is a Japanese

anime is Traditional animation, hand-drawn and computer animation, computer-generated animation originating from Japan. Outside of Japan and in English, ''anime'' refers specifically to animation produced in Japan. However, in Japan and in Japane ...

director and

voice actor Voice acting is the art of performing voice-overs to present a character or provide information to an audience. Performers are called voice actors/actresses, voice artists, dubbing artists, voice talent, voice-over artists, or voice-over talent ...

. He is best known for his over-the-top adaptation of Rikdo Koshi's ''

Excel Saga is a manga series written and illustrated by Kōshi Rikudō. It was serialized in '' Young King OURs'' from 1996 to 2011, and its individual chapters were collected and published in 27 ''tankōbon'' volumes by Shōnen Gahōsha. The series fol ...

'', in which he appears as the character Nabeshin. Watanabe stated that the nickname Nabeshin (a

name blending Name blending, meshing, or melding is the practice of combining two existing names to form a new name.Emma Barnett,, ''The Telegraph'' (November 9, 2012). An example is the combination of the surnames Dresser and McLoughlin to form the new surname ...

of "nabe" in Watanabe and "shin" in Shinichi) came to him from God. About his unique appearance (dressing similar to the character Arsène Lupin III) Watanabe said he grew out his afro and started wearing bright clothing in order to stand out and get attention.

Works

Anime Expo Hosts Excel Saga Director Shinichi Watanabe
''Anime News Network'', February 18, 2010

Directorial Works

*''

Fair, then Partly Piggy is a picture book series written by Shiro Yadama. Some books were translated into English by Keith Holman. The book is about a boy named Noriyasu Hatakeyama who starts writing "tomorrow's" journal entries when he finds out the days start happ ...

'' (1997-1998) - (Debut work as director) *'' Gravitation: Lyrics of Love'' (1999) *'' Lupin III: Da Capo of Love: Fujiko's Unlucky Days'' (1999) - Storyboard *''

'' (1999-2000) - Storyboard & episode director (ep 20, 26), storyboard (OP, ep 1, 4, 9, 13, 18, 25) *''

Dotto! Koni-chan is a Japanese anime television series directed by Shinichi Watanabe and animated by Shaft. It aired on Animax from November 26, 2000, to May 29, 2001, and was produced by Animax and Genco. Plot The series revolves around a boy named Koni, ...

'' (2000-2001) (ep 1-13) - Storyboard (ep 1, 2A, 4B, 6, 7A, 8C) *'' Puni Puni Poemy'' (2001) *'' éX-D: Danger Zone'' (2002) *'' Tenchi Muyo! GXP'' (2002) - Storyboard (ED, ep 1, 3, 6, 8, 14, 18, 25, 26) *''

Nerima Daikon Brothers is a Japanese manga and anime comedy series that follows the adventures of two brothers (and their cousin) Hideki, Ichiro, and Mako who form the band, "Nerima Daikon Brothers." The show uses a musical comedy format, with the characters ofte ...

'' (2006) - Storyboard & episode director (ep 12), storyboard (ED, ep 1–5, 8, 10, 11) *'' The Wallflower'' (2006-2007) - Storyboard & episode director (ep 25), storyboard (OP, ep 1–3, 9, 15, 20) *''

Monster High Monster High is an American multimedia-supported fashion doll franchise created by toy designer Garrett Sander and launched by Mattel in 2010. Aimed at children aged 7 to 14, the franchise features characters inspired by monster movies, sci-fi ...

'' (Japan-exclusive anime) (2014)

Episode Directing and Storyboards

* ''

Mister Ajikko is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Daisuke Terasawa about a young boy cook. It was serialized in Kodansha's ''shōnen'' manga magazine ''Weekly Shōnen Magazine'' from 1986 to 1989, with its chapters collected in ninete ...

'' (1987-1989) - Production assistant, episode director (ep 56, 61, 66, 72, 77, 84, 89, 94) * ''

Jungle King Tar-chan is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masaya Tokuhiro. The manga was serialized in Shueisha's anthology ''Weekly Shōnen Jump'' from March 1988 to June 1990. Midway through serialization, its name was changed to , and contin ...

'' (1993-1994) - Storyboard (ep 12, 19) * '' Akazukin Chacha'' (1994-1995) - Storyboard (ep 13) * ''

Brave Police J-Decker is the fifth series of the anime television meta Brave series (Yūsha) created by Takara and Sunrise. It aired in Japan from February 5, 1994 to January 28, 1995. ''Brave Police J-Decker'' returns the series to a subtly lighter tone, focusing mo ...

