biography

Tsuru Toshiyuki is a Japanese animator, designer, storyboard artist, screenwriter, and director. A pioneer of digitally drawn anime, he is known for challenging camera angles and his ultramodern usage of CG backgrounds. Tsuru is also known for his collaborative efforts with animator Hirofumi Suzuki, for which they are described (in the industry) as the "golden pair" for their efforts on shows such as 'Kaze No Yojimbo' and 'Naruto'. His pen-name Yasuaki Kurozu (黒津安明), comes from the names of Akira Kurosawa (黒澤明) and Yasujirou Ozu (小津安二郎), two prominent Japanese film directors.