Hiroyuki Morita
Hiroyuki Morita was born in Fukuoka Prefecture and grew up during the 1960s. He attended Fukuoka Kenritsu Chikushikoto School, where he began creating his own animated projects. During his high school years, he produced an independent film that won a prize in an animation magazine contest. One of the production staff members for this early work was Katsuyuki Toda, who later became a manga artist. This project marked the first time Morita took on the role of director for a personal piece.
After graduating from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Fukuoka University, Morita joined the animation production company Shaft. His first professional work as an animator appeared in Hiatari Ryōkō! in 1987. He soon transitioned to freelance status and worked as an inbetweener on major films like Akira and Kiki's Delivery Service. As a key animator, he contributed to Roujin Z, Hashire Melos!, Memories, and Perfect Blue. For Perfect Blue, Morita even danced the choreography for the idols featured in the film. He also served as an episode director for the OVA Golden Boy between 1995 and 1996.
During the production of the anime adaptation of Bokurano, Morita posted progress reports and held Q&A sessions about the aired episodes on his blog. On the 13th of June 2007, he stated, "I dislike the original work, and I admit that I made some malicious changes to the original when making it into an animation." Viewers criticized both the adaptation and Morita himself for these comments. He later explained that the word "dislike" was misleading and clarified that the manga was good and full of
mysteries. In a Monthly Ikki magazine interview with the original author Mohiro Kitoh, Morita said, "I was half-forced to say [that I 'dislike' it]," to which Kitoh replied, "I'm sure you were (laughs)."
On the 27th of February 2011, Hiroyuki Morita was elected as director for the Japanese Animation Creators Association. He served on the board of directors for approximately four years before retiring in June 2015. His tenure involved overseeing industry standards and supporting creators within Japan's animation sector. This leadership role highlighted his standing among peers following his successful directorial career.
Until mid-2017, Morita worked at Polygon Pictures, a digital animation production company. During this period, he was involved in the management of ACTF, a forum
themed around digital animation. After leaving Polygon Pictures, he returned to working as a freelancer. His time at Polygon Pictures reflected a broader industry shift toward digital workflows and online collaboration tools during the 2010s.
Continue Browsing
Common questions
Where was Hiroyuki Morita born and what school did he attend?
Hiroyuki Morita was born in Fukuoka Prefecture and attended Fukuoka Kenritsu Chikushikoto School. He began creating his own animated projects while attending this institution.
When did Hiroyuki Morita start his professional animation career at Shaft?
Hiroyuki Morita joined the animation production company Shaft after graduating from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Fukuoka University. His first professional work as an animator appeared in Hiatari Ryōkō! in 1987.
What controversial statement did Hiroyuki Morita make about Bokurano on June 13 2007?
On the 13th of June 2007, Hiroyuki Morita stated that he disliked the original work and admitted to making malicious changes during the animation process. Viewers criticized both the adaptation and Morita himself for these comments before he later clarified his position.
How long did Hiroyuki Morita serve as director for the Japanese Animation Creators Association?
Hiroyuki Morita was elected as director for the Japanese Animation Creators Association on the 27th of February 2011. He served on the board of directors for approximately four years before retiring in June 2015.
Which digital animation company did Hiroyuki Morita work for until mid-2017?
Until mid-2017, Hiroyuki Morita worked at Polygon Pictures, a digital animation production company. During this period he managed ACTF, a forum themed around digital animation, before returning to freelance work.