Hayato Date (伊達 勇登, Date Hayato, born May 22, 1962) is a Japanese animation director most known for the anime adaptations of Saiyuki and Naruto. After working as a cinematographer and assistant director, he made his first directorial debut (series) in 1999 with Rerere no Genius Bakabon. He has directed the "NARUTO" series, which began broadcasting in 2002, which had become a huge hit both in Japan and overseas. He has been participating in NUNOANI cram school since 2017. Since 2019, he is also in charge of directin