Doraemon director Shibayama Tsutomu dies at 84 of lung cancer

Shibayama Tsutomu, the creative force behind Doraemon for over two decades, has died at the age of 84. His death, due to lung cancer, was announced by Ajia-do Animation Works on March 17, 2026. According to the studio, Shibayama died on March 6.

In its official statement, the studio said, “Shibayama Tsutomu, the animation director who oversaw the Doraemon series for over 20 years, died on the 6th from lung cancer,” while also recognising his immense contribution to the anime industry.

Often referred to in Japan as the



‘Father of National Animation’, Shibayama played a defining role in shaping one of the country’s most beloved cultural exports. He directed the 1979 Doraemon television series and went on to helm 22 feature films based on the franchise, cementing its place across generations.

His journey in animation began at Toei Animation in 1963, before he moved to A Production, now known as Shin-Ei Animation. Over the years, his work extended beyond Doraemon, with contributions to titles such as Chibi Maruko-chan, Lupin III, and Majime ni Fumajime Kaiketsu Zorori.