Doraemon Director Tsutomu Shibayama Passes Away At 84 After Battle With Lung Cancer

Legendary anime director Tsutomu Shibayama, best known for his work on series such as Doraemon and RANMA ½, passed away on March 6 after battling lung cancer. He was 84.

Japanese animation studio Ajia-do Animation Works, co-founded by Tsutomu, announced the director’s death on their official website on Wednesday.

Japanese anime director Tsutomu Shibayama dies

“Former CEO Tsutomu Shibayama passed away on March 6, 2026, from lung cancer. Shibayama supported works as the director of the TV animation and theatrical Doraemon for over 20 years and also served as the general director of the TV animation Nintama Rantarō,” read the statement.

They also thanked him for his profound contributions during his lifetime.

“The funeral was held privately with only close family members present, in accordance with the wishes of the bereaved family. We respectfully decline any floral tributes, monetary gifts, or visits of condolence. We are planning to hold a memorial service at a later date. We will inform you of the date, time, and location as soon as they are decided,” the statement continued.

Who was Tsutomu Shibayama?

Born in Tokyo in 1941, he was referred to as the 'Father of National Animation' in Japan. Tsutomu directed 22 Doraemon feature films and was the series director for the 1979 TV anime for over 20 years.

Doraemon: Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil (1983) and Doraemon: Nobita in the Wan-Nyan Spacetime Odyssey (2004) are some of his popular Doraemon films.

He also worked as animation director for shows like Chibi Maruko-Chan (1990-1992) and Majime ni Fumajime Kaiketsu Zorori (2006-2007).

Shibayama's career

Shibayama started his career at Toei Animation in 1963 before moving to A Production (now Shin-Ei Animation) in 1966. The Gutsy Frog (1972-1974) and the Tensai Bakabon series (1972-1977) are some of his notable works at Shin-Ei Animation.

After exiting Shin-Ei Animation in 1978, Shibayama founded Ajia-do Animation Works alongside Osamu Kobayashi and Michishiro Yamada.

In 2012, the veteran director was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award from Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs for his contribution to the anime industry.