Hiroyuki Kawasaki, a veteran scriptwriter who shaped numerous anime series across multiple decades, has died at age 60. Screenwriter Takao Koyama announced the passing on social media Thursday, confirming that Kawasaki died on January 23. He was born November 17, 1965.

Kawasaki's writing credits span some of anime's most memorable titles. His portfolio includes the dark fantasy Blade of the Immortal, the supernatural mystery Ryoko's Case File, the cyberpunk action of Silent Möbius, the post-apocalyptic mecha drama After War Gundam X, and the historical steampunk romance Sakura Wars. Across these works, Kawasaki demonstrated versatility—moving between character-driven mysteries, large-scale world-building, and franchise storytelling.

His contributions came during a formative period for anime. The 1990s and early 2000s saw many of these series aired, a time when anime was expanding its international reach and experimenting with different narrative styles. Kawasaki's work on After War Gundam X connected him to one of anime's most enduring franchises, while Sakura Wars showcased his ability to balance action with interpersonal drama in an ensemble cast setting.

The anime industry has faced several losses of veteran creators in recent years, making Kawasaki's passing notable for fans who grew up with his work. Though he may not be as widely recognized as some contemporaries, his scripts helped define the tone and pacing of series that influenced a generation of anime creators and viewers.

Kawasaki's death leaves behind a body of work that continues to reach new audiences through streaming platforms and home video releases. His scripts remain examples of how strong writing can anchor even experimental or complex anime premises, grounding fantastical stories in emotional logic that resonates with viewers years after broadcast.