Hiroyuki Morita

Hiroyuki Morita (森田 宏幸) was born on June 26, 1964 in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan and has become one of the most versatile figures in Japanese animation. After graduating from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Fukuoka University, he entered the animation industry by joining Shaft in 1987, where his first credited work was the series Hiatari Ryōkō!. Morita quickly distinguished himself as a diligent in‑betweener on landmark films such as Akira (1988) and Kiki's Delivery Service (1989), demonstrating a meticulous eye for timing and motion. Throughout the 1990s he expanded his repertoire, providing key animation for titles like Roujin Z, Hashire Melos!, Memories, and the cult classic Perfect Blue, where he even choreographed the dance sequence for the idols, highlighting his commitment to the fundamentals of animation. His close collaboration with Studio Ghibli included key animation on My Neighbors the Yamadas and the short Koro no Daisanpo, experiences that eventually led to his directorial debut on the beloved Ghibli feature The Cat Returns (2002). In 2007 Morita transitioned to television, directing the sci‑fi series Bokurano: Ours, a project that sparked controversy when he openly admitted to disliking the original manga, prompting a heated dialogue with fans and the manga’s author. Beyond directing, he has contributed storyboards to a wide array of series such as Monster, Paranoia Agent, Anohana, and Attack on Titan, reflecting his adaptability across genres. From 2014 to 2017 he worked with Polygon Pictures, managing digital animation initiatives and the ACTF forum, before returning to freelance work. In addition to his creative output, Morita served as a director for the Japanese Animation Creators Association (2011‑2015), influencing industry policy and supporting emerging talent. His career, spanning over three decades, showcases a blend of technical mastery, artistic vision, and a willingness to engage candidly with both collaborators and audiences.