Biography
Masaaki Sakurai (桜井正明) is a Japanese animator credited across more than 150 titles on Anime News Network's encyclopedia, working in key animation, animation direction, chief animation direction, and character design on both television series and theatrical films [1]. His television credits include Azumanga Daioh, Cardcaptor Sakura, Hayate the Combat Butler, and Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan, while his film work spans Fairy Tail the Movie: Phoenix Priestess, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean, and Spy x Family [1]. He also worked on the OVA series Agent Aika and its sequel AIKa R-16: Virgin Mission, as well as the theatrical film Karas [1]. Anime News Network's encyclopedia lists more than fifty chief animation director credits for him, including Devil Survivor 2, Harem in the Labyrinth of Another World, Survival Game Club!, and Tsugumomo, indicating a long-standing, in-demand role on productions that needed a consistent visual lead across many episodes [1]. No birthdate or birthplace could be verified for him from the sources checked.