Latest news with #Awai
Express Tribune
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Shigeki Awai dead at 71
Shigeki Awai, also known as Shigenori Awai, a highly respected Japanese animator and director, has passed away at the age of 71, reported Hindustan Times. Awai had been a prominent figure in the anime industry since the 1980s, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that spanned decades. His contributions as a key animator and director helped shape many beloved anime series that have captivated audiences worldwide. Awai played a crucial role as a key animator in several hit anime, including various arcs of One Piece, Naruto Shippuden, and Boruto: Next Generation. His talent extended beyond animation, as he also directed episodes of fan-favourite series such as One Punch Man, Beyblade, Food Wars!, and Tokyo Underground. Additionally, Anime News Network credits him as the key animator for multiple episodes of Attack on Titan and My Hero Academia, as well as an episode director for Black Clover and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. Following news of his passing, numerous figures in the anime industry expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Awai's contributions. Animator Tsutomu Ohno shared a heartfelt message, thanking Awai for his guidance and mentorship. Recalling their early collaborations, Ohno wrote, "When I was commissioned by Studio Comet to do the original drawings for Kamengumi and Tonchinkan, I was advised to go to Studio Musashi, where Awai was based at the time, to learn from him. He was a great mentor, and I will always be grateful for his teachings. We offer our deepest condolences." Similarly, animator and director Hideaki Matsuoka reflected on his long-standing association with Awai, sharing memories of their time together. "I was surprised to see the news of Awai Shigeki's passing. The first time I met Awai was about forty years ago when Studio Gallop was still in its early days. We were both from Kyushu and had worked on several projects together, which led to a friendship beyond animation. I remember when Awai-san played bass in a band we started with other animators. We shared so many wonderful memories. Rest in peace, my friend." Even in the past year, Awai remained active in the industry, working as an episode director and animator for The Misfit of Demon King Academy Season 2, Uzumaki, and Terminator Zero. His passion and dedication to animation persisted until the very end, cementing his legacy as an influential figure in the anime world.
Zawya
28-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Japanese investments in Egypt surge 140% to $60mln in 2024
Japanese investments in Egypt rose 140 percent year on year, reaching $60 million in 2024 up from $25 million in 2023. However, further enhancements to the investment environment are crucial to attracting greater inflows. Awai told Zawya Projects that new investments in the pipeline include a factory for automotive wiring and an existing factory expansion, which he didn't identify. Together, the two projects are expected to generate 12,000 job opportunities, he said on the sidelines of the inauguration of Daikin Egypt's headquarters in New Cairo. The firm, which set up shop in 2016, is the local arm of Osaka-based Daikin, a leading global player in heat pump, air conditioning, and air filtration technology. Despite the growth in Japanese investments, Awai noted that investment levels in Egypt don't correspond to the size of the world's fourth largest economy. He emphasised the need to enhance the investment environment to attract more Japanese businesses. 'The Egyptian government is making clear efforts to improve the business climate," he said, highlighting the importance of continuing economic reforms. Japan is closely monitoring Egypt's economic landscape and supports ongoing structural reforms aimed at enhancing the investment climate, he said. Awai highlighted that Egypt-Japan relations have advanced significantly, particularly after Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's visit to Egypt in 2023, where both countries agreed to elevate their ties to a strategic partnership. In the education sector, cooperation between the two nations dates back to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's visit to Tokyo in 2016, which led to projects such as Japanese-Egyptian Schools (EJS) and the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST). The upcoming E-Kousin project will further support engineering and technical education to meet labour market demands. Trade and Infrastructure The Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) has also witnessed developments, including the upcoming launch of the Ro-Ro terminal for car transport, Awai said. He pointed out that the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) has organised trade missions to Egypt, focusing on tourism and industry, with Japanese tourism companies exploring cooperation opportunities. Additionally, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) continues to support Egypt's development projects through concessional loans and grants, with the latest loan agreement signed during International Cooperation Minister Rania Al-Mashat's visit to Japan. (Reporting by Marwa Abo Almajd; Editing by Anoop Menon)
