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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Arts and Culture devider Anime director Tsutomu Shibayama dies from lung cancer

Anime director Tsutomu Shibayama dies from lung cancer

"Doraemon" director passes at 84

Published Mar 17, 2026 09:49 pm
Tsutomu Shibayama, who is best known for his directorial works on classic anime series like "Doraemon" and "Ranma ½," has passed away. The news was revealed via the animation production company AJIADO's website, revealing that he died from lung cancer. He was 84.
The message posted on the website reads: “Our former president and representative director, Tsutomu Shibayama, passed away on March 6, 2026, due to lung cancer. He was 84 years old. He was the chief director of the 'Doraemon' TV program, and directed many films, including 'Nintama Rantaro,' 'Chibi Maruko-chan,' and 'Kaiketsu Zorori."
'DORAEMON NOBITA AND THE LEGEND OF THE SUN KING'
'DORAEMON NOBITA AND THE LEGEND OF THE SUN KING'
Shibayama was responsible for directing the "Doraemon" film franchise for over 20 years. He also worked as the chief director of the television program. Shibayama also helped co-found the AJIADO animation company in 1978 before eventually serving as its president and CEO. Other notable works he had contributed to include "Moomin" and "Lupin III."
In the Philippines, "Doraemon" has quite a following. For years, the iconic anime series was broadcast on local television from the late '90s to the 2010s. The series was dubbed locally, and some changes were made to let Filipino viewers relate more, including the renaming of one character, Gian, to Damulag (big kid). Despite the local dub having stopped in 2020, screenings of other "Doraemon" films have taken place with the original Japanese dub paired with English subtitles. The Philippines has also been referenced a few times on the show, in scenes where Doraemon teaches the gang about bird migration.  

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