Akitaro Daichi (大地 丙太郎, Daichi Akitarō) is a Japanese anime director, producer, and photography director. He is known for his work on several well-regarded anime series, including Kodomo no Omocha, Fruits Basket (2001), Now and Then, Here and There, and Kamisama Kiss.
Early Life and Career
Daichi was born in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, and studied at Tokyo Polytechnic University. Initially aspiring to be a stage photographer, he began his career in the anime industry at Tokyo Animation Film, where he worked as a photography director. His first credited work was on the Doraemon film History of Nobita's Outer Space Trailblazing (Doraemon: Nobita no Uchū Kaitaku-shi).
After working in anime for five years, Daichi briefly left the industry to work in video production, where he created karaoke videos. However, he later returned to animation and transitioned to directing and storyboarding. He gained industry recognition in 1994 for his storyboard work on Akazukin Chacha and made his directorial debut in 1995 with Nurse Angel Ririka SOS.
Career Highlights
Daichi has directed numerous anime across various genres, from comedy and romance to action and drama. His notable works include:
- Kodomo no Omocha (Kodocha) (1996–1998) – A widely acclaimed comedy-drama anime based on the manga by Miho Obana.
- Now and Then, Here and There (1999) – A dark, dystopian sci-fi drama known for its intense themes and storytelling.
- Fruits Basket (2001) – The first anime adaptation of Natsuki Takaya's popular shōjo manga, which introduced many fans to the series.
- Kamisama Kiss (Kamisama Hajimemashita) (2012–2015) – A romantic comedy anime adaptation of the manga by Julietta Suzuki.
Daichi is known for his distinctive directing style, often characterized by fast-paced comedy, exaggerated expressions, and fourth-wall-breaking humor, as seen in Kodomo no Omocha and Sexy Commando Gaiden: Sugoi yo!! Masaru-san.
Controversy
In 2018 and 2019, voice actress Hiroko Konishi alleged that she was sexually harassed by her manager, who pressured her to enter a mixed bath with Daichi. She claimed that after refusing, she was blacklisted from the voice acting industry. These allegations remain unconfirmed by legal authorities, but they generated controversy within the anime community.
Filmography
Television Series
- Nurse Angel Ririka SOS (1995)
- Elf Princess Rane (1995)
- Kodomo no Omocha (Kodocha) (1996–1998)
- Ojarumaru (1998)
- Sexy Commando Gaiden: Sugoi yo!! Masaru-san (1998)
- Jubei-chan: The Ninja Girl (1999)
- Now and Then, Here and There (1999)
- Carried by the Wind: Tsukikage Ran (2000)
- Fruits Basket (2001)
- Atashin'chi (2002)
- Jubei-chan: The Ninja Girl 2 (2004)
- Legendz (2004)
- Gag Manga Biyori (2005)
- We Were There (Bokura ga Ita) (2006)
- Poyopoyo Kansatsu Nikki (2012)
- Kamisama Kiss (2012–2015)
- DD Fist of the North Star (2013)
- Tonkatsu DJ Agetarō (2016)
- Nobunaga no Shinobi (2017)
- Nobunaga no Shinobi: Anegawa Ishiyama-hen (2018)
- Meiji Tokyo Renka (2019)
- Detective Conan: The Culprit Hanzawa (2022)
- Me & Roboco (2022–2023)
Films and OVAs
- Animation Runner Kuromi (2001)
- Animation Runner Kuromi 2 (2004)
- Makasete Iruka! (Grrl Power!) (2004)
Influence and Legacy
Akitaro Daichi is recognized for his contributions to both comedy and dramatic storytelling in anime. His works have left a lasting impact, particularly Kodomo no Omocha and Fruits Basket, which continue to be beloved by fans. His ability to blend humor with emotional depth has made his directing style unique in the anime industry.