Birthplace: Fukuoka Prefecture He has also been credited by the names of Naroi Hiraki (開木 菜織) and Hiroki Kudou (工堂 紘軌). Kakudou is a graduate of Tokyo University and has formerly belonged to Toei Douga (later Toei Animation) where he did work as a director and was involved as production assistant, storyboarder and director on episodes of series like Slam Dunk and Gegege no Kitarou. He's currently a freelance director and a member of the animation production group "Group Ebisen."