Key Facts Block

・Gakken will release Mutsumi Inomata Artbook MIA on June 26, 2025
・100 pages of rare and unreleased illustrations are included
・Features original and licensed artwork from Tales of and Future GPX Cyber Formula
・Takahiro Furusato contributed details on unpublished character projects
・Available via bookstores and online platforms in Japan

A Tribute in Color: Mutsumi Inomata’s Artistic Legacy Lives On

Beloved illustrator and animator Mutsumi Inomata, who passed away suddenly in March 2024, will be honored with the release of her first posthumous artbook MIA on June 26. Published by Gakken, the collection showcases the full breadth of her visual legacy, including previously unseen treasures that fans across generations have long awaited.

The 100-page softcover volume brings together a curated collection of Inomata’s works—from original illustrations featuring her signature motifs of delicate girls and affectionate cats to rare licensed pieces from landmark projects like the Tales of game series and the Future GPX Cyber Formula anime.

Behind the Artbook: What Fans Need to Know

The artbook includes never-before-published pieces such as “The Girl and the Cat,” as well as standout magazine illustrations like the iconic 1991 Animage poster featuring Asuka Sugō. Among the highlights are illustrations from the collaborative “Neko-ten” art exhibit and a detailed timeline titled Mutsumi History, chronicling her career from 1982 to 2015 through 16 representative projects.

One especially significant addition is a previously unreleased character design for an unannounced anime, developed in close collaboration with producer Takahiro Furusato (Cyber Formula SAGA, My-HiME). These exclusive designs offer a poignant glimpse into a project Inomata was working on just before her passing—underscoring her lifelong dedication to the craft.

The Legacy Continues: Impact and Future

MIA not only serves as a memorial but also a definitive archive of Inomata’s influence on anime and game aesthetics. From her character design debut in Acrobunch: The Legend of the Demon Lands to her genre-defining contributions to fantasy RPGs, Inomata's artistic spirit remains vibrant.

For collectors, long-time fans, and aspiring illustrators, MIA is more than just an artbook—it’s a celebration of an icon whose work transcends time.

FAQ

Q: When will Mutsumi Inomata’s artbook “MIA” be released?
A: It will be released on June 26, 2025, in Japan.

Q: What artworks are featured in “MIA”?
A: It includes rare Tales of and Cyber Formula illustrations, plus unreleased originals.

Q: Who contributed to the unreleased project section?
A: Anime producer Takahiro Furusato, a close collaborator of Inomata.

Q: Is this the first posthumous artbook for Inomata?
A: Yes, MIA is the first new compilation following her passing.

Q: Where can I purchase the artbook?
A: It will be available at Japanese bookstores and online retailers.

Source : ORICON NEWS