Born in Japan.

Graduated from Tokyo University of Art's General Design Course in 2000, then completed a graduate degree in Formative Communication in 2002. Founded TOMOYASU MURATA COMPANY.

Best known as an alternative animator who works primarily with puppets rather than traditional anime. His style stands out distinctly from mainstream Japanese animation. In 2002, he won the Excellence Prize at the Hiroshima International Animation Festival for Scarlet Road—a notable achievement, since the festival's jury rarely awards Japanese artists.