Fumi Kitahara Dies: Veteran Animation Publicist Was 56

deadline.com:

Fumi Kitahara, a widely respected animation publicist who helped steer award-winning campaigns for studios including DreamWorks, Aardman, Laika, Netflix, and Disney, passed away on Monday due to complications from a rare form of blood cancer, her family announced.

She was 56. “Dear Friends of Fumi,” the family wrote. “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.” Signed “Simon, Max & the Kitahara Family,” the joint statement 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.