Toshiaki Itō is a Japanese animator and character designer, known primarily for his long and influential work on the Pokémon franchise. Associated with the animation studio OLM, Inc., he took on the role of chief animation director (sōsakuga kantoku) for the Pokémon anime television series starting with the *Diamond & Pearl* saga, becoming a central figure in maintaining the brand's visual consistency and quality for over a decade. In addition to his work on the main series, Itō has held key roles, including character designer and animation director, in numerous franchise films, such as *Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai* and subsequent cinematic installments. Although he has not received high-profile individual awards, his recognition lies in the crucial and ongoing role he plays within one of the world's most successful intellectual properties, solidifying his status as a veteran in the contemporary Japanese animation industry.