Tsutomu Shibayama, Doraemon Director, Dies at 84

Tsutomu Shibayama, the renowned Japanese animation director best known for helming the beloved Doraemon franchise, died on March 6, 2026, at the age of 84 after battling lung cancer.

His passing was confirmed by Ajiado Animation Works, the studio he co-founded, which announced the news on March 17. The studio described Shibayama as its former president and CEO, noting in a statement that he had directed the Doraemon television series and its theatrical films for more than two decades. "We express our deepest gratitude for the affection everyone showed him throughout his life," the statement added. A private funeral attended only by family members took place shortly after his death, in line with the family's wishes. The studio declined floral tributes, monetary gifts, or condolence visits and said it plans to organize a public memorial service at a later date.

Born in Tokyo in 1941, Shibayama entered the animation industry in 1963 at Toei Animation. He later worked at A Production, now known as Shin-Ei Animation, before co-founding Ajiado in 1978 with Osamu Kobayashi and Michishiro Yamada. His career spanned over six decades, during which he contributed to numerous projects that...