Renowned anime director Rintaro recently shared the story of his upbringing and how he became involved in the anime industry. Born in Tokyo in 1941 during the war, he had a relaxed childhood in Nagano, where he became infatuated with movies after watching a Russian film at the age of eight. This fascination with movies led him to experiment with creating his own animated stories using homemade magic lanterns.
Upon returning to Tokyo at the age of eleven, Rintaro found solace in reading comics, watching movies, and creating his own stories and characters. His lack of interest in studying led him to pursue a job in the movie industry, eventually landing a role at Hattori Eigasha and later at Toei Douga, where he started as a painter on anime films. He worked his way up to becoming a director under the mentorship of Osamu Tezuka, eventually joining Tezuka’s Mushi Pro studio.
Rintaro’s career flourished at Mushi Pro, where he worked on several popular anime titles, including Tetsuwan Atom and Kimba the White Lion. He later moved on to work on other projects, such as Captain Harlock and Galaxy Express 999, before freelancing and contributing to the founding of Madhouse with his friends. His diverse portfolio includes works like Genma Taisen and The Dagger of Kamui, where he focused on the contrast of light and shadow and the importance of music in creating a cinematic experience.
In his projects, such as X/1999, Metropolis, and Pluto, Rintaro aimed to merge his passion for live-action movies with the creative freedom provided by animation. His collaborations with artists like Katsuhiro Otomo and the use of real scenery in anime were distinctive features of his work. Rintaro’s commitment to exploring new approaches in anime production and his desire to bring a cinematic quality to his projects have earned him widespread acclaim in the industry.
Reflecting on his career, Rintaro emphasized the importance of creating meaningful work that resonates with both staff members and audiences. He prioritized the happiness and satisfaction of his team and aimed to push the boundaries of traditional anime storytelling. Despite his success, Rintaro remains humble and continues to draw inspiration from classic filmmaking and renowned directors like Clint Eastwood. He believes in the value of preserving and appreciating the work of old masters in the industry while also embracing new challenges and opportunities for creative expression.
