Masao MARUYAMA
Masao MARUYAMA has been working in the animation industry for more than 50 years and has contributed to hundreds of anime, cofounding studio Madhouse and later MAPPA. Japan Expo has the honor of welcoming this major character of Japanese animation as the ambassador for Animé 100!
Biography
Masao MARUYAMA is the CEO of studio MAPPA. He made his debut in the Japanese TV animation industry at the very beginning of its history, at studio Mushi Production where he worked on the production of such series as Tetsuwan Atom (Astro Boy), Wonder 3, or Gokû no Daibôken (The Adventures of Goku).
In 1972, he produced the series Ashita no Joe, with his partner Osamu DESAKI, and cofounded studio Madhouse. Then he produced many successful series and films such as Hadashi no Gen (Barefoot Gen), Genma Taisen, Card Captor Sakura, Nana, or Death Note.
Masao MARUYAMA created a new studio in 2012, MAPPA, and produced director Shin’ichirô WATANABE’s film, Sakamichi no Apollon (Kids on the Slope), as well as director Keiichi SATO’s Shingeki no Bahamut (Rage of Bahamut: Genesis), or Sunao KATABUCHI’s Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni de Sunao KATABUCHI.
In 2016, Masao MARUYAMA let his position as MAPPA's CEO to Manabu OTSUKA. While remaining MAPPA's president, he created the studio M2 where the anime Onihei is currently being produced, and which is to be released in 2017.
With more than 50 years of experience in Japanese animation, Masao MARUYAMA is a major character in its history. He is one of those who have contributed to the highest number of anime and has accepted to be the ambassador for Animé 100, as a witness of more than half the century of Japanese animation we’re celebrating!
More information about his program at Japan Expo soon: follow our news!
If you're a fan of Japanese animation, don't miss the chance to experience the meeting of your dreams: spend an hour with Masao MARUYAMA, Masami SUDA and another talented animator with the Zen+ Animé 100 Ticket [Friday]!
Japanese animation is 100 years old: come celebrate with us!