Kanda Takeyuki (August 11, 1943 – July 27, 1996) was born in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. He was an animator and director best known for his work at Sunrise, the legendary mecha animation studio where he spent most of his career.

Kanda started out at Mushi Pro in 1965, but it's his time at Sunrise that really defined him. He's remembered above all for creating and directing Ginga Hyouryuu Vifam, a hit anime about a group of kids stranded in space—loosely inspired by Jules Verne's Two Years' Vacation. The franchise grew into a 46-episode TV series, four OVA sequels, and eventually a 1998 remake.

He was directing the Gundam 08th MS Team OVA series when he died suddenly in a car accident on July 27, 1996, at age 52. The production stalled for nearly three years afterward. Director Iida Umanosuke eventually took over and finished the remaining episodes, also helming the film "Miller's Report." Despite stepping in, Iida has always considered the work fundamentally Kanda's vision.

The 1998 Vifam remake aired as a tribute to him.