Saitama, Japan:
Masahiko Murata (むらた 雅彦, Murata Masahiko, born August 8) is an animator, animation director, director and storyboard artist from Saitama Prefecture. His real name and former stage name are Masahiko Murata (村田 雅彦, Murata Masahiko). Masahiko joined Shaft in early 80's and left the company in late 90's to become a freelancer. He was the first director of OVA “Mazinkaiser”. His main works as anime film director include “Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire”, “Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Tower, and “Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Blood Prison”. As for anime TV series, he was the director in “Gilgamesh”, “Corpse Princess: Aka”, “Corpse Princess: Kuro”, “NARUTO Spin-Off: Rock Lee & His Ninja Pals”, and To Your Eternity (first season), among others.
