Mahiro Maeda
Mahiro Maeda (前田 真宏 Maeda Mahiro) born March 14, 1963 is one of the most prominent Japanese anime creators working today, having worked as director, character designer, and animator for many of Japan's top series. Helen McCarthy in 500 Essential Anime Movies called him "one of the most imaginative visualists in anime". He also worked on Concept Art and Design for Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), which won six Academy Awards. He has been one of the top contributors at the anime studio GONZO for many years, having directed Blue Submarine No. 6, Final Fantasy: Unlimited and Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo. His design work ranges from 2 of the "Angels" in Neon Genesis Evangelion to production and mechanical design for such series as Magic User's Club (魔法使いTai! Mahō Tsukai Tai!), The Vision of Escaflowne and Last Exile. He was also the designer of the invaders in Gatekeepers 21. His earlier years were spent mostly at the famed Studio Ghibli, where he helped animate classics such as Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Castle in the Sky, and Porco Rosso. Maeda is also one of the select Japanese directors to actively collaborate with the international film media on various projects. H…
Behind the camera
- 2025Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuXKey Animation, Storyboard Artist3 ep.
- 2024Kaiju No. 8Creature Design23 ep.
- 2018SSSS.GRIDMANCreature Design1 ep.
- 2014Japan Animator ExpoAnimation Director, Character Designer, Director, Key Animation, Storyboard Artist3 ep.
- 2014Rage of BahamutStoryboard Artist1 ep.
- 2013Ando Lloyd ～A.I. knows LOVE ?～Original Story10 ep.
- 2013Kill la KillKey Animation, Storyboard Artist1 ep.
- 2008Genius Party BeyondDirector, Writer5 ep.
- 2007Ani*Kuri15Director1 ep.
- 2004GankutsuouDirector, Executive Producer, Key Animation, Original Story, Series Director, Storyboard Artist24 ep.
- 2003Last ExileKey Animation, Mechanical Designer, Production Design, Storyboard Artist26 ep.
- 2003The AnimatrixDirector, Key Animation, Writer2 ep.
- 2002Gate Keepers 21Storyboard1 ep.
- 2001Final Fantasy: UnlimitedArt Designer, Character Designer, Creature Design, Key Animation, Series Director, Storyboard Artist25 ep.
- 2000VanDreadKey Animation1 ep.
- 1998Blue Submarine No. 6Character Designer, Director, Key Animation, Mechanical Designer, Series Director, Storyboard Artist4 ep.
- 1991Doomed MegalopolisKey Animation3 ep.
- 1990Nadia: The Secret of Blue WaterDirector, Key Animation, Settings, Storyboard Artist39 ep.
- 1988GunbusterKey Animation1 ep.
- 1987Lemon AngelKey Animation1 ep.