Person

Haruo Sotozaki

Directing · Muroran, Hokkaido, Japan

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.

Known for

Filmography

2025Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity CastleDirector
2025Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 2Director
2025Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1Director
2025Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Swordsmith Village Arc Part 2Director
2025Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Swordsmith Village Arc Part 1Director
2025Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Infiltration ArcDirector
2024Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -To the Hashira Training-Director
2023Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Entertainment District Decisive Battle ArcDirector
2023Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -To the Swordsmith Village-Director
2022Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Tsuzumi Mansion ArcDirector
2022Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Asakusa ArcDirector
2021Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hashira Meeting ArcDirector
2021Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Mt. Natagumo ArcDirector
2020Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen TrainDirector
2019Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no YaibaSeries Director
2019Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Sibling's BondDirector
2016Tales of Zestiria the XSeries Director
2014Tales of Zestiria: The Shepherd's AdventSecond Unit Director
2013Magical Sisters Yoyo & NeneAnimation Director
2012ZetmanKey Animation
2010Eden of the East Movie II: Paradise LostKey Animation
2009Tales of Vesperia: The First StrikeKey Animation
2009Fullmetal Alchemist: BrotherhoodKey Animation
2008Inazuma ElevenKey Animation
2008Antique BakeryAnimation Director
2007Tales of Symphonia: The AnimationSeries Director
2007ReideenKey Animation
2005Noein: To Your Other SelfAnimation Director
2005Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of GelelKey Animation
2004Lupin the Third: Swallowtail TattooAnimation Director
2004Ninja NonsenseKey Animation
2004Samurai 7Key Animation
2003New Fist of the North StarCharacter Designer
2003New Fist of the North Star: The Cursed CityAnimation Director
2003E's OtherwiseKey Animation
2002Heat Guy JAnimation Director
2002NarutoKey Animation
2002Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone ComplexKey Animation
2002eX-Driver the MovieKey Animation
2001Rave MasterKey Animation
2001XDirector
2001Cowboy Bebop: The MovieKey Animation
2001Fruits BasketAnimation Director
2001R.O.D: Read or DieKey Animation
2001The SoulTakerKey Animation
2001Star Ocean EXKey Animation
2001Digimon Adventure 02: Revenge of DiaboromonKey Animation
2001Initial D: Third StageAnimation Director
2001Earth Maiden ArjunaAnimation Director
2000SaiyukiAnimation Director
1999Hunter x HunterKey Animation
1999You're Under Arrest: The Motion PictureKey Animation
1999Legend of HimikoAnimation Director
1998Eat-Man '98Animation Director
1998AWOL -Absent Without Leave-Key Animation
1996Rurouni KenshinKey Animation
—Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Infinity Castle 3Director
—Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Infinity Castle 2Director

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