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1-50 of 99
- Director
- Writer
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Coming from a lower class family Mizoguchi entered the production company Nikkatsu as an actor specialized in female roles. Later he became an assistant director and made his first film in 1922. Although he filmed almost 90 movies in the silent era, only his last 12 productions are really known outside of Japan because they were especially produced for Venice (e.g The Life of Oharu (1952) or Sansho the Bailiff (1954). He only filmed two productions in color: Yôkihi (1955) and Taira Clan Saga (1955).- Actor
- Producer
- Music Department
Tomisaburô Wakayama was born on 1 September 1929 in Tokyo, Japan. He was an actor and producer, known for Black Rain (1989), Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance (1972) and Shogun Assassin (1980). He died on 2 April 1992 in Kyoto, Japan.- Seizô Fukumoto was born on 3 February 1943 in Kami, Japan. He was an actor, known for The Last Samurai (2003), Uzumasa Limelight (2014) and 13 Assassins (2010). He died on 1 January 2021 in Kyoto, Japan.
- Director
- Writer
- Producer
Hiroshi Shimizu was born on 28 March 1903 in Shizuoka, Japan. He was a director and writer, known for Ornamental Hairpin (1941), Children in the Wind (1937) and Sono ato no hachi no su no kodomotachi (1951). He was married to Kinuyo Tanaka. He died on 23 June 1966 in Kyoto, Japan.- Actress
- Soundtrack
Born on December 6 1943, Yuriko Hoshi was one of the younger members of the Toho stable of actors during the 1960s. She made a big impression in the Wakadasho (Young Guy) movies and was recognized for her youthful energy. Eventually she became more known for her roles in kaiju eiga films such as Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964) (Godzilla vs. The Thing) (1964) and _San daikaijû: Chikyu saidai no kessen (1964)_ (Ghidrah, the Three-Headed Monster) (1964).- Director
- Actor
- Writer
Former female impersonator who entered films in 1917 as an actor, turned to directing in 1922 and made some of the most formally brilliant Japanese films of the following decades. The few of Kinugasa's early works to have reached the West betray a highly mature, sophisticated talent. His best-known silent films are _Kurutta Ippeji (1926)_, an old print of which was found by Kinugasa in his attic and re-released in the 1970s, and Crossroads (1928), the first Japanese film to be commercially released in Europe. Both have been hailed for their inventive camera work, which has been compared to that of the celebrated German expressionist films being made during the same period. (It was not until 1929 that Kinugasa himself traveled abroad and encountered European directors and their films.) In the 1950s and 60s Kinugasa made a number of period dramas noted for their sumptuous color and imaginative use of the wide screen; Gate of Hell (1953) was named best film at the 1954 Cannes Film Festival and won an Oscar for best foreign film.- Director
- Writer
- Actor
Born in Chiba in 1934, Nakajima joined Toei in 1959, and was promoted to director there in 1964. He has never directed outside the studio since, and has been well regarded there as one of Toei's most prolific and dependable hitmakers. In the 1960s, Nakajima concentrated on samurai films, but found his true metier in the 1970s with the explosion of second-generation yakuza movies. These so-called jitsuroku (true record) stories were far more violent than their yakuza movie counterparts of the 1950s and 60s, and none more so than Nakajima's. Rape, torture, gunplay, nothing was off-limits in a typical Nakajima scenario, such as the fitful, hysterically violent Bakamasa Horamasa Toppamasa (1976) and the amazingly raw and passionate Riot at Shimane Prison (Bodo Shimane Keimusho, 1975), which actually caused a controversy in Japan for its realistic portrayal of prison brutality. The violence in Nakajima's work is often accompanied by a deep-running sentimentalism: he is considered by Japanese critics to be a "wet" director, as compared to the "dry", cynical style of fellow Toei yakuza-helmer Kinji Fukasaku. Exemplary among his pictures which balance sudden explosions of violence with moments of startling sentimentality is his 1979 hit Sochiyo no Kubi, a lengthy meditation on the end of an era (the yakuza immediately before Japan's war in China broke out and escalated into World War II). As his career moved on, Nakajima's work grew increasingly more elegiac: his 1985 movie Seburi's Story was selected by the Berlin Film Festival, and several of his more recent films have examined the plights of women among the yakuza, a theme usually ignored in his hypermacho work in the 1970s. Despite the often sordid nature of his pictures, Nakajima has managed to work with much of the top acting and technical talent in Japan, and has garnered much of the best work of their respective careers from Toei's top stars Hiroki Matsukata and Tsunehiko Watase.- Director
- Writer
- Actor
Eiichi Kudô was born on 17 July 1929 in Tomakomai, Hokkaido, Japan. He was a director and writer, known for Yaju-deka (1982), Maboroshi toro no onna (1961) and Sangyô supai (1968). He died on 23 September 2000 in Kyoto, Japan.- Producer
- Additional Crew
- Actor
Satoru Iwata was born on 6 December 1959 in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. He was a producer and actor, known for The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006), Metroid Prime (2002) and Metroid: Zero Mission (2004). He was married to Kayoko Iwata. He died on 11 July 2015 in Kyoto, Japan.- Jun'ichirô Tanizaki was born on 24 July 1886 in Tokyo, Japan. He was a writer, known for By Rickshaw, Naked Ambition (1970) and Torawakamaru, the Koga Ninja (1957). He was married to Matsuko Morita, Tomiko Furukawa and Chiyoko Ishikawa. He died on 30 July 1965 in Kyoto, Japan.
