Rintarou

Shigeyuki Hayashi, better known by his pseudonym Rintarou, is a well-known anime director.

A film buff ever since he was a kid, he wanted to pursue a career in filmmaking. After having worked as a cel painter in commercial animation, he joined Toei Animation in 1958 for a brief time working on films such as Hakujaden and Saiyuuki. After having been told that he couldn't work as a director due to not being a college graduate, he moved to Mushi Production - making his directorial debut as one of the regular episode directors on Tetsuwan Atom.

In 1972, Rintarou left Mushi Pro to go freelance and to co-found Madhouse together with Masao Maruyama, Osamu Dezaki and Yoshiaki Kawajiri. A few years later, Rintarou got invited to direct Jetter Mars at his previously disinterested workplace, Toei Animation. He accepted the offer but didn't join the studio as an employee, making him one of the few people who've directed for the studio while not being an inhouse employee. He continued to direct multiple entries for Toei, including Arrow Emblem, Captain Harlock, as well as the 1979 film Galaxy Express 999, which is still considered by many as his best work.

Haruki Kadokawa, the president of Kadokawa Shoten, took notice of the commercial success of Rintarou's works and hired him to direct Genma Taisen, which was the very first film produced by Kadokawa. The animation production was handled by Madhouse, where Rintarou changed his post at this time. There he continued his directorial efforts with numerous films and OVA series.

The older brother of Masayuki Hayashi.