Shoichi Masuo

Directing

Shoichi Masuo

Born February 24, 1960 · Tōkyō, Japan

Died July 24, 2017 · aged 57

Shōichi Masuo was a Japanese animator, animation director, and director renowned for his contributions to the anime industry. He began his career in the late 1970s and became known for his work on series such as Gunbuster (1988) and Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995), where he served as an animation director and key animator. Masuo was acclaimed for his dynamic action sequences and mechanical designs.…

Known For

Pokémon: The First MoviePokémon: The First Movie · 1998
Pokémon: The First Movie
★ 7.01998
MovieAnimationFamily
Determined to prove its superiority, a bio-engineered Pokémon called Mewtwo lures Ash, Pikachu and others into a Pokémon match like none before.
AkiraAkira · 1988
Akira
★ 7.91988
MovieAnimationScience Fiction
A secret military project endangers Neo-Tokyo when it turns a biker gang member into a rampaging psychic psychopath that only two teenagers and a group of psychics can stop.
Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of EvangelionNeon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion · 1997
Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion
★ 8.31997
MovieAnimationScience Fiction
SEELE orders an all-out attack on NERV, aiming to destroy the Evas before Gendo can advance his own plans for the Human Instrumentality Project. Shinji is pushed to the limits of his sanity as he is forced to decide the fate of humanity.
Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) RedoEvangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo · 2012
Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo
★ 7.22012
MovieAnimationScience Fiction
Fourteen years after Third Impact, Shinji Ikari awakens to a world he does not remember. He hasn't aged. Much of Earth is laid in ruins, NERV has been dismantled, and people who he once protected have turned against him. Befriending the enigmatic Kaworu Nagisa, Shinji continues the fight against the angels and realizes the fighting is far from over, even when it could be against his former allies. The characters' struggles continue amidst the battles against the angels and each other, spiraling down to what could inevitably be the end of the world.
Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) AloneEvangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone · 2007
Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone
★ 7.62007
MovieAnimationScience Fiction
After the Second Impact, Tokyo-3 is being attacked by giant monsters called Angels that seek to eradicate humankind. The child Shinji’s objective is to fight the Angels by piloting one of the mysterious Evangelion mecha units. A remake of the first six episodes of GAINAX’s famous 1996 anime series. The film was retitled “Evangelion: 1.01” for its DVD release and “Evangelion: 1.11” for a release with additional scenes.
Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the SeaPokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea · 2006
Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea
★ 6.52006
MovieFamilyAnimation
On their way through the Battle Frontier, Ash and friends meet up with a Pokémon Ranger who's mission is to deliever the egg of Manaphy to a temple on the ocean's floor. However, a greedy pirate wants the power of Manaphy to himself.
Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) AdvanceEvangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance · 2009
Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance
★ 7.82009
MovieAnimationScience Fiction
Under constant attack by monstrous creatures called Angels that seek to eradicate humankind, U.N. Special Agency NERV introduces two new EVA pilots to help defend the city of Tokyo-3: the mysterious Makinami Mari Illustrous and the intense Asuka Langley Shikinami. Meanwhile, Gendo Ikari and SEELE proceed with a secret project that involves both Rei and Shinji.
EVANGELION: DEATH (TRUE)²EVANGELION: DEATH (TRUE)² · 1998
EVANGELION: DEATH (TRUE)²
★ 6.81998
MovieAnimationScience Fiction
A highly experimental film presenting a story out of chronological order taking place 15 years after a near-apocalyptic catastrophe, about four traumatized 14 year olds who are tasked with piloting massive humanoid decisive weapons called Evangelion, the psychologically maladjusted adults who handle and command them, and the events and forces that affect them or which they take part in as they engage massive hostile invaders known as "Angels."