- Animation Department
Shôko Ikeda was born on 18 June 1975 in Japan. Shôko is known for Sound! Euphonium (2015), Pokémon 3 the Movie: Spell of the Unown (2000) and Generator Gawl (1998). Shôko died on 18 July 2019 in Kyoto, Japan.- Director
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
- Writer
Akira Inoue was born on 10 December 1928 in Kyoto, Japan. He was a director and assistant director, known for Zatoichi's Revenge (1965), Showdown at Night's End (1964) and Za gaadoman-Tôkyô yojinbo (1965). He died on 9 January 2022 in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan.- Animation Department
- Art Department
- Additional Crew
Hiroyuki Takahashi is known for A Silent Voice: The Movie (2016). He died on 18 July 2019 in Kyoto, Japan.- Takashi Kanda was born on 14 April 1918 in Akasaka, Tokyo, Japan. He was an actor, known for Akuma no temari-uta (1961), Hyoryû shitaî (1959) and Kamen Rider (1971). He died on 13 July 1986 in Kyoto, Japan.
- Director
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
- Writer
Hiromichi Horikawa was born on 28 November 1916 in Kyoto, Japan. He was a director and assistant director, known for Seven Samurai (1954), Ikiru (1952) and Throne of Blood (1957). He died on 5 September 2012 in Kyoto, Japan.- Venetia Stanley-Smith was born on 27 December 1950 in London, England, UK. She was married to Tadashi Kajiyama. She died on 21 June 2023 in Ohara, Kyoto, Japan.
- Director
- Animation Department
- Art Department
Yasuhiro Takemoto was born on 5 April 1972 in Hyogo, Japan. He was a director, known for Full Metal Panic! (2002), Tokyo Underground (2002) and Clannad (2007). He died on 18 July 2019 in Kyoto, Japan.- Director
- Actor
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Kôsaku Yamashita was born on 10 December 1930 in Akune, Kagoshima, Japan. He was a director and actor, known for Night Train (1987), Kuroi tsume (1964) and The Valiant Red Pony (1968). He was married to Tomoko Yamashita. He died on 6 December 1998 in Kyoto, Japan.- Tatsuo Endô was born on 30 January 1928 in Kyoto, Japan. He was an actor, known for Audition (1999), Zatoichi's Flashing Sword (1964) and Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart in Peril (1972). He died on 7 July 2012 in Kyoto, Japan.
- Shigeru Kôyama was born on 16 January 1929 in Hiroshima, Japan. He was an actor, known for Black Rain (1989), Azumi 2: Death or Love (2005) and Bakumatsu (1970). He died on 3 January 2017 in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan.
- Kanjûrô Arashi was born on 8 December 1903 in Kyoto, Japan. He was an actor, known for Profound Desires of the Gods (1968), Umon torimonochô - Rokuban tegara (1930) and Umon ichiban tegara - Namban yûrei (1929). He died on 21 October 1980 in Kyoto, Japan.
