Nobuhiro Aihara  

Aihara was born during World War II and later worked on Osomatsu-kun, Moomin, and other titles at anime studios such as Studio Zero and Oh production. However, he gained more recognition in the art communities for his experimental independent animation works. His one-man shows were exhibited in various countries including Tokyo, Kyoto, Sweden, Denmark, France, Germany, and the Czech Republic. Some of his notable works include "Stone," "Private," "Eizou (Kage)," "Line," and "Rain." Aihara served as a judge at international animation festivals such as Hiroshima and Seoul, and also taught film as a professor at Kyoto University of Art and Design. He passed away on April 30 while traveling in Bali, Indonesia, at the age of 66.