Masao Maruyama

Masao Maruyama (丸山 正雄), born on June 19, 1941, is a distinguished figure in the realm of Japanese animation, renowned for his role as a producer and entrepreneur. He co-founded Madhouse and later established two other influential studios, MAPPA and Studio M2, where he currently serves as chairman of MAPPA and president of Studio M2.

With a career spanning over five decades, Maruyama has been a pivotal force in the animation industry, collaborating with both established and emerging talents. His keen eye for potential has led to the rise of numerous prominent directors, including the late Satoshi Kon, Mamoru Hosoda, and Sunao Katabuchi. He notably provided early directing opportunities to Masaaki Yuasa and Mitsuo Iso, fostering their creative journeys. A significant moment in his career came when he offered Hosoda the chance to helm his first theatrical feature after the director faced setbacks with Studio Ghibli's Howl's Moving Castle.

Maruyama's legacy also includes nurturing directors like Yuichiro Hayashi, Munehisa Sakai, and Sunghoo Park, who have become central figures at MAPPA, alongside Sayo Yamamoto, whom he mentored at Madhouse. His ability to identify and cultivate talent has been instrumental in shaping the success of both Madhouse and MAPPA, solidifying his reputation as one of the most influential producers in the Japanese animation landscape.