Masaaki Iwane

Masaaki Iwane (岩根　雅明) was born in 1965. Started at Studio Cockpit.

A born animator who was captivated by the Space Battleship Yamamoto film in 6th grade and started producing amateur animation on his own at 18 years old (viewable here, here, and here) inspired by Gainax’s DAICON intro films. As an animator his style defined the smoother Kanadaisms of subcontractor Studio Cockpit’s artistic culture: juggling figures between foreground and background, rhythmic pacing, sticky arcs of motion, minimal smearing, and the use of camera movement to shape the action. His style has influenced younger Cockpit animators like Terumi Nishii and Yoshihiko Umakoshi¹.

Leading member of subcontractor Studio Cockpit. Early career spent on several Toei shows like Goldfish Warning and Dragon Ball Z. Starting in the late 90s Iwane joined OLM, Inc. for the Pokemon TV anime and became the show’s only consistent sakuga animator. He’s worked on every iteration of the show and has done tons of solo KA episodes with fellow Cockpit member Yuji Asada often handling the storyboards. Since becoming Pokemon’s sole auteur animator he has rarely worked on other shows and doesn’t intend to quit the franchise anytime soon. One major exception are his cuts in Space Battleship Yamamoto 2199¹.

Twitter - MAD1 - MAD2 - SakugaBooru - Japanese Wiki Page

Works

• Kikou Kai Galient(1984/TV)

1. In-betweens(NC).

• Galactic Patrol Lensman(1984~1985/TV)

1. In-betweens(NC).

• Sangokushi(1985)

1. In-betweens.

• Ginga Nagareboshi Gin(1986/TV)

1. In-betweens(NC).

• Hokuto no Ken(1984~1987/TV)

1. In-betweens: #87.

• Sakigake!! Otokojuku(1988/TV)

1. In-betweens: #18.

• Sore Ike! Anpanman(1988~/TV)

1. Key Animator: #3, #9, #15, #20.

• Himitsu no Akko-chan 2(1988~1989/TV)

1. Key Animator: #38, #55.

• Shin Bikkuriman(1989~1990/TV)

1. Key Animator.

• Juushin Liger(1989~1990/TV)

1. Key Animator: #5, #10, #20.

• Miracle Giants Doumu-kun(1989~1990/TV)

1. Key Animator.

• Idol Densetsu Eriko(1989~1990/TV)

1. Key Animator.

• Momotarou Densetsu(1989~1990/TV)

1. Key Animator: #14, #20, #25, #30, #36.

• Mahoutsukai Sally 2(1989~1991/TV)

1. Key Animator.

• Kariage-kun(1989~1990/TV)

1. Key Animator.

• Yuusha Exkaiser(1990~1991/TV)

1. Key Animator: #3, #8, #15, #20, #25, #29, #34, #40, #44, #48.

• Gatapishi(1990~1991/TV)

1. Episode Director: #62, #77, #97, #127, #155, #196.
2. Animation Director: #62, #77, #97, #127, #155, #196.
3. Key Animator: #62, #77, #97, #127, #155, #196.
4. In-betweens: #62, #77, #97, #127, #155, #196.
5. Storyboard: #77, #97, #127, #155, #196.

• Magical Taruruuto-kun(1990~1992/TV)

1. Key Animator: #5.

• Edokko Boy: Gatten Tasuke(1990~1991/TV)

1. Key Animator: #17.

• Soujuu Senshi Psychic Wars(1991/OVA)

1. Key Animator(NC).

• O-bake no... Holly(1991~1992/TV)

1. Key Animator.

• Dororonpa!(1991/TV)

1. Storyboard: #17, #32, #73, #93.
2. Episode Director: #17, #32, #73, #93.
3. Animation Director: #17, #32, #73, #93.
4. Key Animator: #17, #32, #73, #93.
5. In-betweens: #17, #32, #73, #93.

