Mahiro Maedaborn 1963
usually
Director
Popularity
2.5
Famous
Biography
Mahiro Maeda (前田 真宏 Maeda Mahiro) born March 14, 1963 is one of the most prominent Japanese anime creators working today, having worked as director, character designer, and animator for many of Japan's top series. Helen McCarthy in 500 Essential Anime Movies called him "one of the most imaginative visualists in anime". He also worked on Concept Art and Design for Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), which won six Academy Awards. He has been one of the top contributors at the anime studio GONZO for many years, having directed Blue Submarine No. 6, Final Fantasy: Unlimited and Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo. His design work ranges from 2 of the "Angels" in Neon Genesis Evangelion to production and mechanical design for such series as Magic User's Club (魔法使いTai! Mahō Tsukai Tai!), The Vision of Escaflowne and Last Exile. He was also the designer of the invaders in Gatekeepers 21. His earlier years were spent mostly at the famed Studio Ghibli, where he helped animate classics such as Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Castle in the Sky, and Porco Rosso. Maeda is also one of the select Japanese directors to actively collaborate with the international film media on various projects. He provided key animation for the animation sequence in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill Vol. 1. His directorial work has also been featured in such exclusive package films as The Animatrix (segment: "The Second Renaissance Parts I and II"), Genius Party Beyond (segment: "Gala"), and Ani*Kuri15 (segment: "Princess Onmitsu"). He has also visited the American Anime Expo convention in 2000 and 2003.
Credits
2025
Action • Animation • Drama • Science Fiction
Storyboard Artist, Key Animation
2023
Action • Fantasy • Science Fiction • TV Movie
Art Designer
2021
Action • Animation • Drama • Science Fiction
Key Animation, Art Designer, Concept Artist, Storyboard Artist, Director
2016
Animation • Documentary • Fantasy
Key Animation
2016
Action • Horror • Science Fiction
Storyboard, Conceptual Design, Art Direction, Creature Design, Concept Artist
2016
Action • Adventure • Animation • Science Fiction
Original Story
2015
Animation • Comedy
Storyboard Artist, Screenplay, Character Designer, Key Animation, Director
2014
Animation • Fantasy • Romance
Director
2012
Action • Animation • Drama • Science Fiction
Key Animation, Storyboard Artist, Director, Assistant Script
2006
Action • Adventure • Animation • Drama • Fantasy • Romance • Science Fiction
Mechanical Designer
2003
Animation • Science Fiction
Director, Animation Director, Character Designer, Key Animation
1997
Action • Animation • Drama • Science Fiction
Key Animation
