Doraemon Director Tsutomu Shibayama Dies at 84

Veteran Japanese anime director Tsutomu Shibayama has passed away at the age of 84 after a long battle with lung cancer. He breathed his last on March 6.

The news of his death was officially announced by Ajia Do Animation Works on Wednesday through a statement on their website. Shibayama was one of the key figures behind the company.

In its official note, the studio expressed deep sorrow and said that former CEO Tsutomu Shibayama had dedicated over 20 years to directing the TV animation and films of Doraemon. The statement also mentioned his role as the general director of Nintama Rantaro and thanked him for his lifelong contributions to the anime industry.

Tsutomu Shibayama is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Japanese animation. He directed 22 feature films of Doraemon and played a major role in shaping the 1979 TV anime version of the series. His work helped make characters like Nobita Nobi and Shizuka Minamoto popular among audiences of all ages.

He began his career in 1963 at Toei Animation. Later, he worked on several projects with Shin-Ei Animation, including The Gutsy Frog and Tensai Bakabon. In 1978, he left the company and co-founded Ajia Do Animation Works.

From 1984 to 2005, Shibayama served as the chief director of Doraemon’s TV anime. Some of his notable film works include Nobita and the Castle Undersea Devil and Doraemon: Nobita in the One Nan Spacetime Odyssey. He also directed popular anime like Chibi Maruko-chan, Nintama Rantaro, and Kaiketsu Zorori.

In recognition of his immense contribution, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Agency for Cultural Affairs in 2012.

Following the news of his passing, fans across the world expressed grief on social media, remembering his work and legacy that shaped generations of anime lovers.