UPDATE 8/18/21: Added JAniCA's statement to the article

Some sad news to report today as one of the most highly regarded character designers and animators in the Japanese animation industry, Masami Suda, has passed away. He was 77 years old. His passing was confirmed by multiple members of the industry on social media earlier this morning.

Suda was best known for his work on the Fist of the North Star anime adaptation as both character designer and animator, giving main character Kenshiro his iconic masculine yet vulnerable appearance, along with working on other series, such as Speed Racer Slam Dunk, Hell Teacher Nube and the original Gatchaman as a key animator.

Later in his life outside of work in the animation industry, he also became known for being one of the original founders of the Japanese Animation Creators Association with Satoshi Kon and other key figures in the industry in 2007, which would serve as the representative labor union for workers of all levels in the Japanese animation industry. JAniCA released a statement on August 18 thanking Suda for all of his work with the organization and stated that a funeral service would be held for Suda's family members.

His work in and out of the industry will be remembered and appreciated by all who come across it. May he rest in peace.