Hayato Date (伊達勇登) is a Japanese animation film and television director and writer. Born in 1962. After working as a cinematographer and assistant director, he made his first directorial debut 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 directing promotion courses.