Born in 1944 in Japan, he was a prominent film director and animator known for his work in the anime industry. He gained recognition for directing the iconic anime "Fist of the North Star" and was instrumental in establishing the dark, gritty aesthetic of 1980s anime. He also co-founded Studio Live, contributing to numerous other projects as both a director and character designer. His influence extended through his mentorship of emerging animators and his innovative approaches in animation.