Renowned anime director Tatsuya Nagamine, celebrated for his work on titles such as One Piece Film Z, Dragon Ball Super: Broly, and Heartcatch Precure!, has passed away at the age of 53.
Scriptwriter Ryota Yamaguchi, known for Dokidoki Precure and the Digimon Beatbreak series, shared on social media about attending Nagamine’s memorial service, held on November 13.
Key animator Shota (@shota_), who worked on Witchy Precure!! ~MIRAI DAYS~, revealed that Nagamine had passed away during the summer of 2025.
Born on October 6, 1971, in Hino City, Tokyo, Nagamine joined Toei Animation in 1995.
Early in his career, he worked as an assistant episode director on the first season of Ojamajo Doremi (1999–2000).
According to Toei Animation’s official profile, Nagamine made his debut as an episode director at 29, and directed his first OVA, Interlude (2004), based on a video game.
His career expanded to directing series such as Beet the Vandel Master, Gekijoban Dr. Slump Dr. Mashirito Abale-chan, and Eiga Yes! Precure 5 GoGo! Okashi no Kuni no Happy Birthday♪.
Nagamine’s other notable directorial works include Happiness Charge Precure!, Dragon Ball Super (co-director), and One Piece: Heart of Gold. In recent years, he contributed as unit director for animated videos celebrating the 25th anniversary of Ojamajo Doremi, cementing his lasting influence on the anime industry.
Nagamine leaves behind a legacy of iconic anime works, remembered fondly by colleagues, fans, and the wider animation community worldwide.