• Kingyo Chuuihou!(1991~1992/TV)

1. Key Animator: #15, #47.

• Taiyou no Yuusha Fighbird(1991~1992/TV)

1. Key Animator: #5, #11, #17, #19, #20, #24, #25, #29, #34, #39, #46.

• Zettai Muteki Raijin-Oh(1991~1992/TV)

1. Key Animator: #30.

• Jankenman(1991~1992/TV)

1. Key Animator: #42, #47, #51.

• Dragon Quest Dai no Bouken(1991~1992/TV)

1. Key Animator: #4.

• Cooking Papa(1992~1995/TV)

1. Key Animator: #4.

• Genji Tsuushin Agedama(1991~1992/TV)

1. Key Animator: #46.

• Densetsu no Yuusha Da Garn(1992~1993/TV)

1. Key Animator: #4, #9, #14, #20, #25, #29, #34, #39, #43, #46.

• Hime-chan no Ribbon(1992~1993/TV)

1. Key Animator: #6.

• Non-tan to Issho(1992~1994/TV)

1. Key Animator.
2. Animation Director.

• Wakakusa Monogatari: Nan to Jo-sensei(1993/TV)

1. Key Animator: #5, #9.

• Heisei Inu Monogatari Bow(1993~1994/TV)

1. Key Animator: #3, #7, #17, #27, #32, #37.

• DNA²: Dokoka de Nakushita Aitsu no Aitsu(1994/TV)

1. Key Animator: #9.

• Battle Heat(1994/Game)

1. Key Animator.

• 3 Choume no Tama: Uchi no Tama Shirimasen ka?(1994/TV)

1. Key Animator: #22B, #24A.

• Mahoujin Guruguru(1994~1995/TV)

1. Key Animator: #1, #6.

• Haou Taikei Ryuu Knight(1994~1995/TV)

1. Key Animator: #24.

• Magic Knight Rayearth(1994~1995/TV)

1. Key Animator: #15.

• Yamato 2520(1995~1996/OVA)

1. Key Animator: #1, #2, #3.

• Ougon Yuusha Goldran(1995~1996/TV)

1. Key Animator: #4, #9, #15, #19, #25, #30, #32, #36, #37, #41, #46.

• Kyouryuu Boukenki Jura Tripper(1995/TV)

1. Key Animator: #28.

• Mojakou(1995/TV)

1. Key Animator: #32, #39, #45, #50, #62, #68, #74.

• Kodomo no Omocha(1996~1998/TV)

1. Key Animator: #44.

• B'T X(1996/TV)

1. Key Animator: #3, #11, #17, #21.

• Harimogu Harry(1996/TV)

1. Animation Director: #4, #23, #43, #61.
2. Key Animator: #43, #61.
   1. #43: Solo.

• Dragon Ball Z(1989~1996/TV)

1. Key Animator: #174, #179, #184, #191, #195, #201, #226, #234, #239, #247, #253, #260, #266, #274, #279.

• Pokemon(1997~2002/TV)

1. Key Animator: #3, #5, #9, #11, #14. #15, #18, #21, #28, #33, #37, #44, #47, #50, #54, #56, #59, #63, "Rougela's Christmas", #70, #73, #74, #79, #84, #87, #89, #94, #102, #105, #108, #111, #115, #120, #130, #132, #136, #139, #144, #149, #153, #158, #165, #169, #172, #177, #181, #190, #201, #203, #206, #210, #215, #220, #224, #229, #234, #241, #246, #251, #257, #261, #266, #271, .
   1. #56: Solo.
   2. #63: Solo.
   3. #74: Solo.
   4. #79: Solo.
   5. #89: Solo.
   6. #94: Solo.
   7. #102: Solo.
   8. #105: Solo.
   9. #108: Solo
   10. #115: Solo.
   11. #144: Solo.
2. Animation Director: #56, #63, #74, #79, #89, #94, #102, #105, #108, #115, #130, #136, #144, #149, #153, #158, #165, #166, #169, #172, #177, #181, #190, #201, #203, #206, #210, #215, #220, #224, #229, #234, #241, #246, #251, #257, #261, #266, #271.

