Sazae-san's Chief Director Hiromitsu Morita Passes Away
Hiromitsu Morita, one of the most respected names in the Japanese animation world, passed away on June 17, 2026. Morita was the chief director of the Sazae-san anime, which has been airing continuously since 1969 and is listed in the Guinness World Records. The news of his death was confirmed by Anime News Network.
Morita first joined the Sazae-san team in 2005 and became chief director in 2011. Under his leadership, the series preserved its classic cartoon spirit while adapting to modern audiences. He also served as one of the series' producers.
Sazae-san is an adaptation of the manga of the same name by author Machiko Hasegawa, depicting Japanese family life with a humorous tone. The series has been airing every Sunday evening on Fuji TV for over 50 years and has become an integral part of Japanese culture. Morita's death raises questions about the future of this long-running series.
Although no official announcement has been made yet, industry sources indicate that work has begun on who will succeed Morita. Fans are sharing condolence messages on social media, while many animation studios respectfully honor Morita's legacy. His contributions turned Sazae-san into not just a cartoon, but a Japanese cultural icon.
