Haruo Sotozaki
Directing
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.
Known for
Directing23
movieDemon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train
2020
Director, Second Unit Director
tvDemon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
2019
Series Director, Director
tvTales of Zestiria the X
2016
Series Director
movieTales of Zestiria: The Shepherd's Advent
2014
Second Unit Director, Director
tvTales of Symphonia: The Animation
2007
Series Director
tvX
2001
Director
tvFruits Basket
2001
Director
Visual Effects41
movieDemon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle
2025
Animation Director
movieDemon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train
2020
Animation Director
tvDemon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
2019
Animation Director, Opening/Ending Animation, Key Animation
movieTales of Zestiria: The Shepherd's Advent
2014
Key Animation
movieMagical Sisters Yoyo & Nene
2013
Animation Director
tvZetman
2012
Key Animation
movieEden of the East Movie II: Paradise Lost
2010
Key Animation
movieTales of Vesperia: The First Strike
2009
Key Animation
tvFullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
2009
Key Animation
tvInazuma Eleven
2008
Key Animation
tvAntique Bakery
2008
Animation Director
tvTales of Symphonia: The Animation
2007
Key Animation
tvReideen
2007
Key Animation
tvNoein: To Your Other Self
2005
Animation Director
movieLupin the Third: Swallowtail Tattoo
2004
Animation Director
tvNinja Nonsense
2004
Key Animation
tvSamurai 7
2004
Key Animation
tvNew Fist of the North Star
2003
Character Designer
movieNew Fist of the North Star: The Cursed City
2003
Animation Director
tvE's Otherwise
2003
Key Animation
tvHeat Guy J
2002
Animation Director, Key Animation
tvNaruto
2002
Key Animation, Animation Director
tvGhost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
2002
Key Animation
movieeX-Driver the Movie
2002
Key Animation
tvRave Master
2001
Key Animation
movieCowboy Bebop: The Movie
2001
Key Animation
tvFruits Basket
2001
Animation Director
tvR.O.D: Read or Die
2001
Key Animation
tvThe SoulTaker
2001
Key Animation
tvStar Ocean EX
2001
Key Animation
movieDigimon Adventure 02: Revenge of Diaboromon
2001
Key Animation
movieInitial D: Third Stage
2001
Animation Director, Key Animation
tvEarth Maiden Arjuna
2001
Animation Director, Key Animation, Animation
tvSaiyuki
2000
Animation Director
tvHunter x Hunter
1999
Key Animation
movieYou're Under Arrest: The Motion Picture
1999
Key Animation
tvLegend of Himiko
1999
Animation Director
tvEat-Man '98
1998
Animation Director, Key Animation
tvAWOL -Absent Without Leave-
1998
Key Animation
tvRurouni Kenshin
1996
Key Animation
Art4
movieDemon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle
2025
Storyboard Artist
movieDemon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train
2020
Storyboard Artist
tvDemon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
2019
Storyboard Artist
movieTales of Zestiria: The Shepherd's Advent
2014
Storyboard Artist