- Director
- Actor
- Writer
Yutaka Abe was born on 2 February 1895 in Miyagi, Japan. He was a director and actor, known for Ashi ni sawatta onna (1926), Taiyo no ko (1938) and Shôhin eiga-shû: Pan (1925). He died on 3 January 1977 in Kyoto, Japan.- Producer
- Additional Crew
Hiroshi Yamauchi was born on 7 November 1927 in Kyoto, Kyoto, Empire of Japan [now Japan]. He was a producer, known for Star Fox (1993), EarthBound Beginnings (1988) and Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem (2002). He was married to Michiko Inaba. He died on 19 September 2013 in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan.- Animation Department
Sana Suzuki is known for A Silent Voice: The Movie (2016), Beyond the Boundary (2013) and Beyond the Boundary: I'll Be Here - Future (2015). Sana died on 18 July 2019 in Kyoto, Japan.- Writer
- Actress
Jakuchô Setouchi was born on 15 May 1922 in Tokushima, Japan. She was a writer and actress, known for Kashin (2016), Miren (1963) and Onna no ichidaiki (2005). She was married to Akira Sakai. She died on 9 November 2021 in Kyôto, Japan.- Animation Department
- Additional Crew
Megumi Ôno was born in 1998 in Japan. Megumi is known for Sound! Euphonium the Movie - Our Promise: A Brand New Day (2019) and Violet Evergarden: The Movie (2020). Megumi died on 18 July 2019 in Kyoto, Japan.- Animation Department
- Additional Crew
Nami Iwasaki is known for A Silent Voice: The Movie (2016), Beyond the Boundary (2013) and Beyond the Boundary: I'll Be Here - Future (2015). Nami died on 18 July 2019 in Kyoto, Japan.- Actor
- Director
- Producer
As a young actor in a small traveling Kabuki group, he was discovered by Makino Shozo and made his debut as the main character in Goban Tadanobu in 1909. Later he acted in parts both as a hero and kyokyaku (a professional gambler in the Edo period, often romanticized as a chivalrous 'Robin Hood' figure) one after another, and he also performed most of the main characters in the bestsellers of the time, Tachikawa paperbacks. Ninja films were also discovered by Matsunosuke, and he was given the nickname "Medama no Matchan" due to his very large eyes. He became very popular with children who would imitate the ninja moves they had seen in his films. Matusnosuke is said to have created over 80 films a year during his prime years and made over 1,000 films in total. However, the only films that are preserved today are Chushingura (1910), Goketsu Jiraiya (1921) and Shibukawa Bangoro (1922). Matsunosuke collapsed during the filming of Kyokotsu Mikazuki in 1926, and died of heart disease on 11 September that year.- Director
- Writer
- Actor
Tomiyasu Ikeda was born on 15 May 1892 in Nakayokawa, Hyôgo, Japan [now Miki, Hyôgo, Japan]. He was a director and writer, known for Araki Mataemon (1925), Son'nô jôi (1927) and Yajikita idaten no maki (1928). He died on 24 September 1968 in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan.- Art Department
- Animation Department
- Additional Crew
Naomi Ishida was born on 6 August 1969 in Japan. Naomi is known for A Silent Voice: The Movie (2016), Crayon Shin-chan: Blitzkrieg! Pig's Hoof's Secret Mission (1998) and Kureyon Shinchan: Action Kamen vs Haigure Maô (1993). Naomi died on 18 July 2019 in Kyoto, Japan.- Shinobu Chihara was born on 16 January 1931 in Okayama, Japan. She was an actress, known for Ronin of Ako (1961), Kengô nitôryû (1956) and Shimmering Sword (1962). She died on 22 November 2009 in Kyoto, Japan.
- Writer
- Director
- Actor
Mansaku Itami was born on 2 January 1900 in Matsuyama, Japan. He was a writer and director, known for Te o tsunagu kora (1948), Sengoku kitan: Kimagure kaja (1935) and Kentatsu's Vengeance (1932). He was married to Ikeuchi Kimi. He died on 21 September 1946 in Kyoto, Japan.- Kazuo Inamori was born on 30 January 1932 in Kagoshima, Japan. He was married to Asako. He died on 24 August 2022 in Kyoto, Japan.
- Art Director
- Animation Department
- Art Department
Mikiko Watanabe was an art director, known for A Silent Voice: The Movie (2016), Violet Evergarden (2018) and Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid (2017). Mikiko died on 18 July 2019 in Kyoto, Japan.- Kokichi Takada was born Takeichi Kaijura in 1911. he began his film career with Shochiku Co. in 1926 and became a leading star in the mid-1930s. He oftend starred in historical films. Takada performed with a travelling trouope in post-war Japan before returning to the screen in 1954. He died in Kyoto of pneumonia at the age of 86 on May 19, 1998.
- Director
- Writer
- Actor
Yôichi Takabayashi was born on 29 April 1931 in Nishizin, Kyoto, Japan. He was a director and writer, known for Gaki zôshi (1973), Death at an Old Mansion (1975) and Irezumi (1982). He died on 15 July 2012 in Kyoto, Japan.- Costume and Wardrobe Department
Leon Roberts died in January 1957 in Kyoto, Japan.- Actor
- Producer
Tsumasaburô Bandô was born on 14 December 1901 in Tokyo, Japan. He was an actor and producer, known for Orochi (1925), Surônin makaritôru (1947) and Ijin musume to bushi (1925). He died on 7 July 1953 in Kyoto, Japan.- Sawa was born in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, in 1903. In 1919 she joined the young girl's theater group of Takarazuka under the stage name of Izumi Ranko. After passing through Shochiku Kamata, Sawa joined Nikkatsu Mukojima in 1923. In 1924 she moved to Teikoku Cinema's Ashiya Studios, where she became a leading actress. She met with great success for her performance in Hoshi wa Midaretobu, before going on to feature in Renbo Jigoku (Love's Hell). In Kago no Tori (The Caged Bird), directed by Matsumoto Eiichi, Sawa was selected to play the heroine alongside Satomi Akira. Teikoku Cinema's version of the film became a surprise hit, giving Sawa an instant popularity second only to that of Utakawa Yaeko. Following this she appeared in films such as Koryu Yokotawaru and Ogon Yorimo Tsuyoshi as the partner of Matsumoto Taisuke.
