Takeshi Koike, Romics Gold Award Honoree of the 37th Edition

Visionary of contemporary Japanese animation, director and animator with a powerful and unmistakable style, Takeshi Koike is awarded the Golden Romics.

Takeshi Koike, one of the most esteemed contemporary Japanese directors and animators, will be celebrated with the awarding of the Golden Romics during the 37th edition of Romics, scheduled from 1 to 4 October 2026 at Fiera Roma.

Koike has established himself on the international animation scene thanks to a unique visual style, characterized by highly expressive characters, extraordinary narrative energy, and a bold and instantly recognizable graphic signature. His directorial debut dates back to 2000 with the introductory sequence of Katsuhito Ishii's film Party7, launching an artistic journey that would consecrate him as one of the most original voices in contemporary animation.

Throughout his career, he has created works that have won over international audiences and critics, including The Animatrix: World Record and Redline, works that have helped define his stylistic signature and which still represent reference points for animation enthusiasts today.

Koike also served as director and character designer for the LUPIN THE IIIRD series, a collection of five films focusing on the main characters created by Monkey Punch (distributed in Italy by Anime Factory, a Plaion Pictures label), offering an intense and modern reinterpretation, from the most adult sign and close to the master's version of one of the most iconic franchises of Japanese animation and confirming its ability to combine visual innovation and respect for the great classics.

At the 37th edition of Romics, Takeshi Koike will meet the public in an event dedicated to his work on the LUPIN THE IIIRD series.