Jimmy T. Murakami facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jimmy Murakami
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Jimmy Murakami in 1970
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Teruaki Murakami
June 5, 1933 San Jose, California, U.S.
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| Died | February 16, 2014 (aged 80) Dublin, Ireland
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| Known for | Founder of Fred Wolf Films Dublin |
| Spouse(s) | Ethna Murakami |
| Children | 2 |
Teruaki "Jimmy" Murakami (born June 5, 1933 – died February 16, 2014) was a talented American animator and film director. He had a long and successful career working in many different countries.
Jimmy Murakami is best known for his amazing animated movies based on books by Raymond Briggs. These include the much-loved The Snowman and When the Wind Blows. He was even nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film for his film The Magic Pear Tree in 1968.
Contents
Early Life and Challenges
Jimmy Murakami was born on June 5, 1933, in San Jose, California. When he was just nine years old, his life changed dramatically. His Japanese-American family, along with many others, was forced to move to a special camp called the Tule Lake War Relocation Center. This happened because of a government order during World War II. These camps were places where Japanese-Americans were held, even if they were U.S. citizens.
After World War II ended, Jimmy and his family moved to Los Angeles, California. They started a new life there.
Education and Artistic Start
Jimmy Murakami loved art and decided to study it. He went to the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles. This school helped him develop his skills as an artist and animator.
A Career in Animation
Early Animation Work
In 1955, Jimmy Murakami started his career as an animator at a studio called UPA in Burbank. He worked on a show called the Boing Boing Show.
After working for a short time in Tokyo at Toei Animation, Jimmy moved to London in 1960. There, he joined a company called TVC.
Starting His Own Studios
In 1965, Jimmy returned to Los Angeles and started his own company, Murakami Wolf Productions. Later, in 1971, he moved to Ireland and created another company called Quarteru Films.
He also teamed up with Fred Wolf to form Murakami-Wolf Films. Together, they produced the very popular animated TV series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles starting in 1989.
Directing and Other Projects
Jimmy Murakami also directed the music video for "King of the Mountain" by famous singer Kate Bush. He worked on several films for director Roger Corman in the 1970s and 80s, including directing Battle Beyond The Stars.
In 2010, a documentary film was made about his life called Jimmy Murakami - Non Alien. It showed his amazing journey and career.
Later Life
Jimmy Murakami passed away in Dublin, Ireland, on February 16, 2014, at the age of 80. He is remembered for his incredible contributions to the world of animation. He was survived by his wife, Ethna, and their two daughters.
Notable Works
Jimmy Murakami worked on many different projects throughout his career. Here are some of his most well-known animated films and TV shows:
- The Magic Pear Tree (1968) - This short film earned him an Oscar nomination.
- The Snowman (1982) - He was a supervising director for this beloved TV short.
- When the Wind Blows (1986) - He directed this animated film.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1989) - He was a producer for this popular TV series.
- Christmas Carol: The Movie (2001) - He directed this animated film.
Images for kids
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Camera crew from Von Richthofen & Brown, 1970. Peter Peckowski and Peter Allwork in cockpit. Jimmy Murakami, Shay Corcoran, Lynn Garrison
See also
In Spanish: Jimmy Murakami para niños
