Renowned anime director Rintaro has had a fascinating career that spans the very formation of anime as we know it today. Born in Tokyo in 1941 during wartime, he grew up in a more relaxed environment in Nagano prefecture before moving back to Tokyo at a young age. Introduced to the world of movies through a touring theater, Rintaro developed a fascination with film and projectors at a young age, ultimately leading him to pursue a career in the movie industry.
Starting his career as a painter and animator at Toei Douga, Rintaro eventually found his passion for direction while working on projects such as Tetsuwan Atom and Saiyuki with renowned creator Osamu Tezuka. After Tezuka founded Mushi Pro, Rintaro joined the studio and was able to explore his own directorial style, merging influences from French and Italian movies with traditional anime techniques. His unique approach to animation direction allowed him to add his own perspective and creativity to each project he worked on.
Rintaro’s career continued to evolve as he worked on a variety of projects, including the blockbuster movie Genma Taisen, where he collaborated with renowned musician Keith Emerson to create a unique soundtrack. Transitioning to freelance work, he worked on diverse projects such as The Dagger of Kamui, where he incorporated elements of Balinese music into the soundtrack to enhance the ninja action sequences. His dedication to using music effectively in his films and pushing the boundaries of traditional anime storytelling set him apart as a visionary director in the industry.
From X/1999 to Metropolis and Pluto, Rintaro continued to push the boundaries of anime storytelling, focusing on capturing the essence of each original work while infusing his own vision and creativity into the projects. His work on Metropolis, a reimagining of Osamu Tezuka’s early manga, allowed him to fulfill a long-standing desire to revisit Tezuka’s works and bring his own learned experiences to the project. His dedication to respecting the original source material while striving for creative freedom has been a hallmark of his directorial style.
As he reflects on his career and the current state of the anime industry, Rintaro remains passionate about creating quality storytelling and promoting the value of traditional animation techniques. While he continues to watch movies and draw inspiration from filmmakers like Clint Eastwood, he emphasizes the importance of preserving and honoring the legacy of classic directors like John Ford. His commitment to meeting the right people at the right time and following his creative instincts has defined his illustrious career in the anime industry.
