Born: August 30, 1932 in Hokkaido, Japan

Died: August 25, 2022 (congestive heart failure, age 89)

Kobayashi Shichirou was a respected animation art director best known for his work on iconic projects like Ashita no Joe 2, Magical Angel Creamy Mami, and Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro. He founded and ran Kobayashi Production for over four decades until the studio's closure in 2011, when he stepped back from the industry entirely.

Before launching his own company, Kobayashi spent a few years as an elementary school art teacher after graduating from Musashino Art University. He entered the animation world in 1964 through Toei Douga, then briefly worked at Gendai Seisaku Shuudan in 1968 before striking out on his own a year later. He also served as a visiting professor at Kobe Design University, passing on his expertise to the next generation.