Makiko Futaki was an invaluable creative resource, and instrumental in almost every work done by Studio Ghibli, where she started up in 1981. Her last film for the studio was, When Marnie Was There.
Futaki was the go to animator on Princess Mononoke, and also worked closely on Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. Futaki was a true visionary, an unrivaled talent, and a godsend for the anime industry as a whole, may she rest in peace.