Biography
Takayuki Hirao (平尾 隆之) is a Japanese anime director and storyboard artist. He was born on 10 January 1979 in Tsuda, Kagawa, Japan (now Sanuki). He graduated from Osaka Designer College and began his career at Madhouse as a production assistant before working as an assistant director and storyboard artist.
Hirao directed episodes of Death Note (2006) and Paranoia Agent (2004). He joined Ufotable and made his feature directorial debut with The Garden of Sinners: Paradox Spiral (2008). His other directing credits include Futakoi Alternative (2005), Gyo: Tokyo Fish Attack (2012), Magical Sisters Yoyo and Nene (2013), God Eater (2015–16) and Pompo the Cinephile (2021). He has also contributed storyboards and episode direction to Attack on Titan (2017–18) and Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress (2016). He left Ufotable in 2016 and has worked freelance since.
He is married to colour designer Emi Chiba.
