Ryou Kouno (河野羚), a respected figure in anime art direction, has sadly passed away. Born Hiromi Kouno (河野尋美), she died on October 23, 2024, reportedly from gastrointestinal bleeding. Her nephew, Akira Kouno, shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), paying tribute to his aunt’s legacy and expressing the family’s pride in her impactful work.
A Legacy of Iconic Art and Innovation
Kouno’s journey in the anime industry began in 1981 when she contributed as a background artist for Sayonara Ginga Tetsudou 999: Andromeda Shuuchakueki (Adieu Galaxy Express 999). Under her real name, Hiromi Kouno, she built her early reputation before adopting the name Ryou Kouno in the late 1980s.
Kouno became a core contributor at MADHOUSE, where she worked on numerous projects, ultimately advancing to assistant art director on Metropolis (2001). Her contributions to Paranoia Agent (2004) and close collaboration with acclaimed director Masaaki Yuasa on titles like Kemonozume (2006) and Kaiba (2008) solidified her place as a creative force in the anime industry.
Memorable Works with Masaaki Yuasa and Beyond
Kouno’s work with Masaaki Yuasa continued as she served as art director for his visionary series Kaiba (2008) and worked as a concept artist on The Tatami Galaxy (2010). After Yuasa moved on from MADHOUSE, Kouno joined him on projects such as Space Dandy (2014) and Devilman Crybaby (2018). Her talent and dedication made her a sought-after collaborator across the industry.
In addition to her work with Yuasa, Kouno made significant contributions to:
- Mob Psycho 100 (2016-2022) – Art director across all seasons
- The Gene of Ai (2023) – Art boards
- My Hero Academia Season 7 – Background art for the second ending
Tributes to a Visionary Artist
Akira Kouno expressed gratitude for the support shown to his aunt throughout her career, stating, “Each project she worked on was a source of pride for our family.” The anime community has also mourned her loss, remembering her artistry and enduring influence on beloved anime series.
Notable Contributions to Anime Art
Kouno’s extensive portfolio includes a variety of acclaimed projects that showcased her distinctive art style and attention to detail:
- Paranoia Agent (2004) – Guest art director
- Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad – Background art
- Perfect Blue – Background artist
- Carole & Tuesday – Art direction contributions
- Shin-Men – Art team member
Her work on Mob Psycho 100 won accolades for its dynamic and expressive art style, cementing Kouno’s legacy in anime history.
FAQs
How to watch Mob Psycho 100?
Mob Psycho 100 is available on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix, allowing fans worldwide to experience Kouno’s incredible work as art director across all seasons.
What other notable works did Ryou Kouno contribute to?
Kouno’s extensive career includes work on Perfect Blue, The Tatami Galaxy, Carole & Tuesday, and Devilman Crybaby, among many other influential anime titles.
Will Ryou Kouno’s work be showcased in upcoming projects?
Her recent work includes The Gene of Ai (2023) and contributions to My Hero Academia Season 7’s background art. Her impact will continue to be felt across anime projects inspired by her style and legacy.