Yuji Yanase, Animator and Director on ‘Akira,’ ‘Naruto,’ and ‘Death Note,’ Dies at 59
·
02.09.2026 17:56
·
1 min read
Japanese animator and director Yuji Yanase has died at the age of 59. His death was announced by animation studio MAHO FILM, where he was an employee. The cause of his sudden death on August 22 was a myocardial infarction. The funeral was held privately with family.
His wife, Masami Koiwa, told Nikkan Sports that the tragedy was sudden and the family is still in shock.
Decades in the Anime Industry
Yanase spent over three decades in animation. On the cult classic film “Akira,” he worked on in-between animation; on “Death Note,” he created key animation; and on “Naruto: Shippuden,” he directed individual episodes. His credits also include “Shaman King,” Hellsing, “Saint Seiya,” and “Pokémon XY.”
Yanase made his full directorial debut on a TV series in 2014 with the comedy Himegoto. He later led production on projects such as “In Another World With My Smartphone,” “Chosen by God,” and “World of Leadale.”
According to Crunchyroll News, the director remained highly active creatively until his final days. In the summer 2026 season, two ongoing series he directed aired simultaneously: The World’s Strongest Rearguard and The Insipid Prince’s Furtive Grab for the Throne.
