We've just gotten word from our Twitter followers that visionary Director Satoshi Kon passed away this Tuesday.  The news came via Twitter post from the founder of Madhouse Studios Masao Maruyama, Tuesday night Japan time, who announced the sudden death of a director there, but initially failed to mention who.

Kon began his career with manga, but eventually decided to try his hand in the anime industry.  His ideas proved successful, as he directed a string of hit films from the start:  Perfect Blue, Millenium Actress, Tokyo Godfathers, Paprika etc.  Most of the fandom will remember him for his engaging stories, surreal visual directions, and thought provoking characters.  I personally will always remember him for his Film Tokyo Godfathers, my absolute favorite of his movies.

At the present time, Kon was working on a new film titled "Yume-Miru Kikai", or "The Dream Machine", which will be it's American release name.  First photos of the project can be seen HERE.  It's best described in Kon's own words:  "It’ll be like a 'road movie' for robots."

Satoshi Kon was 47.