September 27, 1961 -
Akiyuki Simbo
Akiyuki Simbo (Japanese: æ°æ¿ æä¹, Hepburn: ShinbÅ Akiyuki, born September 27, 1961) is a Japanese animator, director, producer and storyboardâ artist who started his career in 1981 at Studio One Pattern. He then made his directorial debut with Metalâ Fighterâ Miku in 1994. He is most notable for his involvement in a number of Shaft works since 2004. He has received the 11th Tokyoâ Animeâ Award as well as the 2011 Newtype Anime Award for Best Director for his work on the acclaimed anime series Puellaâ Magiâ Madokaâ Magica. When working on the ero OVAs he uses the name Minamizawa Juuhachi (Juuhachi means 18 in Japanese).