Takuo NODA
Takuo NODA is a veteran of animation. This experienced animator is famous as the chara-designer of the series Captain Future and after over 50 years of career, he’s still working as an animator. And Japan Expo is delighted to welcome him as a guest, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Japanese animation!
Biography
Takuo NODA was born in 1939 in Kobe and was a passionate about drawing from an early age. At 24, he left for Tokyo after spotting a job offer at a studio named TCJ (Tele-Cartoon Japan). Indeed, to follow the trend launched with series about robots, like Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atom, by Osamu TEZUKA), studio TCJ has decided in 1963 to produce Tetsujin 28-gô, an anime adapted from the first manga featuring a giant robot.
A few years later, in 1969, he joined studio Toei Animation and will keep working there for another 15 years. He made his debut as an animation director with Tiger Mask, a series about pro wrestling. He worked as an animator, chara-designer, and animation director on a high number of series, such as Cutie Honey, Getter Robo, Gaiking, Space Pirate Captain Harlock (Uchuu Kaizoku Captain Harlock). He is most famous for designing the characters of the anime Captain Future. He was also the chara-designer of two series about the Arthurian Legend, Entaku no Kishi (the Knights of the Round Table) and King Arthur (Moero Arthur).
In 1983, he started working for studio Madhouse. He was the animation director on film Genma Wars (Harmagedon) based on characters created by the mangaka Katsuhiro OTOMO, and later on The Dagger of Kamui (Kamui no Ken), a film for which he also designed the characters. In 1997, he worked as a key animator on Perfect Blue (Satoshi KON).
Takuo NODA is one of the last veterans of animation still working today. In the last years, he has been a key animator on Hunter × Hunter: The Last Mission, Alderamin on the Sky, or The Irregular at Magic High School (2016).
It is an honor for Japan Expo to welcome him as an Animé 100 guest: he will be joining you to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Japanese animation, as a major contributor to its history. He will be sharing his experiences of a life as an animator, chara-designer, and animation director with you at panels and meeting you at signings.
If you're a fan of Japanese animation, don't miss the chance to experience the meeting of your dreams: spend an hour with Takuo NODA, Masao MARUYAMA, and Masami SUDA with the Zen+ Animé 100 Ticket [Friday]!
Japanese animation is 100 years old: come celebrate with us!