Toshiyuki Shirai

Affiliated with Ufotable.

Famous for Directing and Storyboarding the Iconic Episode 19 of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.

Initially, he did not want to become a director, but when he served as the animation director for episode 3 of Fate/Zero Season 2, "The Terminus of Honor,'' he became interested in the direction of Takashi Suhara, a director affiliated with ufotable. In Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, Shirai not only made his debut as a storyboard and director for TV anime but also contributed to the art design.

According to ufotable's representative director and president, Hikaru Kondou, he mentioned that Toshiyuki Shirai is a staff member who, despite being young, can be entrusted with crucial story elements and scenes . In Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works 2nd Season, Shirai took In charge of the storyboard and direction for the final decisive battle in episode 12, titled "Unlimited Blade Works." The original creator, Kinoko Nasu, highly praised Shirai, stating, "It's craftsmanship to the extreme. You did a splendid job".

In Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Shirai handled the storyboard, direction, and layout for episode 19, titled "Hinokami." The original creator, Koyoharu Gotouge, expressed admiration, saying, "The animation, direction, music, everything is so amazing that I cried a lot and watched episode 19 about 20 times. I'm truly glad I worked so hard on the manga." This episode received high acclaim not only from Japanese viewers but also internationally.

Specializing in action-oriented direction, Toshiyuki Shirai made his Series directorial debut with Katsugeki TOUKEN RANBU in 2017.