Anime Director Yuji Yanase Passes Away at 59

We are sad to report that veteran anime director Yuji Yanase has passed away at the age of 59. The news was shared by MAHO FILM on September 2. According to the studio, he passed away on August 22 due to a myocardial infarction.

Yanase was an active figure in the industry until his final days. At the time of his passing, he was directing two separate television anime series currently airing for the Summer 2026 season. These projects include The World’s Strongest Rearguard and The Insipid Prince’s Furtive Grab for the Throne.

His passing leaves a significant void for the production teams working on these ongoing shows. Yanase was best known by many fans for his work on the anime adaptation of In Another World With My Smartphone. We send our thoughts to his family and colleagues during this difficult time.