Mitsuru Kashiwabara, the acclaimed sound effects engineer behind the iconic audio of the anime Space Battleship Yamato, passed away on November 18 at the age of 91. The announcement was made on the official X account of Studio Khara.

The post expressed gratitude for Kashiwabara’s legacy, highlighting his creation of Yamato’s engine sounds, cannon blasts, and the legendary Wave Motion Gun effects. "He breathed life into the work through sound. Thank you so much," the statement read.

Tributes from Industry Luminaries

Director Hideaki Anno, a long-time admirer of Kashiwabara’s work, shared heartfelt condolences. Anno recalled first meeting Kashiwabara in 2006 and reflected on their discussions about sound design, including memories of using Kashiwabara’s iconic sound effects in Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water.

Anno expressed regret for not visiting Kashiwabara more often in recent years, stating, "I deeply regret not going to see him when I had the chance. His passion for sound design—from MONAURAL to STEREO and 5.1CH—remains deeply engraved in my mind. I will strive to carry forward his vision of sound’s ability to elevate visual storytelling."

A Legacy in Sound Design

Born in Kochi Prefecture in 1933, Kashiwabara moved to Tokyo with aspirations of working in film. After graduating from Nihon University College of Art, he joined Aoi Studio and began his journey in sound engineering, working on Astro Boy alongside industry pioneers such as Matsuo Ohno.

Kashiwabara later became a freelance sound effects artist, contributing to numerous anime and film projects. His dedication to crafting unique and fitting soundscapes made him a master in his field. Even in an era of limited technology, he pushed boundaries to create unforgettable auditory experiences.

Notable Works

Kashiwabara’s portfolio spans decades and includes beloved works such as:

Space Battleship Yamato: The Final Chapter (1983)
The Wings of Honneamise (1987)
Heisei Tanuki Gassen Ponpoko (1994)
Doraemon: Nobita’s South Sea Adventure (1998)
Galaxy Express 999 (1985)
Laughing Salesman
Sazae-san
His creativity and artistry remain a cornerstone of Japanese animation and sound design history.

Source : ORICON NEWS