• Maze☆Bakunetsu Jikuu(1997/TV)

1. Key Animator: #3, #11, #16, #22.

• Super Fishing Grander Musashi(1997/TV)

1. Key Animator: #6, #12, #18, #24.

• Marika ~Shinjitsu no Sekai~(1997/Game)

1. Key Animator.

• Pokemon Movie 01: Mewtwo no Gyakushuu(1998/Movie)

1. Key Animator.

• Pokemon: Pikachu no Natsuyasumi(1998/Movie)

1. Key Animator.

• Pokemon: Pikachu no Fuyuyasumi(1998/OVA)

1. Key Animator: #2.
2. Animation Director: #2.

• Queen Emeraldas(1998/TV)

1. Key Animator: #2.

• 宇宙戦艦ヤマト 遥かなる星イスカンダル(1999/Game)

1. Key Animator.

• Pokemon: Pikachu Tankentai(1999/Movie)

1. Key Animator.

• Pokemon Movie 02: Maboroshi no Pokemon Lugia Bakutan(1999/Movie)

1. Key Animator.

• Pokemon Movie 03: Kesshoutou no Teiou Entei(2000/Movie)

1. Key Animator.

• Pokemon: Mewtwo! Ware wa Koko ni Ari(2000/TVSP)

1. Key Animator.
   1. All of last 30 Minutes.
2. Animation Director.
   1. Part 3.

• Pokemon: Pichu to Pikachu(2000/Movie)

1. Key Animator.

• Pokemon: Pikachu no Fuyuyasumi (2000)(1999/OVA)

1. Key Animator: #2.
2. Animation Director: #2.

• Pokemon Crystal: Raikou Ikazuchi no Densetsu(2001/TVSP)

1. Key Animator.

• Pokemon Movie 04: Celebi Toki wo Koeta Deai(2001/Movie)

1. Key Animator.

• Pokemon: Pikachu no Fuyuyasumi (2001)(2000/OVA)

1. Key Animator: "White Story", "Delibird's Present".
2. Animation Director: "White Story", "Delibird's Present".

• Saraba Uchuu Senkan Yamato Ai no Senshitachi(2000/Game)

1. Key Animator.

• Nekojiru-sou(2001/OVA)

1. In-betweens.

• Pokemon: Pikachu no Dokidoki Kakurenbo(2001/Movie)

1. Key Animator.

• Pokemon Movie 05: Mizu no Miyako no Mamorigami Latias to Latios(2002/Movie)

1. Key Animator.

• Pokemon: Pika Pika Hoshizora Camp(2002/Moive)

1. Key Animator.

• Pokemon Housoukyoku(2002~2004/TV)

1. Key Animator: #2, #15.
2. Animation Director: #2.

• Pokemon Advanced Generation(2002~2006/TV)

1. Key Animator: #4, #8, #12, #17, #22, #32, #37, #40, #43, #44, #47, #51, #55, #58, #60, #64, #68, #71, #73, #79, #82, #89, #91, #95, #97, #99, #100, #103, #104, #105, #109, #112, #113, #117, #120, #122, #126, #129, #130, #132, #135, #137, #141, #145, #147, #150, #153, #156, #157, #160, #165, #172, #173, #177, #182, #187, #192.
2. Animation Director: #4, #8, #12, #17, #22, #32, #37, #44, #47, #51, #55, #60, #64, #68, #73, #79, #82, #89, #95, #100, #105, #109, #117, #120, #122, #126, #132, #137, #141, #145, #150, #153, #156, #160, #165, #172, #173, #177, #182, #187, #192.

• Croket!(2003~2005/TV)

1. Key Animator.

• Pokemon: Odoru Pokemon Himitsu Kichi(2003/Movie)

1. Key Animator.

• Pokemon: Pikachu no Natsumatsuri(2004/Special)

1. Key Animator.

• Pokemon Movie 07: Rekkuu no Houmonsha Deoxys(2004/Movie)

1. Key Animator.

• 宇宙戦艦ヤマト イスカンダルへの追憶(2004/Game)

1. Cel Animation Staff.
2. Key Animator.

• 宇宙戦艦ヤマト 暗黒星団帝国の逆襲(2005/Game)

1. Cel Animation Staff.
2. Key Animator.

• Pokemon Movie 08: Mew to Hadou no Yuusha Lucario(2005/Movie)

1. Key Animator.

• 宇宙戦艦ヤマト 二重銀河の崩壊(2005/Game)

1. Cel Animation Staff.
2. Key Animator.

• Pokemon: Pikachu no Obake Carnival(2005/Special)

