Kazuya Tsurumaki
DirectorKazuya Tsurumaki is a Japanese anime director who began as an assistant director under Hideaki Anno on the original Neon Genesis Evangelion at Gainax before later directing entries in the Rebuild of Evangelion film series.
Neon Genesis Evangelion Role
Tsurumaki joined Neon Genesis Evangelion in 1995 as an assistant director working under series creator Hideaki Anno at Gainax, taking on production, art direction, and setting duties for a number of episodes. He advanced to director two years later for episode 25', which formed the first half of the franchise's original movie conclusion, The End of Evangelion. He returned to the property decades later as a director on the four-part Rebuild of Evangelion film series, which reimagined the story for a new generation of viewers.
Career and Notable Roles
Tsurumaki began at Gainax as an animation director on the 1990 series Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water, also helming its comedic omake shorts. He made his solo directing debut in 2000 with the six-episode OVA FLCL, followed in 2004 by Diebuster, the sequel to Gunbuster. His other credits include the 2017 special The Dragon Dentist and, more recently, series direction on the Gundam entry Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, a joint production between Bandai Namco Filmworks and Studio Khara.
Frequently Asked Questions
What anime did Kazuya Tsurumaki direct?
Tsurumaki has directed titles including Diebuster, the 2004 sequel to Gunbuster, and the 2017 special The Dragon Dentist. He also stepped up to direct episode 25' of the original Neon Genesis Evangelion, which formed the first half of The End of Evangelion.
Who is the creator of FLCL?
Tsurumaki made his solo directing debut with FLCL, a six-episode OVA released in 2000 through Gainax. The project came after years of work as an assistant and animation director on other Gainax productions.
What is Kazuya Tsurumaki known for?
Tsurumaki is known for his long association with Neon Genesis Evangelion, having joined as an assistant director under Hideaki Anno in 1995 before later directing entries in the Rebuild of Evangelion film series. He began his career at Gainax as an animation director on the 1990 series Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water.
What is Kazuya Tsurumaki's most recent directing work?
Tsurumaki most recently served as series director on Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, a joint production between Bandai Namco Filmworks and Studio Khara.
When was Kazuya Tsurumaki born?
Tsurumaki was born in 1966. He began his anime career at Gainax, the studio behind the original Neon Genesis Evangelion.
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Sources & Information
This content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Dragon Ball anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Headquarters, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:
- Movie pages: theatrical posters and key visuals, credited to Toei Animation and Shueisha.
- Game pages: official box art, credited to Bandai Namco, Atari, and other publishers.
- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Akira Toriyama.
Official resources:
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