Tokyo International News Agency

To honor the memory of anime director Tatsuo Sato, who passed away in April 2026, a special memorial streaming project will launch on YouTube starting July 7—the director's birthday. Seven of his representative works will be made available to watch for free. The streaming lineup features a stellar array of sci-fi and fantasy classics, including Martian Successor Nadesico (including the theatrical film), Stellvia of the Universe , Shingu: Secrets of the Stellar Wars , and Bodacious Space Pirates . However, one title stands out as a fascinating outlier, capturing intense attention on social media: the 2001 OVA (original video animation) Cat Soup ( Nekojiru-so ). Fans React with Surprise and Joy: "Incredible to See 'Cat Soup' in This Lineup" Many fans were quick to react to the inclusion of Cat Soup , known for its uniquely surreal and avant-garde style, alongside Sato's mainstream sci-fi, mecha, and space fantasy hits. Comments flooded social media, with users...

Tatsuo Sato, the renowned anime director and storyboard artist celebrated for works such as Martian Successor Nadesico , passed away on April 24 due to liver failure at the age of 61. His management agency, NAGOMI Co., Ltd., officially announced the news on May 7. Throughout his career, Sato spearheaded numerous hit series and cult favorites, particularly within the science fiction genre. His filmography includes Soar High! Isami , Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars , Stellvia , and Bodacious Space Pirates . Notably, his work on the Martian Successor Nadesico: The Motion Picture – Prince of Darkness and Bodacious Space Pirates earned him the prestigious Seiun Award in the Media and Dramatic Presentation categories. His unique directorial style and sense of humor left a lasting impact on fans worldwide. Following the news, social media has been flooded with tributes from fans. Many recalled Nadesico as a cornerstone of their youth, while others praised him for teaching them the appea...