XombieMike🇺🇦

Community Advocate for Castlevania and Bloodstained

[ArtPlay Official EN @ArtplayEN]

Announcement of the passing of SHUTARO, Creative Director at ArtPlay

Early morning on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, our Creative Director SHUTARO passed away at the age of 52 after battling against cancer for approximately one and a half years.

SHUTARO has contributed significantly to the development of the gaming industry through the creation of numerous works. His passing is deeply regrettable, especially given the great promise of his future endeavors.

I express my deepest gratitude for the kindness of all of his fans during his lifetime and respectfully announce his passing.

The funeral was conducted only with close family members in accordance with the wishes of the bereaved family.

The development of Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, which SHUTARO was leading, is now at its final stages. We will carry forward his legacy and strive with all our strength to complete this work worthy of his vision and name.

We must respectfully decline any condolence visits, monetary gifts, floral tributes, or sympathy visiting to our company or his family. We deeply appreciate your understanding in this matter.

February 16, 2026
Koji Igarashi
Co-founder / ArtPlay Inc

https://t.co/OCkYRTIKk4

[XombieMike🇺🇦 @MikeyMc]

@CurryHermit We would do well to follow Shutaro's example to do our best as we chase our dreams. He left impressions of himself in his work, and those impressions on us who loved his efforts. Peace to his friends, family and ArtPlay.

[XombieMike🇺🇦 @MikeyMc]

@CurryHermit

[XombieMike🇺🇦 @MikeyMc]

@CurryHermit I don't really know you, but I love you for what you've given us. Remember when we Bloodstained fans sent you donuts? 🍩 We will love Scarlet Engagement and all of your other efforts. You will be known for your love of curry, JoJos, Castlevania and Bloodstained. Big hugs!

[XombieMike🇺🇦 @MikeyMc]

@CurryHermit #STRforSHUTARO
Keep fighting, Curry Sama! We give you our strength! 💪

[Sonicash @SamuSonicash]

Original artwork by: @tunekitinnkuru7

https://t.co/gdSWy8IO4t

[Sonicash @SamuSonicash]

"Until the end of time..."
#SFM #Bloodstained #Miriam #Gebel

[XombieMike🇺🇦 @MikeyMc]

Follow me on BlueSky where I will like and share stuff I want to lift up for everyone to see.

https://t.co/Zp13Xu5EuB

[XombieMike🇺🇦 @MikeyMc]

This is my #bloodstained pumpkin for Halloween this year
#STRforSHUTARO

[カレー仙人 @CurryHermit]

#Castlevania
#悪魔城
小島文美先生、山根ミチルさんと久々にお会いしました。
10年以上昔のやり取りも覚えてくださっていて嬉しかった。

[XombieMike🇺🇦 @MikeyMc]

@CurryHermit is there a secret in the piano room? Maybe Jojo's Bizare Adventure Stardust theme? No one knows! 😀

[IGA @KojiIGA]

数々の無理難題を颯爽とこなしてきたSHUTARO。
今回の病も、いつもの様に華麗に乗り越えて、また天才っぷりを私に見せつけてくれ！
微力ながら、応援し続けてる！
#STRforSHUTARO

[カレー仙人 @CurryHermit]

#Castlevania
#悪魔城
白夜の武田さん、HDの野尻さんと久々にお会いして当時の話をしました。
集めてくれたIGAさんありがとう

[🥀ぱら守🦇 @tunekitinnkuru7]

【cosplay】

Bloodstained：Ritual of the Night
ブラッドステインド：リチュアル オブ ザ ナイト

ジーベル🦇Gebel

PHOTO📸色悪さん（＠irowaru1）

[XombieMike🇺🇦 @MikeyMc]

#STRforSHUTARO
When I wrote this preface, I didn't know Curry would be in his current health battle. Idk how to feel about it now. https://t.co/dFr8rmQpdl
The AMA is a great way to gain perspective on how much Shutaro has contributed to our beloved #Castlevania games.

[カレー仙人 @CurryHermit]

#STRforSHUTARO
応援ありがとうございます。
戦う勇気をいただいています

[XombieMike🇺🇦 @MikeyMc]

@CurryHermit Strength and courage for the battle!

[するやなぎ🎯 @suruya_dond]

#STRforSHUTARO
悪魔城シリーズ、Bloodstainedは、プレイする中で強い衝撃と感動を受けたゲームでした。特に奪われた刻印、暁月の円舞曲は、クリア後の達成感とそのストーリーの結末に、思わず涙をこぼしたほどでした。

病から回復し、復帰できることを強く祈っております！