'' (1994-1995) - Storyboard & episode director (ep 3, 6, 12, 18, 22, 28, 33, 38, 44) * '' Mahōjin Guru Guru'' (1994-1995) - Storyboard & episode director (ep 2, 7, 12), storyboard (ep 30, 36, 43) * '' Virtua Fighter'' (1995-1996) - Storyboard & episode director (ep 5) * '' Bonobono'' (1995-1996) - Storyboard & episode director (ep 3, 6, 13, 21, 27, 31, 40, 44) * ''

The Brave of Gold Goldran is a Japanese anime television series begun in 1995, created by Takara and Sunrise under the direction of Shinji Takamatsu, and was the sixth in the '' Yūsha''/''Brave'' metaseries. Goldran follows the adventures of three young boys who are tas ...

'' (1995-1996) - Storyboard & episode director (ep 2, 7, 12, 17, 22, 27, 33, 37, 43) * ''

Soar High! Isami is an anime series made by Group TAC and directed by Gisaburō Sugii. The anime is based on '' The Hakkenden'' but is set in the future. The anime was broadcast on NHK between April 8, 1995 and March 30, 1996. It was licensed by Hirameki Int ...

'' (1995-1996) - Storyboard & episode director (ep 20, 26), storyboard (ep 47) * ''

Meiken Lassie is a 1996 Japanese anime television series animated by Nippon Animation as the 22nd entry of the ''World Masterpiece Theater'' staple. The anime is based on the 1940 novel ''Lassie Come-Home'' by Eric Knight and also the second animated Lassi ...

'' (1996) - Storyboard (ep 5) * ''

Kochira Katsushika-ku Kamearikouen-mae Hashutsujo , often shortened to , and known in English as ''KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops'', is a Japanese comedy manga series written and illustrated by Osamu Akimoto. It takes place in the present day, in and around a neighborhood police station (kō ...

'' (1996-2004) * ''

Ganbarist! Shun is a Japanese sports manga series written by Shinji Morisue and illustrated by Hiroyuki Kikuta. It is about high school gymnast Shun Fujimaki as he pursues his goal of competing in the 2000 Olympic Games, and is in part based on Morisue's e ...

'' (1996-1997) - Storyboard & episode director (ep 4, 9, 19), storyboard (ep 14, 28) * ''

Kiteretsu Daihyakka is a Japanese manga series by duo Fujiko Fujio and later Fujiko F. Fujio, which ran in the children's magazine '' Kodomo no Hikari'' from April 1974 to July 1977. The manga was later made into a 331-episode anime television series which ran ...

'' (1996) - Storyboard (ep 324) * '' Nintama Rantarō'' (season four) (1996) - Storyboard (ep 26-28) * ''

Kodocha , also known as ''Kodocha'' for short, is a Japanese manga series by Miho Obana. The series was adapted as an OVA by J.C. Staff and released on December 16, 1995 by Shueisha under their Ribon Video label. An anime television series was p ...

'' (1996-1998) - Storyboard & episode director (ep 13, 27, 30, 38, 44, 50, 57), storyboard (ep 7, 10, 14, 22, 39A) * '' Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo'' (1996-2004) - Storyboard & episode director (ep 4), storyboard (ep 10) * ''

Grander Musashi , also known as ''Super Fisher Grander Musashi'' and ''Musashi the Great'', is a Japanese manga series created by Takashi Teshirogi that was adapted into two anime seasons. It is a fishing sport anime that teaches audiences fishing methods. ...

'' (1997) - Storyboard (ep 9) * '' The King of Braves GaoGaiGar'' (1997-1998) - Storyboard (ep 23) * '' Ojarumaru'' (season one) (1998-1999) - Storyboard (ep 25) * ''

Steam Detectives is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kia Asamiya. The manga was originally serialized in '' Monthly Shōnen Jump'' and later moved to ''Ultra Jump'' at the magazines start. It was later adapted into a 26-episode anime tele ...

