Minoru Maeda

Minoru Maeda is a Japanese animation supervisor known as the Dragon Ball animation supervisor. Pioneering Japanese animator whose rounded, expressive character designs defined Dragon Ball and early Dragon Ball Z, serving as chief animation director and inspector of animation quality across both series.

Minoru Maeda served as chief animator and primary character designer for Dragon Ball from its 1986 premiere through the Perfect Cell Saga of Dragon Ball Z in 1992, making him the single largest visual influence on the original anime adaptation. His rounded design aesthetic became synonymous with Dragon Ball's early charm, contrasting sharply with the more angular style Tadayoshi Yamamuro would later introduce. Maeda overseen nearly every aspect of the animation process, inspecting and approving key animation cels and stepping in as animator or supervisor when needed. He directed numerous episodes across both series and illustrated all promotional materials, character databooks, and film comic covers during his tenure.

Minoru Maeda is a Japanese animation supervisor associated with Dragon Ball.

Minoru Maeda has been active in the 1968-1992 period of the franchise. Pioneering Japanese animator whose rounded, expressive character designs defined Dragon Ball and early Dragon Ball Z, serving as chief animation director and inspector of animation quality across both series.

Maeda began his animation career in 1968 at Studio Junio and became chief animation director for Dr. Slump before Dragon Ball. After leaving Studio Junio, he joined SynergySP, an animation studio founded in 1998 by former Toei animators. He expressed strong interest in returning to Dragon Ball if new projects were commissioned.