The anime world is in mourning after the news broke that Tatsuya Nagamine, a deeply influential director at Toei Animation, passed away on August 20, 2025, at just 53 years old. His family later shared the news publicly, and a private memorial was held on November 13 at Toei’s studio in Tokyo.
Nagamine’s death marks the end of an era—but his creative spirit continues to resonate through iconic anime titles and, importantly for collectors, through a rich legacy of memorabilia and rare pieces that are now bound to gain new emotional value.
A Visionary Director
Tatsuya Nagamine’s impact on anime is both broad and deep. Over his career, he directed and contributed to some of the most beloved franchises in the medium:
One Piece: He was a key director during the Wano Country arc and also worked on One Piece Film Z.
Dragon Ball Super: Nagamine directed Dragon Ball Super: Broly, one of the most celebrated films in the Dragon Ball franchise, and served as a director on various episodes.
Pretty Cure (Precure) series: His work included Yes! Precure 5 and HappinessCharge PreCure!, showing his versatility across action and magical girl genres.
Colleagues and family have spoken warmly of him, remembering his kindness, quiet strength, and devotion to his craft.
What His Passing Means for the Collectors’ Market
Nagamine’s contributions to anime were not just influential in storytelling but also in shaping the visual and emotional moments that collectors cherish. His death will likely spark renewed interest in related memorabilia. Here's how his legacy could play out in the world of collectibles:
Spike in Demand for Signature Works
Collectors will likely gravitate toward items tied to his most famous projects—the One Piece Wano Arc, Broly, and his Precure works. Limited-edition Blu-rays, art books, and director’s cuts could see a surge in demand as fans look to honor his memory.
Valuable Animation Cels and Key Frames
Original production cels, storyboard frames, and key animation draws from episodes or films he directed are now not just artistic assets—they also serve as historical pieces. For serious animation art collectors, Nagamine’s hand in key sequences (especially Wano visuals or Broly’s fight scenes) carries more weight now.
Commemorative Merchandise
It’s possible we’ll see officially licensed memorial merchandise: posters, figure sets, and box sets that celebrate his work. These might be released by Toei or licensed partners, and they could become cherished items on both a sentimental and monetary level.
Higher Value for Limited Editions
Collector editions of the titles he helmed could appreciate faster. For example, signed editions of One Piece Film Z or rare pressings of Dragon Ball Super: Broly could become even more desirable.
A Legacy Investment Moment
Nagamine’s death creates what some collectors call a “legacy moment”—a time when fans and investors revisit his filmography, reevaluate his impact, and seek out pieces that represent his creative peak. This kind of retrospection can drive up the prices of high-quality or rare items that capture his vision.
Final Thoughts
Tatsuya Nagamine’s passing is a profound loss for anime—but his legacy is far from static. Through the worlds he helped build, his artistic vision continues to influence new generations of fans. For collectors, now is a moment to reflect, celebrate, and preserve his work in tangible form.
In the years to come, memorabilia tied to his most legendary works may not just be prizes for fans—they could become historical artifacts, embodying a chapter of anime history shaped by one of its most dedicated storytellers.