'' (1998-1999) - Storyboard (ep 21) * '' Betterman'' (1998) - Storyboard (ep 10) * '' Brigadoon: Marin & Melan'' (2000-2001) - Storyboard (ep 3, 9) * '' Samurai Girl: Real Bout High School'' (2001) - Storyboard (ep 5, 7, 9) * '' Crush Gear Turbo'' (2001-2003) - Storyboard & episode director (ep 58, 64) * '' Mahoromatic: Automatic Maiden'' (2002-2003) - Storyboard & episode director (ep 9), storyboard (ep 6), episode director (ep 13) * '' Godannar'' (2003-2004) - Storyboard (ep 9) * ''

Crush Gear Nitro ''Crush Gear'', known in Japan as , is a Japanese anime television series produced by Sunrise. It aired from October 2001 to January 2003, with 68 episodes. The series is about people throwing mechanical vehicles called "Gears" into a large ...

'' (2003-2004) - Storyboard & episode director (2, 7, 14, 21, 24, 26, 31, 36, 38, 43, 46, 49), episode director (ep 9) * ''

Burn-Up Scramble ''Burn-Up Scramble'' is a 2004 12-episode anime television series directed by Hiroki Hayashi. Though the basic premise is in keeping with its predecessors ''Burn Up!'' and '' Burn-Up Excess'' it is an entirely new series with some new and so ...

'' (2004) - ED storyboard * ''

Uta Kata is a 2004 anime television series. Written differently (泡沫), the title can refer to bubbles and used as such in the ending theme. The series can be loosely considered a magical girl story. However, this series deviates from more conven ...

'' (2004) - Episode director (ep 4) * '' To Heart -Remember my Memories-'' (2004) - Storyboard (ep 2, 10) * '' Agatha Christie's Great Detectives Poirot and Marple'' (2004-2005) - Episode director (ep 5) * '' Eyeshield 21'' (2005-2008) - Storyboard & episode director (ep 16), storyboard (ep 22), episode director (ep 9) * ''

BLEACH Bleach is the generic name for any chemical product that is used industrially or domestically to remove color (whitening) from a fabric or fiber or to clean or to remove stains in a process called bleaching. It often refers specifically, to ...

'' (2005) - Storyboard (ep 50) * '' Mushiuta'' (2007) - Storyboard (ep 11) * ''

Kimi ga Aruji de Shitsuji ga Ore de , often abbreviated , and also known as ''They Are My Noble Masters'', is a Japanese adult visual novel developed by Minato Soft and released on May 25, 2007 for Windows on DVD. A PlayStation 2 version with adult-content removed was relea ...

'' (2008) - Storyboard & episode director (ep 2), storyboard (ep 6) * ''

Hayate no Gotoku! is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kenjiro Hata. It was serialized in Shogakukan's ''Weekly Shōnen Sunday'' magazine from October 2004 to April 2017. Shogakukan released 52 volumes in Japan from February 2005 to June ...

'' (2007-2008) - Storyboard & episode director (ep 32, 40, 46), storyboard (ep 35, 43, 50), episode director (ep 22, 52) * ''

Psychic Squad ''Psychic Squad'', known in Japan as is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Takashi Shiina. It was serialized in Shogakukan's ''shōnen'' manga magazine ''Weekly Shōnen Sunday'' from July 2005 to July 2021, with its chapt ...

'' (2008-2009) - Storyboard & episode director (ep 6, 10, 21, 30, 49), storyboard (ep 18, 29, 35, 41, 46) * '' Metal Fight Beyblade'' (2009-2010) - Storyboard (ep 4, 7, 15, 19, 21, 25, 28, 50) * ''

Nyan Koi! is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Sato Fujiwara. It started serialization on Flex Comix's web manga ''FlexComix Blood'' on August 10, 2007. An anime adaptation premiered on October 1, 2009 in Japan. The series has been l ...

'' (2009) - Storyboard & episode director (ep 7) * '' Baka and Test'' (2010) - Storyboard & episode director (ep 3, 10, 12), storyboard (ep 5) * '' Sket Dance'' (2011-2012) - Storyboard & episode director (ep 8, 13, 43), storyboard (ep 5, 11, 12, 20, 30, 32, 38, 39, 54, 61, 67, 69) * '' Baka to Test to Shōkanjū: Ni!'' (2011) - Storyboard & episode director (ep 3, 12), storyboard (ep 5, 10) * '' C3'' (2011) - Storyboard & episode director (ep 4), storyboard (ep 9) * '' Pretty Rhythm: Dear My Future'' (2012) - Storyboard (ep 2, 6, 10, 11, 16, 19, 21, 22, 30, 33, 34, 37–39, 42, 44, 45, 48-51) * ''

Little Battlers eXperience , or simply ''LBX'', is a series of action role-playing video games created by Level-5, involving small plastic model robots known as LBXs (standing for "Little Battler eXperience") that fight on dioramas made out of cardboard, ...

