Toshiyuki Shirai

Affiliated with [Ufotable](https://anilist.co/studio/43/). Famous for Directing and Storyboarding the Iconic Episode 19 of [Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba](https://anilist.co/anime/101922/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](https://anilist.co/anime/11741/FateZero-Season-2/), "The Terminus of Honor,'' he became interested in the direction of [Takashi Suhara](https://anilist.co/staff/146678/Takashi-Suhara), a director affiliated with [ufotable](https://anilist.co/studio/43/ufotable). [In Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works](https://anilist.co/anime/19603/Fatestay-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](https://anilist.co/staff/103076/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](https://anilist.co/anime/20792/Fatestay-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](https://anilist.co/staff/98250/Kinoko-Nasu), highly praised Shirai, stating, "It's craftsmanship to the extreme. You did a splendid job". In [Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba](https://anilist.co/anime/101922/Demon-Slayer-Kimetsu-no-Yaiba/), Shirai handled the storyboard, direction, and layout for episode 19, titled "Hinokami." The original creator, [Koyoharu Gotouge](https://anilist.co/staff/119973/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](https://anilist.co/anime/21742/Katsugeki-TOUKEN-RANBU/) in 2017.