Cardfight!! Vanguard anime. He produced several anime from the series including: two seasons of Cardfight!! Vanguard Divinez, the Cardfight!! Vanguard Divinez Deluxe-hen, Cardfight!! Vanguard Divinez DELUXE Finals, two seasons of Cardfight!! Vanguard overDress, and three seasons of Cardfight!! Vanguard will+Dress.
Moreover, Mori also directed the two seasons of Cardfight!! Vanguard overDress and was the chief director of three seasons of Cardfight!! Vanguard will+Dress. He has directed several episodes for Made in Abyss, Scorching Ping Pong Girls, and Rising of the Shield Hero Season 1. He also directed an episode of Mobile Suit Gundam UC. He was the mechanical director of Eureka Seven - good night, sleep tight, young lovers anime movie, as well as some episodes of Star Diver and Sacred Seven.
Mori was the man behind some of the fan-favourite Cardfight!! Vanguard anime, and also left his magic touch in many other series. The anime community grieves his loss deeply.