'' (2012) - Storyboard (ep 19) * ''

Tasogare Otome × Amnesia is a Japanese manga series, written and illustrated by the duo Maybe. It was published by Square Enix and serialized in the ''Monthly Gangan Joker'' magazine. An anime adaptation by Silver Link aired between April and June 2012. It has been l ...

'' (2012) - Storyboard (ep 5) * ''

OniAi , is a Japanese light novel series written by Daisuke Suzuki, with illustrations by Gekka Urū. The series is published by Media Factory since December 2010 and ended on January 25, 2019 with a total of 12 volumes released. There are two mang ...

'' (2012) - Storyboard (ep 5, 11) * ''

Da Capo III is a Japanese visual novel developed by Circus that was released in limited and regular editions on April 27, 2012 as a DVD for Windows and is rated for ages 15 and up. It is the third main installment of the ''Da Capo'' visual novel franc ...

'' (2013) - Storyboard (ep 9) * '' No-Rin'' (2014) - Storyboard (ep 2, 5, 9, 10) * '' PriPara'' (2014-2017) - Storyboard (ep 7, 10, 14, 17, 22, 27, 32, 35, 41, 45, 49, 50, 52, 58) * '' Girl Friend Beta'' (2014) - Storyboard (ep 7) * ''

Unlimited Fafnir ''Unlimited Fafnir'', originally titled is a Japanese light novel series written by Tsukasa and illustrated by Riko Korie. Kodansha has published fifteen volumes from July 2013 to November 2017 under their Kodansha Ranobe Bunko imprint. A ...

'' (2015) - Storyboard (ep 9), episode director (ep 10) * '' Jewelpet: Magical Change'' (2015) - Storyboard (ep 20, 22, 25, 27, 30, 35, 36) * '' Nurse Witch Komugi R'' (2016) - Storyboard (ep 4, 8) * ''

Time Bokan 24 is a Japanese anime series that is a re-imagining of the original ''Time Bokan'' series that debuted on October 1, 2016, featuring a team of time travelers in search for the "True History" that is not written in the textbooks. It is a co-produ ...

'' (2016-2017) - Storyboard (ep 2, 4, 9, 18, 22) * '' Rilu Rilu Fairilu ~Maho no Kagami~'' (2017-2018) - Storyboard (ep 1, 4, 6, 8, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, 27, 29, 31, 35, 37, 39, 42, 45-49) * '' A Sister's All You Need'' (2017) - Storyboard (ep 4, 9, 10, 11) * '' Time Bokan 24: The Villains' Strike Back'' (2017-2018) - Storyboard (ep 6, 11, 19, 20) * ''

How to Keep a Mummy is a Japanese manga series by Kakeru Utsugi. It has been serialized online via Comico Japan Comico is a webtoon portal based in Japan that is part of NHN Japan Corporation. NHN Japan first launched its webtoon platform Comico in Japan in ...

'' (2018) - Storyboard (OP, ep 10) * '' Midnight Crazy Trail'' (2018) - Storyboard * '' Mr. Tonegawa: Middle Management Blues'' (2018) - Storyboard (ep 2, 11–13, 19, 23) * '' Merc Storia: The Apathetic Boy and the Girl in a Bottle'' (2018) - Storyboard (ep 9) * '' Wise Man's Grandchild'' (2019) - Storyboard (ep 6)

Other

* ''

To Be Hero is a Japanese-Chinese animated comedy television series produced by Emon and animated by Studio LAN and supervised by Shinichi Watanabe. The production was produced in China, with modifications to the show for the Japanese broadcast. The sho ...

'', Supervisor

References

External links

A Fan's View (Archived)
- Shinichi Watanabe, Anime Convention Personality of the Week, June 27, 2004.
新装開店「もっとナベシンにもいわせろ！！」
- Shinichi Watanabe's website.
Shinichi Watanabe's Thoughts on Anime Piracy
- Video Clips of Shinichi Watanabe's Thoughts on Anime Piracy at Oni-Con 2007. (via the

Wayback Machine The Wayback Machine is a digital archive of the World Wide Web founded by the Internet Archive, a nonprofit based in San Francisco, California. Created in 1996 and launched to the public in 2001, it allows the user to go "back in time" and see ...