Masayasu Sagisu, a pioneering director and producer in the early Japanese anime industry, has passed away at the age of 93. A private funeral was held exclusively for family members.
Background
Born in Tokyo in 1932, Sagisu was the younger brother of director and producer Sōji Ushio — also known by the names Fujio Sagisu and Tomio Sagisu. He is also the father of celebrated anime composer Shiro Sagisu, widely known for his iconic scores for the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise.
Career and Legacy
Sagisu served as a director and producer at Eiken, the studio formerly known as TCJ Animation. Over the course of his career, he contributed to a number of landmark anime titles that helped shape the foundation of the medium, including:
- Tetsujin 28
- 8 Man
- Super Jetter
- Space Boy Soran
- Sazae-san
The news of his passing was shared by his son, Shiro Sagisu, via his official X/Twitter account.

