Netflix
Gift-o’-Animation founder and anime director Satoshi Mori, known for his work on Cardfight!! Vanguard, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, and One-Punch Man has died at the age of 41.
According to the Japanese website Oricon News, Mori died on February 20, 2026, after battling illness. In a statement shared by his family, they wrote:
“Satoshi Mori had been battling illness for some time, and he passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who gave him warm support during his lifetime and who stood by him.”
Mori was the founder and former representative director and president of Gift-o’-Animation, and was best known for directing Cardfight!! Vanguard, where he oversaw multiple entries in the Vanguard franchise.
Across his career, Mori also worked as a key animator on Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion and its sequel series, contributed storyboard and animation work to Sword Art Online 2, and was credited on One-Punch Man.
日頃より森を応援してくださった皆様へ、家族よりお知らせいたします。
森 賢は、かねてより闘病中でございましたが、2026年２月20日に永眠いたしました。
生前の温かい応援、そして支えてくださった皆様に心より御礼申し上げます。
— モリ 賢 (@ibotaga) February 24, 2026
He also held roles including animation director and key animator on Made in Abyss, and worked on The Rising of the Shield Hero, where he was credited on monster design and episode production.
The official Vanguard account paid tribute, stating:
“We would like to respectfully express our deepest condolences on the passing of Satoshi Mori. As director/chief director of the ‘Cardfight!! Vanguard overDress/will+Dress’ series, he gave tremendous dedication and led the work with exceptional passion. We express our profound gratitude and sincerely pray for his peaceful rest.”
