Higuchi Shinji

Overview

樋口真嗣

22 Sep 1965 (59)

Tokyo, Japan

Joined Toho's effects department straight out of high school and worked on The Return of Godzilla (1984), modeling the Godzilla costume and assisting suit actor Satsuma Kenpachirô to get in and out of the suit during filming.

Also in 1984 he met animator An'no Hideaki and together they formed the animation studio Gainax. Higuchi was the namesake of the main character of Gainax's most popular work, Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Co-founded the animation studio Gonzo in the 90s.

Reunited with An'no later in their careers to create the "Shin Japan Heroes Universe" of films, including his works Shin Godzilla and Shin Ultraman, and An'no's works Shin Kamen Rider and Evangelion 3.0+1.0: Thrice Upon A Time.

Accolades

Won

19th Japan Academy Prizes

Special Technique Award

Gamera: Guardian of the Universe

Nominated

36th Japan Academy Prizes

Best Director

The Floating Castle

Won

40th Japan Academy Prizes

Best Director