Yôji Yamada

A master of capturing the human spirit in the complexities of everyday life, Yôji Yamada is a titan of Japanese cinema. Born in Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan in 1931, Yamada has been actively directing films since the 1960s, particularly excelling in the drama and comedy genres. He has gained international acclaim for his works such as "Tora-san" series and "The Twilight Samurai", the latter of which garnered an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. Yamada's authorial style is marked by his nuanced portrayal of characters, his ability to find humor in ordinary situations, and his keen observation of social issues. Yôji Yamada, with his empathetic lens and gentle storytelling, has been touching hearts and leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of global cinema for over half a century.