Biography
Akio Kitahara (北原章雄) is a Japanese key animator and occasional animation director whose credits stretch across multiple decades of Japanese animation [1]. Anime News Network's encyclopedia notes he has built a reputation around action sequences and character animation, work visible in his key animation on Katekyo Hitman Reborn!, Durarara!!, and Puella Magi Madoka Magica, and in his animation-director passes on My Hero Academia and 3-gatsu no Lion (March Comes in Like a Lion) [1]. He has also contributed key animation to Attack on Titan, Blue Exorcist, Naruto: Shippuden, One Punch Man, and Tiger & Bunny, spanning shonen action, psychological drama, and quieter character pieces alike [1]. Anime News Network's encyclopedia credits him on more than 400 anime productions in total, pointing to a long and steady career inside Japan's freelance animation pipeline, even though no birthdate, birthplace, or personal interview material is publicly available for him [1].