is a Japanese animator, television and film director. Working for Kyoto Animation since 1988, he has directed The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Clannad, Nichijou, Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions and Sound! Euphonium.
Early life and education
Ishihara graduated from .
Career
His first credit as an episode director was for the 1995 episode of Tenchi Universe titled "No Need for Worries!". In 2021, he replaced Yasuhiro Takemoto as the director for Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid S, following the latter's death during the Kyoto Animation arson attack.
Filmography
Television
As series director
Air (2005) Kanon (2006) Clannad (2007) Clannad After Story (2008) The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (2006, 2009) Nichijou (2011) Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions (2012) Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions -Heart Throb- (2014) Sound! Euphonium (2015) Myriad Colors Phantom World (2016) Sound! Euphonium 2 (2016) Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid S (2021) Sound! Euphonium 3 (2024)
As episode director only
Tenchi Universe (1995) Fushigi Yûgi (1995) Baby & Me (1996) Super Milk Chan (2000) Inuyasha (2000–2002) Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu (2003) Lucky Star (2007) K-On! (2009) K-On!! (2010) Tamako Market (2013) Amagi Brilliant Park (2014) Free! – Dive to the Future (2018)
Film
The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya (as chief director, 2010) Sound! Euphonium: The Movie – Welcome to the Kitauji High School Concert Band (2016) Sound! Euphonium: The Movie – May the Melody Reach You! (as chief director, 2017) Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions! Take on Me (2018) Sound! Euphonium: The Movie – Our Promise: A Brand New Day (2019)
Original video animation
Shiawasette Naani (1991) Nichijou Episode 0 (2011) Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions: Depth of Field – Love and Hate Theater (2012–2013) Sound! Euphonium: Ensemble Contest (2023)
Original net animation
Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions! Lite (2012) Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions! Ren Lite (2013–2014)