1. Key Animator.

• Pokemon Movie 09: Pokemon Ranger to Umi no Ouji Manaphy(2006/Movie)

1. Key Animator.

• Pokemon Diamond & Pearl(2006~2010)

1. Key Animator: #6, #11, #13, #16, #19, #21, #25, #26, #31, #33, #39, #42, #46, #48, #52, #57, #60, #61, #66, #72, #76, #81, #86, #91, #96, #97, #102, #103, #104, #108, #109, #111, #112, #114, #115, #118, #120, #124, #129, #132, #137, #138, #142, #146, #151, #152, #157, #158, #162, #164, #167, #170, #172, #176, #177, #183, #187, #188, #189, #191.
   1. #21: Solo.
   2. #112: Solo.
   3. #146: Solo.
   4. #172: Solo.
   5. #177: Solo.
   6. #187: Solo.
   7. #188: Solo.
   8. #191: Solo.
2. Animation Director: #6, #11, #16, #21, #26, #31, #33, #39, #42, #46, #48, #52, #57, #61, #66, #72, #76, #81, #86, #91, #96, #102, #108, #112, #118, #120, #124, #129, #132, #137, #142, #146, #152, #157, #162, #167, #172, #177, #183, #187, #188, #191.

• Super Robot Taisen OG: Divine Wars(2006/TV)

1. Key Animator: #3.

• Doubutsu no Mori(2006/Movie)

1. Key Animator.

• Pokemon Fushigi no Dungeon: Shutsudou Pokemon Kyuujotai Ganbaruzu!(2006/Special)

1. Key Animator.

• Pokemon Fushigi no Dungeon: Toki no Tankentai, Yami no Tankentai(2007/Special)

1. Key Animator.

• Pokemon Movie 10: Dialga vs. Palkia vs. Darkrai(2007/Movie)

1. Key Animator.

• Macademi Wasshoi!(2008/TV)

1. Key Animator: #2.

• Pokemon Movie 11: Giratina to Sora no Hanataba Sheimi(2008/Movie)

1. Key Animator.

• Pokemon: Pikachu Koori no Daibouken(2008/Special)

1. Key Animator.

• Pokemon Fushigi no Dungeon: Sora no Tankentai - Toki to Yami wo Meguru Saigo no Bouken(2009/Special)

1. Key Animator.

• Pokemon Movie 12: Arceus Choukoku no Jikuu e(2009/Movie)

1. Key Animator.

• Pokemon Best Wishes!(2010~2012/TV)

1. Key Animator: #1, #3, #5, #10, #11, #13, #17, #18, #20, #26, #27, #32, #33, #38, #41, #43, #47, #48, #55, #56, #57, #59, #61, #63, #64, #68, #70, #72, #73, #76, #78, #80, #83, #84.
   1. #13: Solo.
   2. #18: Solo.
   3. #56: Solo.
   4. #61: Solo.
   5. #63: Solo.
   6. #68: Solo.
   7. #73: Solo.
   8. #78: Solo.
   9. #83: Solo.
2. Animation Director: #5, #13, #18, #26, #27, #32, #38, #43, #48, #56, #61, #63, #68, #73, #78, #83.

• Pokemon Black and White 2: Introduction Movie(2012/Special)

1. Key Animator(NC).

• Pokemon Fushigi no Dungeon: Magnagate to Mugendai Meikyu(2012/PV)

1. Key Animator(NC).

• Pokemon Best Wishes! Season 2(2012~2013/TV)

1. Key Animator: #3, #4, #7, #9, #11, #13, #15, #18, #21, #24, #25, #28, #32, #36, #38, #43, #44, #49, #51, #54, #55, #58.
   1. #4: Solo.
   2. #9: Solo.
   3. #13: Solo.
   4. #18: Solo.
   5. #24: Solo.
   6. #32: Solo.
   7. #38: Solo.
   8. #44: Solo.
   9. #49: Solo.
   10. #54: Solo.
2. Animation Director: #4, #9, #13, #18, #24, #32, #38, #44, #49, #54.

