Mitsuru Hongo

Hongo began his career as an animator at Ajiado before joining Shin-Ei Animation, where he made his directorial debut with Crayon Shin-chan. He then directed Immortal Grand Prix, Outlaw Star, Reideen, Shamanic Princess, and The Candidate for Goddess, among others. In addition to his television work, Hongo also directed the feature film Sakura Wars: The Movie, which he co-wrote the screenplay for. Born in Tokyo, Hongo spent his childhood in Niigata Prefecture, reflecting his diverse upbringing on his later body of work.