Minako Shiba (Japanese: 芝美奈子, Hepburn: Shiba Minako, 2 February 1971 - March 2021) was a Japanese animator, character designer, and illustrator. She was known for her contributions to animated series such as Hikaru no Go, Black Butler, and Yowamushi Pedal, where she served as lead character designer or animation director.[1]
Life and career
Minako Shiba was born in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1971 and graduated from Chiyoda College of Technology. She was a fan of video games, and initially wanted to work in the video game industry, but decided to become an animator instead.[2] After college, she initially worked with the studio J.C.Staff, and later worked with the studios C-ZOO and P.A. Works.[2]
