Veteran Japanese filmmaker and animation director Tsutomu Shibayama, best known for his long-standing association with the beloved anime franchise Doraemon, has died at the age of 84 after battling lung cancer. The news of his passing was confirmed by the renowned Japanese animation studio Asia-do, formally known as Ajia-do Animation Works, where Shibayama had previously served in top leadership roles.

Tsutomu Shibayama passes away

In an official obituary released by the studio, the company stated that its former President and CEO passed away on March 6, 2026. The statement noted that Shibayama succumbed to lung cancer and remembered him as a guiding force in the studio’s creative journey.