The legendary director behind decades of Doraemon films passes away after battling lung cancer, leaving a lasting mark on global anime storytelling.
Tsutomu Shibayama, a pillar of Japanese animation, has died at 84 after fighting lung cancer. Asia-do, which is the studio he once led as president and CEO, announced his passing on March 6.
He directed the Doraemon films for over twenty years driving the series’ look and feel and leaving his creative stamp all over the franchise. Generations around the world know the tale: a blue time traveling robot cat from the 22nd century who’s always trying to help and sometimes rescue a well meaning, luckless kid named Nobita Nobi.
Before all that, Tsutomu Shibayama was already making his mark directing shows like Dokonjo Gaeru and Ganso Tensai Bakabon proving he knew how to tell a good story and make it look sharp. Over the years he got involved with a whole lineup of hits like Nintama Rantaro,
Chibi Maruko-chan, Majime ni Fumajime Kaiketsu Zorori and plenty more. That kind of range is pretty rare; he had a hand in shaping all sorts of anime from wild comedies to sweet everyday tales.
At Asia-do, Shibayama got elected as president and CEO and he steered Doraemon as chief director and shaped the studio’s style. He pushed for higher quality animation and better stories, setting higher standards with every project that came through.
After he passed away, Asia-do kept things quiet out of respect for his family. They held a small funeral just for close relatives and asked fans to skip the flowers and gifts for now. The studio made sure to thank everyone for years of support. But Shibayama will not go unsung. Asia-do plans a public memorial down the road giving fans and the world of animation a proper chance to celebrate everything he gave us.
Thus, Business Fortune is of the view that Tsutomu Shibayama leaves behind a timeless legacy that will continue to shape the world of anime for generations to come.
