Anime enthusiasts around the globe delight in the thrilling moments captured in popular series, from Luffy’s awe-inspiring Gear 5 transformation to Goku achieving the incredible Ultra Instinct during his epic clash with Jiren. These high-stakes scenes consistently captivate audiences, so much so that platforms like Crunchyroll have experienced outages amid the fervor.
Yet, the unsung heroes behind these breathtaking sequences are the animators, whose dedication often goes unnoticed. They sacrifice their time and creativity, working under strict deadlines and limited budgets to deliver the visual experiences we adore. In this article, we will spotlight 10 talented animators who have played pivotal roles in producing our favorite anime scenes.
10 Exceptional Animators Behind Iconic Anime Scenes
1) Vincent Chansard
Vincent Chansard has quickly risen to prominence in the animation industry, making significant contributions to beloved series such as One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen. Teaming up with animation director Megumi Ishitani, Chansard brought Luffy’s Gear 5 to life with a sense of grandeur that rivals Goku’s Ultra Instinct animations.
With a firm grasp of dynamic action and character movement, Chansard has left his mark on numerous iconic battles, including those of Luffy versus Kaido and Zoro against King. Fans across the globe eagerly anticipate his involvement in upcoming series.
2) Kaito Tomioka
Kaito Tomioka’s name is making waves in the anime world, especially for his standout scenes in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2. His work on One Piece includes the dynamic rematch between Luffy and Lucci, showcasing his unique animation style that enhances every series he touches.
Currently aligned with WIT Studio and MAPPA, fans can look forward to Tomioka’s contributions in the forthcoming seasons of Chainsaw Man and One Piece. Expectations are high for these projects under his imaginative skill set.
3) Naoki Tate
The unforgettable scene of Goku achieving Ultra Instinct owes much to Naoki Tate, a celebrated animator recognized for his influential role in iconic episodes. Notably, he also animated Luffy’s powerful punch against Celestial Dragon Saint Charlos, a moment that resonated deeply with One Piece fans.
With extensive experience on titles such as Dragon Ball Z and One Piece, Tate has cultivated a distinctive abstract animation style that emphasizes emotion and action, defining several memorable sequences.
4) Yuki Hayashi
Renowned for his spectacular contributions to the My Hero Academia franchise, Yuki Hayashi brings a vibrant energy to both the anime and its cinematic adaptations. His skillful animations vividly depict critical moments, from Bakugo’s explosive attacks to Deku harnessing One For All.
Hayashi has also made his mark on other major anime series, including One Piece and Dragon Ball Super, establishing himself as a master of crafting electrifying action sequences.
5) Ryo Onishi
Celebrated for his ability to create captivating action sequences, Ryo Onishi has played a crucial role in key scenes across popular series. His animations, from Broly’s fierce confrontations to Luffy’s exhilarating battle against Kaido, have won admiration from fans and peers alike.
Currently animating for Dragon Ball Daima, Onishi’s past achievements command respect within Toei Animation, where his emotionally resonant character animations have also made a lasting impact.
6) Weilin Zhang
As a prodigy in the world of anime, Weilin Zhang made waves with his stunning choreography in a fight scene between Naruto and Sasuke in Boruto. His rapid ascension reached new heights when he animated scenes in Luffy’s Gear 5 transformation for One Piece.
Currently focused on his indie manga project, I’ll of You!, slated for release in March 2025, fans are keen to witness Zhang’s creative endeavors beyond animation.
7) Bahi JD
Bahi JD is celebrated for his exquisite art style, with his animation breathing life into scenes such as Luffy’s Gear 5 transformation. His work elevates the narrative, showcasing the depth of emotion through powerful visuals.
Though primarily recognized for his contributions to One Piece, JD’s influence extends to widespread titles, ensuring his animation style resonates across various genres.
8) Tetsuya Takeuchi
A veteran in the anime industry, Tetsuya Takeuchi is responsible for the iconic Rock Lee versus Gaara fight in Naruto, which is frequently cited as one of the greatest battles in anime history. His expertise in fluid action sequences has defined many beloved anime moments.
Takeuchi’s talents extend to numerous acclaimed series, showcasing his versatility as he seamlessly animates character-driven and action-oriented episodes alike.
9) Ken Yamamoto
Ken Yamamoto has garnered recognition for animating pivotal scenes that elevate a show’s narrative, such as the shocking reveal scene in The Promised Neverland. His robust action sequences and detailed character animations stand out in every project.
Yamamoto’s portfolio includes notable titles, demonstrating his ability to balance vigor in action while maintaining emotional depth in character portrayal.
10) Yuya Takahashi
Dragon Ball fans are well-acquainted with Yuya Takahashi, credited for some of the franchise’s most exhilarating moments in Dragon Ball Super. Despite variations in animation quality, his work remained a pinnacle of visual excellence.
Having contributed to several Dragon Ball projects, including the recent Dragon Ball Daima, Takahashi’s dynamic artistry continues to thrill audiences, demonstrating his exceptional ability to animate transformations that resonate deeply with fans.