In 1927 Sawa joined Nikkatsu, where she appeared in Ukiyo Guruma and Chuji Tabi Nikki - Goyohen, with the latter film coming to be regarded as one of her definitive works. Following this, Sawa appeared in films such as Shizumi Yu Ningyo and Aojiroki Bara.
Sawa left Nikkatsu in 1931 after the incident in which she disappeared with Minobe Susumu. She subsequently went to Shochiku Kamata, where she appeared in Ai no Tatakai. In Kanki no Hitoya she gave a fine performance as the city girl who seduced Oka Joji. After becoming a freelance actress, Sawa gave an impassioned performance as Okichi in Nikkatsu's Onna Goroshi Abura Jigoku (The Ladykiller).
Sawa continued performing for the likes of Teikoku Cinema, Nikkatsu and Shochiku until around 1950, specializing in the portrayal of the modern, tomboyish girl. Her love affair with the conductor Konoe Hidemaro was well known, and they had one daughter together before separating. - Animation Department
- Art Department
- Additional Crew
Aya Satô is known for A Silent Voice: The Movie (2016), Keriyon Shin-chan: Oh, I'm Sorry! (2000) and Cinderella Boy (2003). Aya died on 18 July 2019 in Kyoto, Japan.- Director
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
- Actor
Junji Kurata was born on 18 January 1930 in Yokohama, Japan. He was a director and assistant director, known for Ninja in Moonshade (1963), Maboroshi kurozukin - yami ni tobu kage (1967) and Legend of Dinosaurs and Monster Birds (1977). He died on 21 January 2002 in Kyoto, Japan.- Director
- Writer
Kôroku Numata was born on 9 April 1891 in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan. Kôroku was a director and writer, known for Kujaku no kikari - zenpen (1926), Kujaku no hikari - Dai-nihen (1926) and Kujaku no hikari - Dai-Sampen (1926). Kôroku died on 30 March 1927 in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan.- Gannosuke Ashiya was born on 29 May 1931 in Kyoto, Japan. He was an actor, known for Pom Poko (1994), Hissatsu!: Sure Death! (1984) and The Spying Sorceress (1964). He died on 7 April 2004 in Kyoto, Japan.
- Writer
- Director
- Additional Crew
Minoru Inuzuka was born on 15 February 1901 in Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan. He was a writer and director, known for Itawari no Asatarô (1927), Chîgo no kênhô (1927) and Rangûn (1927). He died on 17 September 2007 in Yamashina, Kyoto, Japan.- Animation Department
Sayaka Watanabe is known for A Silent Voice: The Movie (2016), Beyond the Boundary: I'll Be Here - Future (2015) and Violet Evergarden (2018). Sayaka died on 18 July 2019 in Kyoto, Japan.- Animation Department
- Director
- Art Department
Yoshiji Kigami was born on 28 December 1957 in Japan. Yoshiji was a director, known for Akira (1988), Grave of the Fireflies (1988) and A Silent Voice: The Movie (2016). Yoshiji died on 18 July 2019 in Kyoto, Japan.- Producer
- Production Designer
- Art Department
Kôji Shundô was born on 27 November 1916 in Kobe, Japan. He was a producer and production designer, known for Bohachi Bushido: Code of the Forgotten Eight (1973), Golgo 13 (1973) and Noisy Dynamite (1978). He was married to Hide Ueba . He died on 12 October 2001 in Kyoto, Japan.- Seiya Kawaguchi is known for Sound! Euphonium the Movie - Our Promise: A Brand New Day (2019), Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll (2019) and Liz and the Blue Bird (2018). Seiya died on 18 July 2019 in Kyoto, Japan.
- Actor
- Cinematographer
Kusuo Abe was born on 24 July 1910 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. He was an actor and cinematographer, known for Ikiru (1952), Miyamoto Musashi IV: Duel at Ichijyo-ji Temple (1964) and Miyamoto Musashi (1961). He died on 2 November 1965 in Kyoto, Japan.- Takeshi Umehara was born on 20 March 1925 in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. He died on 12 January 2019 in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan.