Haruo Sotozaki
Known For: Directing
Biography
Haruo Sotozaki is a Japanese anime and film director best known for his work on the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba series. He began his career in the animation industry in the mid-1990s, contributing as a key animator and storyboard artist on various projects. Sotozaki made his full directorial debut with the anime adaptation of Ninja Nonsense (2004). In 2019, he directed the critically acclaimed Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba television series, followed by the record-breaking film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train (2020). His direction is noted for its dynamic action sequences and faithful adaptation of source material.
Filmography
2025
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle ... (Director)
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Infiltration Arc ... (Director)
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Swordsmith Village Arc Part 2 ... (Director)
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 2 ... (Director)
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Swordsmith Village Arc Part 1 ... (Director)
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1 ... (Director)
2024
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -To the Hashira Training- ... (Director)
2023
2022
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Tsuzumi Mansion Arc ... (Director)
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Asakusa Arc ... (Director)
2021
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hashira Meeting Arc ... (Director)
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Mt. Natagumo Arc ... (Director)
2020
- Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train ... (Director)
2019
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba ... (Series Director)
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Sibling's Bond ... (Director)
2016
- Tales of Zestiria the X ... (Series Director)
2014
- Tales of Zestiria: The Shepherd's Advent ... (Second Unit Director)
2013
- Magical Sisters Yoyo & Nene ... (Animation Director)
2012
- Zetman ... (Key Animation)
2010
- Eden of the East Movie II: Paradise Lost ... (Key Animation)
2009
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood ... (Key Animation)
- Tales of Vesperia: The First Strike ... (Key Animation)
2008
- Inazuma Eleven ... (Key Animation)
- Antique Bakery ... (Animation Director)
2007
- Reideen ... (Key Animation)
- Tales of Symphonia: The Animation ... (Series Director)
2005
- Noein: To Your Other Self ... (Animation Director)
- Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of Gelel ... (Key Animation)
2004
- Samurai 7 ... (Key Animation)
- Ninja Nonsense ... (Key Animation)
- Lupin the Third: Swallowtail Tattoo ... (Animation Director)
2003
- E's Otherwise ... (Key Animation)
- New Fist of the North Star ... (Creator)
- New Fist of the North Star: The Cursed City ... (Animation Director)
2002
- Naruto ... (Key Animation)
- Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex ... (Key Animation)
- Heat Guy J ... (Animation Director)
- eX-Driver the Movie ... (Key Animation)
2001
- Fruits Basket ... (Animation Director)
- X ... (Director)
- Earth Maiden Arjuna ... (Animation Director)
- Rave Master ... (Key Animation)
- R.O.D: Read or Die ... (Key Animation)
- Cowboy Bebop: The Movie ... (Key Animation)
- Star Ocean EX ... (Key Animation)
- The SoulTaker ... (Key Animation)
- Digimon Adventure 02: Revenge of Diaboromon ... (Key Animation)
- Initial D: Third Stage ... (Animation Director)
2000
- Saiyuki ... (Animation Director)
1999
- Hunter x Hunter ... (Key Animation)
- Legend of Himiko ... (Animation Director)
- You're Under Arrest: The Motion Picture ... (Key Animation)
1998
- AWOL -Absent Without Leave- ... (Key Animation)
- Eat-Man '98 ... (Animation Director)
1996
- Rurouni Kenshin ... (Key Animation)