Visionary Anime Director Tatsuya Nagamine, Who Shaped 'Dragon Ball Super' and 'One Piece,' Passes Away at 53

The global anime community is mourning the profound loss of Tatsuya Nagamine, a monumental director whose distinctive vision brought some of the most memorable sequences in modern animation to life. Nagamine, a pivotal figure celebrated for his extensive work across major franchises, passed away on August 20, 2025, at the age of 53, following a year-long struggle with a serious, yet unspecified, illness. His death marks the end of a remarkable career that left an indelible mark on both the Dragon Ball and One Piece universes, solidifying his reputation as a master craftsman in Japanese animation.

A Defining Influence on the Dragon Ball Universe

Nagamine's most widely acclaimed achievement is arguably his directorial effort on Dragon Ball Super: Broly. This 2018 cinematic masterpiece garnered immense praise from both lifelong enthusiasts and critics, frequently cited as the gold standard for Dragon Ball feature films. Furthermore, his dedicated tenure on the latter half of the Dragon Ball Super television series was crucial. Helming episodes 77 through 131, Nagamine was the driving force behind the visually spectacular and emotionally charged Tournament of Power arc. His direction injected the series with a raw, kinetic energy, expertly balancing high-octane action choreography with genuine character depth, ensuring the show maintained peak momentum.

Extensive Contributions to One Piece and Beyond

His extensive influence was not limited to the Saiyan saga. Nagamine was also deeply involved with the world of the Straw Hat Pirates, guiding significant One Piece cinematic endeavors such as the fan-favorite One Piece Film: Z and the special television feature One Piece: Heart of Gold. Moreover, he directed numerous episodes throughout the long-running main series, contributing significantly to its sustained, global popularity. Demonstrating remarkable versatility, Nagamine's credits also span beloved titles like the classic Dr. Slump and the magical girl franchise Pretty Cure.

The news of his passing was corroborated by various respected Japanese media outlets and industry professionals, leading to a private memorial service attended by close associates and peers. While the animation world mourns the loss of a true visionary, Nagamine's extraordinary body of work will continue to inspire and entertain millions of fans worldwide for generations to come.