UPDATE: A new announcement posted on MAGES.’ official website confirms Shikura will be retained as an executive producer at the company.
Per Twitter, Chiyomaru Shikura has formally announced his resignation as chairman and representative director of MAGES. In addition to these roles, Shikura was best known as one of the chief creative forces behind the Science Adventure series’ development at MAGES., among the company’s various other projects.
ただ、僕のクリエイターとしての人生については、もう少しだけ続けさせてもらえたらと思っています。懐かしいAD時代のような初心に帰る気持ちの中、今後MAGES.とは新しい関係、新しい立場で、引き続き顔馴染みのスタッフ達と、再び新作など発売出来る体制が築けるよう話し合いを行っています。
— 志倉千代丸 (@chiyomaru5pb) January 4, 2023
Via his initial Tweet, Shikura’s decision to step down seems to have stemmed from the expiration of his term of office. Shikura expresses his sincerest gratitude toward MAGES.’ staff, related parties, and fans of his projects, all of whom he says have been a substantial support to him since the company’s foundation.
Shikura explains in a follow-up Tweet, however, that he still feels he has a bit more work he’d like to do as a creative in the times to come. With this in mind, Shikura notes that he is in ongoing discussions with staff at MAGES. to potentially establish a new position for him at the company, with his creative offerings as the primary focus.
We will strive to keep you updated as further details arise.