Washington DC [US], February 26: Fumi Kitahara, a celebrated animation publicist who played a pivotal role in the success of numerous iconic animated films, passed away on Monday due to complications from a rare form of blood cancer, reported Deadline. She was 56 years old.
In a heartfelt statement, Fumi’s family shared the news of her passing, saying, “Dear Friends of Fumi. We’re devastated to share that our dear Fumi passed away this afternoon, February 24, after her long struggle with a rare blood cancer. She was surrounded by the love of her family and close friends.” The statement, signed by “Simon, Max & the Kitahara Family,” continued, “We know many of you will be as heartbroken as we are in saying goodbye to her unforgettable personality, her infectious smile, and her warm and loving heart. This is an unimaginable loss for us, our family, and the animation community. Thank you for the love, support, and friendship you have shown her over the years. She meant the world to so many.”
Kitahara’s 30-year career spanned some of the most successful animated films of recent decades. She was instrumental in publicizing campaigns for DreamWorks, Aardman, Laika, Netflix, and Disney, and was behind award-winning films such as Shrek, Chicken Run, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, Coraline, How to Train Your Dragon, Kubo and the Two Strings, Over the Moon, and The Sea Beast. She also oversaw Oscar-winning campaigns for animated shorts like The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse and War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John and Yoko.
A graduate of California State University, Northridge with a degree in business marketing, Kitahara began her career in 1992 at Walt Disney Studios. Under the guidance of veteran publicist Howard Green, she contributed to the publicity of animated classics including The Lion King, Pocahontas, Toy Story, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and the documentary Frank and Ollie.
Fumi Kitahara’s legacy in the animation industry is one of profound impact, with colleagues, friends, and fans remembering her not only for her professional achievements but also for her infectious personality and the love she shared with those around her.