Tsutomu Shibayama

Screenwriter, Director, Animator

Japanese Asakusa, Taitō, Tokyo

Quick Info

ProfessionScreenwriter, Director, Animator
NationalityJapanese
Date of Birth09/03/1941
Age84 years (died on 06, Mar, 2026)
BirthplaceAsakusa, Taitō, Tokyo
Date of Death06/03/2026

Latest News about Tsutomu Shibayama

19/03/2026

Tsutomu Shibayama, the acclaimed director known for his extensive work on the 'Doraemon' franchise, passed away on March 6, 2026, at the age of 84 due to lung cancer. His death was announced by Ajia-do Animation Works, the studio he co-owned, and was met with an outpouring of grief from fans and the anime community. Shibayama directed the 'Doraemon' television series for over 20 years and helmed 22 feature films based on the beloved character.

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Physical Stats & More

Eye ColourBlack
Hair ColourSalt and Pepper (partial bald)

Personal Life

Death CauseLung Cancer
Zodiac signPisces
HometownTaitō, Tokyo

Career

Debut TVDoraemon (1984) as a director
Last FilmDoraemon the Movie: Nobita in the Wan-Nyan Spacetime Odyssey (2004) as a director
Famous forDirecting Doraemon TV anime episodes (1984–2005)
Awards, Honours, Achievements
  • Agency for Cultural Affairs Award (2012) for his work in animation
  • Lifetime Achievement Award at the Tokyo Anime Award Festival (2018)
Notable Works
  • Chibi Maruko-chan (1990)
  • Nintama Rantaro (1993)
  • Ranma 1/2 (1989)
  • Doggie March
  • Wolf Boy Ken
  • The Gutsy Frog
  • Tensai Bakabon
  • Ganbare!! Tabuchi-kun!! (1979)
  • Marcy’s Magical Movie
  • The Knight in the Area: Yoroshiku! Zorro
Years Active1963 – 2005
Major Studios
  • Toei Doga
  • A Production
  • Shin-Ei Animation
  • Ajiado Studio

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. Best known for directing the Doraemon film series for over two decades.
2. Started his animator career as a Manga artist, under the name Hajime Sanjō.
3. Co-founded Ajiado, a Japanese animation studio, and served as its president and CEO for many years.
4. His last direction in the Doraemon TV anime was in 2004.
5. Ajiado confirmed the news of his death.
6. He joined Toei Doga in 1963.
7. He moved to A Production (now Shin-Ei Production) in 1966.
8. He co-founded Ajia-do Animation Works in 1978 alongside Osamu Kobayashi and Michishiro Yamada.
Information on this page is collected from public sources and may not be 100% accurate. Report an error
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