Anime director Tatsuya Nagamine passes away at 53: One Piece and Dragon Ball fans mourn visionary filmmaker

Fans of anime are saddened by the death of Tatsuya Nagamine, the celebrated director behind popular works like One Piece Film: Z, Dragon Ball Super: Broly, and the visually impressive Wano arc of the One Piece series. He passed away on August 20th at the age of 53 after a private battle with illness, his family announced on November 14th.

Nagamine Tatsuya’s family announced his passing on his official X account. They shared that he had been receiving medical care since last year and died on August 20th at the age of 53. The funeral was a private event, attended only by close family members.

A private memorial service for the director took place at Toei Animation on November 13th. His family shared their thanks, saying they appreciated everyone who could attend and were grateful to Toei Animation for organizing the thoughtful event.

A look at his impact on Anime

Nagamine was a highly respected and reliable director at Toei Animation. He played a key role in many popular anime, including the Wano arc of One Piece, which was praised for its striking new visual style. He also directed major projects like Yes! Precure 5, ONE PIECE FILM Z, and Dragon Ball Super: Broly, solidifying his status as a creative leader in the anime world.

His family described him as a kind, loving, and devoted husband and father, separate from his public achievements. They shared that he faced his illness with courage and never gave up, always hoping to get back home and to the work he loved.

His family shared a touching message expressing their profound sadness. They said they were incredibly proud of his dedication to his work, his children, and everything he did. They pictured him at peace, surrounded by those he admired and collaborated with, maybe even starting a new project together.

They ended with a message to fans, expressing their sincere gratitude for all the support. They asked fans to continue enjoying and appreciating his work, and noted that the sky above his longtime home and studio in Nerima was clear on this day.

Nagamine will be fondly remembered as a truly gifted anime director, but also as a kind and dedicated person. His work continues to delight fans around the world, and his impact on the stories he created will last for years to come.

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2025-11-18 06:38