• Pokemon Best Wishes! Season 2: Decolora Adventure - Dent to Takeshi! Gyarados no Gekirin!!(2013/Special)

1. Key Animator.
   1. Solo.
2. Animation Director.

• Inazuma Eleven Go vs. Danball Senki W(2012/Movie)

1. Key Animator.

• Inazuma Eleven GO 2: Chrono Stone(2012/Game)

1. Key Animator.

• パチスロ宇宙戦艦ヤマト2(2013/Pachinko)

1. Key Animator.

• Uchuu Senkan Yamato 2199(2012~2013/OVA)

1. Key Animator: #10, #20.

• Pokemon: The Origin(2013/TVSP)

1. Key Animator: #4.

• Pokemon XY(2013~2015/TV)

1. Key Animator: OP1~3, ED1, ED2, ED4, #1, #2, #6, #12, #17, #21, #23, #28, #33, #35, #42, #46, #52, #53, #58, #61, #63, #71, #79, #81, #88, #93,
   1. ED1: Solo.
   2. ED2: Solo.
   3. #6: Solo.
   4. #12: Solo.
   5. #17: Solo.
   6. #23: Solo.
   7. #28: Solo.
   8. #33: Solo.
   9. #46: Solo.
   10. #53: Solo.
   11. #58: Solo.
   12. #63: Solo.
   13. #71: Credited by mistake.
   14. #79: Solo.
   15. #93: Solo.
2. 2nd Key Animation: #39.
3. Animation Director: #6, #12, #17, #23, #28, #33, #46, ##52, #53, #58, #63, #79, #93,
4. Animation Director Assistant: #9.

• Dragon Collection(2014/TV)

1. Key Animator: #1, #13.

• Pikaia!(2015/TV)

1. Key Animator: #13.

• Pokemon Movie 18: Ring no Choumajin Hoopa(2015/Movie)

1. Key Animator.

• NHK Documentary "Ano Hi, Bokura wa Senjou de Shounenhei no Kokuhaku"(2015)

1. Key Animator(NC).

• Pokemon XY&Z(2015~2016/TV)

1. Key Animator: OP, ED1, ED5, ED6, #4, #9, #12, #14, #21, #23, #26, #27, #29, #37, #43, #45.
   1. ED1: Solo.
   2. ED5: Solo.
   3. ED6: Solo.
   4. #9: Solo.
   5. #14: Solo.
   6. #23: Solo.
   7. #26: Solo.
   8. #29: Solo.
   9. #37: Solo.
   10. #43: Solo.
2. Animation Director: #9, #14, #23, #26, #29, #37, #43.

• Pokemon Sun & Moon(2016~2019/TV)

1. Key Animator: OP1, ED1, ED2, ED4, #2, #3, #5, #9, #12, #15, #16, #17, #19, #21, #23, #27, #28, #30, #33, #37, #39, #42, #44, #47, #50, #55, #56, #61, #64, #67, #71, #73, #75, #78, #80, #84, #87, #89, #93, #95, #101, #102, #107, #109, #113, #117, #120, #126, #131, #137, #138, #143, #144, #145.
   1. ED1: Solo.
   2. ED2: Solo.
   3. ED4: Solo.
   4. #3: Solo.
   5. #9: Solo.
   6. #15: Solo.
   7. #21: Solo.
   8. #27: Solo.
   9. #33: Solo.
   10. #39: Solo.
   11. #44: Solo.
   12. #50: Solo.
   13. #55: Solo.
   14. #61: Solo.
   15. #67: Solo.
   16. #73: Solo.
   17. #78: Solo.
   18. #84: Solo.
   19. #89: Solo.
   20. #95: Solo.
   21. #101: Solo.
   22. #107: Solo.
   23. #113: Solo.
   24. #120: Solo.
   25. #126: Solo.
   26. #131: Solo.
   27. #137: Solo.
   28. #143: Solo.
2. Animation Director: #3, #9, #15, #21, #27, #33, #39, #44, #50, #55, #61, #67, #73, #78, #84, #89, #95, #101, #107, #113, #120, #126, #131, #137, #143.

• Pokemon Movie 20: Kimi ni Kimeta!(2017/Movie)

1. Key Animator.

• Uchuu Senkan Yamato 2202: Ai no Senshi-tachi(2017~2019/OVA)

1. Key Animator: #3.