Filmography

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Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water - Nautilus Story INadia: The Secret of Blue Water - Nautilus Story I · 1991
Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water - Nautilus Story I
1991
MovieAnimationAction
The first specially edited memorial episode featuring Jean’s narration. This is a breath-taking sea adventure action animation. The story centers on a series of critical battles by the indestructible submarine, Nautilus and the conflict between Captain Nemo and the Gargoyle. It’s a shorter, more streamlined version of Nadia called "The Nautilus Story", which all but eliminates the filler arc and concentrates on the struggle between Nemo and Gargoyle. Some scenes in the more pivotal episodes are cut as well. The compilation series was made by Hideaki Anno, who was said to have been dissatisfied with the final result of the TV show. The Nautilus Story was only released in Japan on VHS and laserdisc.

Director

GunbusterGunbuster · 1988
Gunbuster
★ 7.71988
SeriesAnimationSci-Fi & Fantasy
In the near future, humanity has taken its first steps towards journeying into the far reaches of the galaxy. Upon doing so they discover a huge race of insectoid aliens known as "Space Monsters." These aliens seem dedicated to the eradication of mankind as they near closer and closer to discovering Earth. In response, humanity develops giant fighting robots piloted by hand-picked youth from around the world. Shortly after the discovery of the aliens, Noriko Takaya, the daughter of a famous deceased space captain, enters a training school despite her questionable talents as a pilot. There, she meets her polar opposite, the beautiful and talented Kazumi Amano, and is unexpectedly made to work together with her as they attempt to overcome the trauma of war as well as their own emotions.

Director

The Irresponsible Captain TylorThe Irresponsible Captain Tylor · 1993
The Irresponsible Captain Tylor
★ 7.61993
SeriesSci-Fi & FantasyAnimation
Justy Ueki Tylor had his life all planned out: join the military, get a cushy desk job, and then retire with a big fat pension check. The perfect plan... until he wandered into a hostage situation and somehow managed to save an admiral! Now Tylor - a man who wouldn't know what discipline was if it bit him on the backside - has been made Captain of the space cruiser Soyokaze. The crew of this run-down ship is the craziest rag-tag team of misfits you're ever likely to see, and they're not too fond of their complacent new leader. But they'd better learn to work together, because they're about to go head to head with the mighty Raalgon Empire. For better or for worse, the Earth's fate has been placed in the hands of a man who's either a total idiot - or an absolute genius!

Key Animation

Hades Project ZeorymerHades Project Zeorymer · 1988
Hades Project Zeorymer
★ 6.01988
SeriesAction & AdventureAnimation
A young man named Akitsu Masato is captured by a secret govt. project known as "Last Guardian". He is told that his life as a normal student was all a lie, and that his real destiny is to be the pilot of a great robot called "Zeorymer of the Heavens". The truth of this is hammered in when Masato sees his parents accept payment for raising him. The Last Guardian is preparing for the resurrection of "Hau Dragon", an organization bent on world conquest. 15 years ago, Hau Dragon built 8 great robots. Each of the mecha represents a force of nature. However, before any of the robots could be used, their creater Kihara Masaki destroyed the robots except for the leader: Zeorymer. He took Zeorymer and an embryo to the government. The embryo became the boy Masato. Now, Hau Dragon has rebuilt the other 7 mecha and wants the 8th. It will be up to Masato and Himuro to pilot Zeorymer and fight against the Hau Dragon, but neither Masato or Himuro are all that they seem.

Key Animation

Doomed MegalopolisDoomed Megalopolis · 1991
Doomed Megalopolis
★ 4.91991
SeriesAnimationAction & Adventure
A spiritual battle is being waged within the capital of Tokyo during the turn of the 20th century. In 1908, Japan is undergoing an enormous process of industrial renovation due the influence of radical western ideals. Technology and politics shift the country's emphasis more and more away from the traditions of the past, with Tokyo being the main center of this radical movement. At the same time, Yasumasa Hirai, an Onmyoji of the Tsuchimikado Family, has been called from Kyoto to Tokyo in order to participate in a secret meeting concerning plans to turn Tokyo into the most commercial and blessed city in all of Japan. Opposing Hirai is Yasunori Kato, an evil Onmyoji whose only desire is the complete destruction of Tokyo. Yasumasa Hirai and Kato Yasunori meet and fight for the future of Tokyo and the Japanese Empire.

Key Animation