Director Tatsuya Nagamine Passes Away at 53

Image via Toyo Keizai Director Tatsuya Nagamine has passed away at the age of 53, according to his family, who posted the announcement on the director’s social media account on November 13 . Nagamine passed away due to an undisclosed illness on August 20, which he had been battling for a year. A memorial was held at the time with close friends and family, and another held at Toei Animation on November 13 with staff he had worked with closely at the studio. His family followed up in the above statement with more on Nagamine's life: “To his family, he was the kindest, warmest, most caring husband and father in the world. He kept facing his treatment with a positive attitude and truly gave it his all, more than anyone could ask. We believe he fought his illness with the motivation of returning home and getting back to work. It has turned out this way, and we feel terribly disappointed and frustrated. However, we’re all proud of him and grateful for how he always threw himself wholeheartedly into work, childcare, and housework, all with a kind attitude. Right now, I imagine him up there in the clouds, taking it easy and chatting with his seniors and fellow creators, perhaps saying, “Let's make something new!” We hope that’s the case. To everyone who has supported us, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks. We sincerely hope that you will continue to enjoy and cherish the works Nagamine helped create. Thank you so much for your tremendous support. Nerima, where Oizumi Studio is located and where he spent more than half his life, is enjoying clear and sunny skies today.” Members of the anime industry in Japan, including ONE PIECE series composer Kohei Tanaka and Digimon Savers screenwriter Ryota Yamaguchi, said they had attended the memorial service. Screenwriter Osamu Suzuki, who worked with Nagamine on One Piece Film: Z , also acknowledged the service and Nagamine’s passing, although they were not able to attend. Nagamine worked as a series director for Toei Animation series such as Beet the Vandel Buster , Heart Catch Precure! , Dragon Ball Super and ONE PIECE episodes 892 to 1122 — which encompassed the Wano Kuni arc, the first half of Egghead Arc — and One Piece Log: Fish-Man Island Saga , where he stepped down in April 2025 . At Toei Animation, Nagamine also worked on series such as Saint Seiya Omega , Ojamajo Doremi and others. Nagamine also directed the theatrical films Digimon Savers: Ultimate Power! Burst Mode Invoke!! , One Piece Film: Z and Dragon Ball Super: Broly . We wish to thank Nagamine for all of their contributions to the anime industry, and extend our condolences to his family and friends in this difficult time.

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