Masatoshi Hakata

Hakata worked as an in-between animator on Dragon Ball Z, providing the transitional frames that connected key animation and ensured smooth motion during the series' most dynamic sequences. While in-betweening can seem a modest role, it is fundamental to animation quality; Hakata's work on one of anime's most action-heavy series required precision and speed. He later expanded his role in the anime industry, becoming a prolific storyboarder and episode director across numerous action properties.

Hakata's subsequent work included storyboarding and directing for series like Beyblade Burst franchise installments, Hunter x Hunter, and Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury. His career trajectory, starting in foundational animation and advancing to direction, exemplifies the common path for anime professionals who develop their craft through hands-on production work.