Hiromitsu Morita, Chief Director of Sazae-san, Passes Away

Animator and director Hiromitsu Morita passed away on June 4, 2026. Studio Eiken announced the news on June 15 through an official statement that did not specify the cause of death.

Morita joined Sazae-san on May 29, 2005, with episode 5,648, and in July 2011 he took over as chief director of the series. He retired in March 2024, after nearly two decades tied to the longest-running anime on Japanese television.

In addition to his work on Sazae-san, he directed other productions such as Kobo-chan, The World of Narue, Ijiwaru Baasan (1996), and Cello-Hiki no Gauche. Throughout his career he also worked as an animator, storyboard artist, and episode director on titles such as Astro Boy, Ashita no Joe, Monster , and Claymore.

Originally published on Anitsu by Mateo Henríquez. Text reviewed and cross-checked for DonOtaku on November 5, 2026; the original date is preserved.