Tales Series Character Designer Mutsumi Inomata Dies at 63

Mutsumi Inomata, a renowned artist and animator known in the gaming world for her work on Bandai Namco’s Tales of series, has passed away at the age of 63. The announcement was made on Inomata’s official X account.

“Mutsumi Inomata passed away on March 10, 2024. It happened so suddenly. She still has rough drafts, which I’m sure are still being worked on in heaven,” the statement, written by Inomata’s sister, reads. “Surrounded by her favorite cats, she’s surely creating more cute, strong-eyed characters.”

Inomata was the main character designer for many Tales of games, including Tales of Destiny, Tales of Destiny 2, Tales of Eternia, Tales of Rebirth, Tales of the Tempest, Tales of Innocence, Tales of Hearts, and Tales of Graces. She also provided costume designs for Tekken 5, Tekken 6, and Tekken Tag Tournament 2.

“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all those who loved and supported Mutsumi. We hope that in the future you will continue to love her as you did,” the statement continues. “The funeral service was conducted by close relatives only. In accordance with her wishes before her death, we decline all condolences, incense, offerings, floral tributes and other expressions of sympathy. We appreciate your kind understanding.”

From 1979 to 1982, Inomata worked as an animator at Ashi Production. Following this, she left the company along with a handful of other creators to form Kaname Production, where she worked as an animator and character designer on many anime series including Plawres Sanshiro and Once Upon a Time. As a freelancer, she worked on character designs for Future GPX Cyber Formula and Brain Powerd.

“It really happened so suddenly that I still can’t think of many things,” wrote Inomata’s sister on X. “I plan on keeping this account open for a while. If you could reply with a message, I’m sure it will reach my sister.”