Doraemon Anime Director Tsutomu Shibayama Passes Away At 84 After Battle With Lung Cancer
Tsutomu Shibayama, the veteran Japanese anime director who helmed the beloved Doraemon television series for more than two decades, has died at the age of 84. Ajia-do Animation Works, the studio he co-founded, confirmed his passing on March 17, 2026, stating that he died on the 6th due to lung cancer.
In its official statement, the studio said Shibayama “oversaw the Doraemon series for over 20 years” before his death. News of his passing quickly spread across social media, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans around the world.
One user remembered him with particular warmth, writing that at one point Doraemon was his entire life, and that his personal drawings depicting himself and his crew alongside Doraemon and friends as if the iconic characters were regular collaborators would forever stand as a testament to that devotion. Another fan reflected that Shibayama was “an example figure whose work has become one with everyday life,” adding that the true scale of his contributions only became apparent after his passing. A third tribute read: “A true legend has passed away. Thank you for shaping our childhood with your amazing work on Ranma ½ and Doraemon.”
The funeral was held privately in accordance with the family’s wishes. A memorial event is expected to be announced at a later date, according to reports.
Born in 1941 in Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo, Shibayama initially pursued a career as a manga artist under the pen name Hajime Sanjo before transitioning into anime direction, where he made his most enduring mark through both Doraemon TV episodes and feature films. In 1978, he co-founded Ajia-do Animation Works alongside Osamu Kobayashi and Michishiro Yamada, cementing his standing as a foundational figure in Japan’s animation industry. His contributions to the field were formally recognised in 2012, when he received the Agency for Cultural Affairs Award for his work in animation.