Akiyuki Simbo (Japanese: 新房 昭之, Hepburn: Shinbō Akiyuki, born September 27, 1961) is a Japanese animator, director, producer and storyboard artist who started his career in 1981 at Studio One Pattern. He then made his directorial debut with Metal Fighter Miku in 1994. He is most notable for his involvement in a number of Shaft works since 2004. He has received the 11th Tokyo Anime Award as well as the 2011 Newtype Anime Award for Best Director for his work on the acclaimed anime series Puella Magi Madoka Magica. When working on the ero OVAs he uses the name Minamizawa Juuhachi (Juuhachi means 18 in Japanese).