Jan Scott-Frazier, a pioneering figure in the anime industry, has passed away at the age of 59, as confirmed by friends. Frazier broke barriers as one of the first Americans to work within Japan’s animation industry, forging a remarkable career as a producer, technical director, and innovator.
Frazier’s groundbreaking career began in 1989 when she joined Artland Studio, becoming the first non-Japanese person to work in the production department of a Japanese animation studio. Later, in 1992, she founded TAO Corporation Ltd., a full-production company in Bangkok, and in 1995, became the president of Production I.G. USA. During her tenure, she worked as a producer and technical director on various projects, including animations for games like Grandstream Saga and Madou Monogatari.
She also co-founded GENESIS Digital Publishing Company alongside Izumi Matsumoto (Kimagure Orange Road), creating Comic ON, one of Japan’s first digital manga. This innovation marked her as a leader in pushing the boundaries of how manga and anime were created and distributed.
Frazier was beloved within the anime convention circuit during the 1990s and 2000s. Her warmth and passion made her a vital bridge between the anime industry and its growing international fanbase.
Her philanthropic efforts extended beyond her professional work. She founded Voices For, a nonprofit organization that brought voice actors together to produce Voices for Peace, a charity album aimed at supporting global causes.
Frazier’s passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues alike, celebrating her incredible contributions to anime and the lasting legacy she leaves behind.
