Tsutomu Shibayama, Longtime Doraemon and Ranma 1/2 Director, Passes Away

Anime director Tsutomu Shibayama passed away at age 84 due to lung cancer. The news was confirmed by international media, which highlighted his legacy in Japanese animation.

Shibayama was involved for more than two decades with the Doraemonfranchise, where he directed numerous films and the television series based on the character created by Fujiko Fujio. His style combined adventure, humor, and science fiction for family audiences.

His career also included directing the first season of Ranma 1/2, as well as work on Nintama Rantaro and Chibi Maruko-chan. In 1978 he co-founded the animation studio Ajia-do Animation Works, from which he contributed to the development of modern anime.

Throughout his career he received several recognitions, including the Japan Agency for Cultural Affairs award in 2012 for his contribution to the world of animation.

Originally published on Anitsu by Sebastián Mamani. Text reviewed and fact-checked for DonOtaku on November 5, 2026; the original date is preserved.