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Justin Leach, Dai Satō Name Promising Anime Directors to Watch
posted on by Lynzee Loveridge
Animator and producer Justin Leach (Kick-Heart) and scriptwriter Dai Satō (Ergo Proxy, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex), both members of Japan Society's Innovators Network, held a talk for New York's Japan Society titled "The State of Japanese Animation in a Post-Miyazaki World" last month. Part of the discussion included what directors could possibly fill the void left by Miyazaki. While Leach admits that Miyazaki may never truly be able to be replaced, eight current directors are worth keeping an eye on.
The list includes well established favorites like Mamoru Hosoda (Wolf Children, Summer Wars), Masaaki Yuasa (Ping Pong, Kick-Heart), Makoto Shinkai (5cm per Second, The Garden of Words), and Hideaki Anno (Neon Genesis Evangelion). Up and coming directors are also highlighted, like Shingo Natsume (One-Punch Man, Space Dandy), Hiroyasu Ishida (Taifū no Noruda, Poulette's Chair), and Daizen Komatsuda (BBK/BRNK).
What anime directors do you think show the most promise? Let us know in the forums!
