Nosaka Akiyuki(野坂昭如) passed away at the age of 85 on 2015 December 9. I think you know him as an original writer of Hotaru no Haka(火垂るの墓). Almost a decade ago, I translated his message for a live-action version and posted on IMDB. Here is my post about it.
I pray sincerely for the repose of his soul. (合掌)