With the Flying Colors Foundation drama officially over, after they announced last week that they would be closing operations, it is finally time to get back to covering more of the important stories of the week concerning anime. With that being said, let’s get started.

Studio Ghibli Co-Founder Takahata Dies at 82

It was reported on April 5th that Studio Ghibli Director and Co-Founder Isao Takahata died shortly after having been admitted to a Japanese hospital. The news was initially reported by multiple Japanese stations. It is unclear as to what the cause of death is, as at this time it has not been revealed to the public. It has been reported by an anonymous source that Takahata has had declining health for the past few years due to heart conditions.

Takahata’s career was a fruitful one. He worked at multiple animation studios throughout the course of his life, including the now Toei Animation. After agreeing to join with Hayao Miyazaki in 1981, the two produced one of Ghibli’s most acclaimed films “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind” in 1984. Takahata himself has also directed films such as “Grave of the Fireflies,” and 2013’s “Princess Kaguya.”

It is a really sad occurrence when such an important figure in Anime culture passes away. I can personally attest to the lasting impact he will have on anime fans because when I first watched Grave of the Fireflies, I knew it was one of those films that would stick in my mind forever. I haven’t gotten around to watching Kaguya yet, but with all of the good things people have said about it, it looks like now it might have to be higher on my priorities. RIP.

Fairytail Author Hiro Mashima Announces Fairytail Anime Release Date and Manga Spinoffs

“Fairytail” and “Rave Master” author Hiro Mashima took to Twitter on April 5th to make a few announcements regarding his most recent hit series. The first of his teases was that the last season of the “Fairytail” anime will air during the fall 2018 season. The anime’s actual release date has yet to be announced, however.

The second of his announcements was the release of two new spinoff manga for the “Fairytail” series. Mashima also indicated that one of the two series will be a sequel. In addition to the news about Fairytail, Mashima has also been greenlit for a new series entirely that will begin serialization on June 27th.

As a long time fan of Fairytail, I can’t help but be excited. I haven’t actually read the manga, so I’m not sure what the sequel will be like, but the based on what I’ve heard about the story, I’m sure it will be at the very least entertaining.

Netflix Releases Violet Evergarden, and Anime is Announced to Have New Project

Many Otakus were disappointed that Netflix chose not to simulcast the show in Japan after other countries such as Canada were able to watch the show at the same time as Japan. Now, those U.S. viewers are now able to see one of the most popular shows of the winter season, as it has been released in its entirety as of April 5th.

It was also teased by the show’s creators that another Violet Evergarden project had been greenlit Kyoto Animation and that the new project might have something to do with the Violet Evergarden Gaiden novel, which is a collection of short stories from the Violet Evergarden series.

Having not seen the show yet myself, I’m not personally that excited, but I can understand why others would be. Even though the show was met with mixed reviews, there are many fans who still love it, and this must seem like a nice treat from Kyoto Animation. Hopefully, for those fans, this ends up being good.

What do you guys think of this week’s anime related news? Let me know in the comments below. Also, if you want to support the Aniwriter through donations or are just feeling generous, consider buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi. Otherwise, thanks for reading and bye for now, Friendos!