cited his desire to take a break from directing after seven years of continuous work, but reaffirmed his commitment to completing additional projects with Science SARU in the future. Eunyoung Choi subsequently became CEO and president of the studio. She likewise affirmed Yuasa's continued involvement with the studio as a creator. Yuasa spoke further about his planned break from directing in September 2021, stating that he was "taking a break to study" during his time away from active production. In early 2021, Yuasa was recognized by the Japanese government's Agency for Cultural Affairs, which awarded him the Cabinet Minister Award for Media Fine Arts for his career achievements. Yuasa thanked the creative collaborators, artistic staff, and cast members of his works, saying that they shared jointly in the honor. Later that year, Yuasa was further recognized with the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon by the Japanese government in recognition of his distinguished contributions to artistic and cultural development. Yuasa's latest project is the musical drama Inu-Oh (2021), based on the novel by Hideo Furukawa. Set in 14th Century Japan, the story centers on a blind musician and a Noh actor afflicted by a terrible curse; Yuasa's goals with the film were to portray both characters as historical equivalents of modern-day pop stars, and to utilize the themes of the narrative to highlight people marginalized by society. The film features character designs by Ping Pong creator Taiyō Matsumoto, is produced by Science SARU, and was licensed for North American theatrical and home-video distribution by GKIDS. The film made its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival in September 2021, and a worldwide theatrical release followed in August 2022. Inu-Oh earned Yuasa the best reviews of his career and achieved universal critical acclaim during its international film festival run. The film won the Best Animated Feature Film award at the Fantasia International Film Festival, the Bucheon International Animation Festival's Special Distinction Prize for an International Feature Film, and was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film. Works Anime Rakugo Kan - Episode 3 (1992) Slime Adventures: Yay, the Sea! (1999) Vampiyan Kids - TV Pilot (1999) Mind Game (2004) Kemonozume (2006) Genius Party: Happy Machine (2007) Kaiba (2008) The Tatami Galaxy (2010) Shin-men (2010–2012) Kick-Heart (2013) Space Dandy - Episode 16: Slow and Steady Wins the Race, Baby (2014) Ping Pong The Animation (2014) The Night