Born in 1941 in Tokyo, Japan, he began his career in animation at Toei Animation. Gaining recognition for his work on TV series like "Astro Boy" and "Kimba the White Lion," he later became a prominent figure in anime films. Notably, he directed "Galaxy Express 999" and the adaptation of Osamu Tezuka's "Metropolis." Known for his distinctive style and storytelling, he played a significant role in shaping the anime industry, influencing generations of animators and filmmakers.