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Haruo Sotozaki

Directing

Born January 1, 1901 · Muroran, Hokkaido, Japan

Also known as そとざき はるお · 外崎 春雄

IMDb

Biography

Haruo Sotozaki is a Japanese anime and film director best known for his work on the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba series. He began his career in the animation industry in the mid-1990s, contributing as a key animator and storyboard artist on various projects. Sotozaki made his full directorial debut with the anime adaptation of Ninja Nonsense (2004). In 2019, he directed the critically acclaimed Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba television series, followed by the record-breaking film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train (2020). His direction is noted for its dynamic action sequences and faithful adaptation of source material.

Filmography17 titles

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

2009Key Animation

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

2019Animation Director, Director, Key Animation, Opening/Ending Animation, Series Director, Storyboard Artist

Naruto

2002Animation Director, Key Animation

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Movie: Mugen Train

2020Animation Director, Director, Second Unit Director, Storyboard Artist

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex

2002Key Animation

Inazuma Eleven

2008Key Animation

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle

2025Animation Director, Director, Storyboard Artist

Cowboy Bebop: The Movie - Knockin' on Heaven's Door

2001Key Animation

X

2001Director

Tales of Zestiria the X

Series Director

Samurai 7

2004Key Animation

Fruits Basket

2001Animation Director, Director

Eden of the East: Paradise Lost

2010Key Animation

Naruto the Movie 2: Legend of the Stone of Gelel

2005Key Animation

Heat Guy J

2002Animation Director, Key Animation

Saiyuki

Animation Director

Antique Bakery

Animation Director