A Japanese anime director and mangaka from Kushiro, Hokkaidō and a member of the Japan Animation Creators Association (JAniCA). He was a graduate of the Graphic Design department of the Musashino Art University. His directing career includes Perfect Blue, Millennium Actress, Tokyo Godfathers, Paranoia Agent, and Paprika.

Kon began work on The Dream Machine, but in May 2010, Kon was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. He passed away on August 24, 2010 at the age of 46. He completed storyboards and the script for The Dream Machine and left directorial tapes to Studio Madhouse to finish the film.

For tributes to Kon made by other artists after his death, see Kon Satoshi (director).