One Piece Director Tatsuya Nagamine Dies Due to an Undisclosed Illness

The world of anime is mourning a tremendous loss. Tatsuya Nagamine, the acclaimed director best known for his visionary work on One Piece and Dragon Ball Super, died on August 20, 2025, at age 53. The announcement was made public by his family on November 14, 2025, through his official social media accounts and confirmed by Toei Animation, sparking a wave of tributes from colleagues and fans worldwide.

Tatsuya Nagamine's Cause of Death

Nagamine’s family statement said he “had been undergoing medical treatment since last year,” but they did not specify the exact illness. Media outlets report that his illness remained private, and Toei Animation held a private memorial service on November 13, attended by close colleagues. While the cause is not publicly confirmed, his family described his fight with illness as courageous and dignified.

Did Tatsuya Nagamine have any Medical History?

There is no publicly available detailed medical history of Nagamine. According to his family’s announcement, he had “medical treatment” for about a year before his death. No reports suggest a previously disclosed chronic disease, but the reference to ongoing treatment implies he was managing a serious health condition privately.

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Who Was Tatsuya Nagamine and His Influence on Anime

Tatsuya Nagamine was a long-time animator and director at Toei Animation, a pillar of the anime industry. Over his career, he directed some of Toei’s most iconic works:

• One Piece: He directed One Piece Film: Z and was deeply involved in the Wano arc. 
• Dragon Ball Super: He directed the hit movie Dragon Ball Super: Broly. 
• Precure Series: He worked on Yes! Precure 5, HeartCatch PreCure!, and more. 

Colleagues remember him not only for his creative vision but also for his warmth. His family said he was “gentle, warm, and incredibly supportive,” both as a creator and as a person. Composer Kohei Tanaka and writer Osamu Suzuki, among others, expressed deep sorrow and gratitude for his mentorship and artistry. 

The Legacy That Tatsuya Nagamine Leaves Behind

Nagamine’s legacy runs deep across the anime world. His direction helped define the cinematic style of One Piece Film: Z and added emotional weight and visual energy to Dragon Ball Super: Broly. He also guided television arcs that shaped audiences’ experiences, like the Wano Arc of One Piece. 

Beyond that, his influence extended to future generations of animators. His collaborative spirit and dedication to storytelling made him a mentor and inspiration to many within Toei Animation and beyond.

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Conclusion

Tatsuya Nagamine’s death at 53 from an undisclosed illness is a deeply felt loss. While we may never fully know the nature of his struggle, what remains clear is the richness of his legacy: a visionary director, a thoughtful collaborator, and a person who gave his heart to his art. His stories will live on through the worlds he helped shape and in the many animators and fans who were touched by his creativity.