Naohiro Washio

Naohiro Washio (鷲尾 直広) is a Japanese mechanical designer born on February 10, 1972. He is best known for his contributions to several major Gundam series and for designing accessories in Kotobukiya’s Modeling Support Goods (M.S.G.) line.

In the Gundam franchise, Washio played a key role in the mechanical design for Mobile Suit Gundam 00 and Iron-Blooded Orphans. His notable designs include the Gundam Thrones (Eins, Zwei, Drei) and Arche Gundam in Gundam 00, as well as Gundam Barbatos Lupus, Lupus Rex, Gusion Rebake, Bael, Hashmal, and others in Iron-Blooded Orphans.

Outside of anime, Washio contributes to Kotobukiya’s model accessory lines. He designed weapons such as Weapon Unit 16: Shotgun and Heavy Weapon Unit 20: Dragon Arms, known for their movable parts and compatibility with Kotobukiya’s 3 mm joint system.

He has also published an art book titled Strange Kiwi: Naohiro Washio Art Works, which features a collection of his original mecha illustrations and design insights.

Washio is recognized for his mechanically realistic and adaptable designs, bridging anime, modeling, and toy engineering with a style that is both functional and visually compelling.