Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs awarded its Commissioner for Cultural Affairs award to Studio Pierrot founder Yūji Nunokawa and manga creator Kazuo Umezu (Makoto-chan, Watashi no Shingo) on Monday.
Umezu is a prolific horror manga creator who has also drawn such manga as Cat Eyed Boy and The Drifting Classroom.
He served as episode director on such anime series as The Funny Judo Champion, Casshan, and Time Bokan.
The award is rarely awarded to individuals involved in the anime and manga industry.