The winner of an ‘anime Oscar’ at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025 that is unknown for a lot of fans and a sensation in Japan
The director of ‘Soso no Frieren’ continues to impress, earning one of anime’s highest honors.
The Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025 celebrated the best in Japanese animation, and one of the standout winners was Keiichiro Saito, who took home the award for Best Director.
Saito’s work on ‘Soso no Frieren’ has been widely praised, cementing his reputation as one of the most talented young directors in the industry.
Beating out top competition
Saito won against some of anime’s biggest names, including:
- Fuga Yamashiro (‘Dandadan’)
- Haruo Sotozaki (‘Kimetsu no Yaiba’)
- Megumi Ishitani (‘One Piece Fan Letter’)
- Norihiro Naganuma (‘Los diarios de la boticaria’)
- Yoshihiro Miyahima (‘Dungeon Meshi’)
His victory highlights his ability to elevate source material, crafting deep, emotional narratives that resonate with audiences.
A director with a unique vision
At just 32 years old, Saito has already directed two critically acclaimed anime:
- ‘Soso no Frieren’ – A melancholic, time-driven story that explores deep emotional bonds.
- ‘Bocchi the Rock!’ – A high-energy, exuberant series that captures the struggles of introversion and creativity.
His ability to adapt and expand stories while respecting their original essence has made him one of anime’s most exciting directors.
With his Crunchyroll Anime Award win, Saito’s future in the industry looks brighter than ever. Fans eagerly await his next project, hoping he continues to push the boundaries of anime storytelling.
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