Shunji Iwai
Encyclopedia
is a Japanese film director
/video artist, writer
and documentarian.
, Japan
, Miyagi prefecture
. He attended Yokohama National University
, graduating in 1987.
In 1988 he started out in the Japanese entertainment industry by directing TV dramas and music videos. Then, in 1993, his TV drama, Fireworks, brought him critical praise and the Directors Guild of Japan New Directors Award
for his portrayal of a group of children in the town of Iioka.
In 1995 he went on to start his career in feature films, starting with the box-office hit Love Letter, in which he cast pop singer Miho Nakayama in challenging dual roles. Love Letter also launched the movie career of Miki Sakai
who won a Japanese Academy Award as 'Newcomer of the Year' for her portrayal of Itsuki Fujii as a young girl. Iwai collaborated with cinematographer Noboru Shinoda to produce a film praised for its evocative winter cinematography. Love Letter made an impact in other east Asian countries too, notably South Korea
where the film's success helped break down the post-World War II barriers to Japanese films being shown there.
In 1996 came the commercial and critical success of Swallowtail Butterfly
, a multifaceted story of the fictional Yen Town, a city of immigrants in search of hope and a better life with three separate and distinct main characters. Ageha (Ayumi Ito
), an orphaned teenage girl, Glico (Chara
), a prostitute turned pop star, and Feihong (Hiroshi Mikami
), an immigrant who manages Glico's career and owns the Yen Town club. He also wrote the lyrics of a theme song for the film Swallowtail Butterfly (Ai no Uta)
with Chara and Takeshi Kobayashi.
In 1998, Fine Line Features
released Love Letter in the US
theatrically under the new title When I Close My Eyes; it was the first Iwai-directed film to be released in the US
theatrically.
Iwai enjoyed another kind of success with this film as well, having teamed up with Takeshi Kobayashi to create the music for the film and the Yen Town Band, headed by Pop star Chara
. The band they created became a commercial hit in Japan. He would team up with Kobayashi again in 2001 for the harrowing High School Drama All About Lily Chou-Chou
. Kobayashi would create the music for the titular pop star, Lily Chou-Chou (voiced by Japanese singer Salyu
), that is spread through the film (as well as Debussy), and later be released as an album entitled Kokyu (Breathe).
In 2002 he released a short, ARITA, in which he composed his own film score for the first time. In 2004 Iwai released Hana & Alice
, his first comedy. He once again composed the film score himself.
He has recently directed a commercial airing in Japan featuring Matsu Takako, whom he has not worked with since 1998.
October, 2006 sees the Iwai produced film Rainbow Song
released in Japan. The film is directed by Naoto Kumazawa and was written by Ami Sakurai. It stars previous Iwai actors Hayato Ichihara, Yu Aoi
and Shoko Aida
. Also in 2006, Iwai spent time documenting and interviewing Kon Ichikawa
while filming The Inugamis
(Inugamike no ichizoku - 2006) to create a feature length documentary about the director's life.
His next project, a piece he's written about the Japanese indie Rock scene in the early 1990s called Bandage, is slated for release on January 16, 2010. Apart from being in charge of the music production once again, this will be Takeshi Kobayashi's first time as a movie director. The project was originally taken by Ryuhei Kitamura
, but was dropped in 2006. The filming started in 2008 and Kobayashi has chosen a completely different cast for the movie, casting j-pop
singer Jin Akanishi
, and Kie Kitano for the main roles. It also includes other actors who have worked with Iwai before, such as Ayumi Ito
and Hideyuki Kasahara. The release of the horror film "Vampire" will mark his English-language film debut.
All About Lily Chou-Chou
April Story
Swallowtail Butterfly
Love Letter
Picnic
Undo
Fireworks
Unknown Child
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
/video artist, writer
Writer
A writer is a person who produces literature, such as novels, short stories, plays, screenplays, poetry, or other literary art. Skilled writers are able to use language to portray ideas and images....
and documentarian.
Life and career
Iwai was born in SendaiSendai, Miyagi
is the capital city of Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, and the largest city in the Tōhoku Region. In 2005, the city had a population of one million, and was one of Japan's 19 designated cities...
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, Miyagi prefecture
Miyagi Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan in the Tōhoku Region on Honshu island. The capital is Sendai.- History :Miyagi Prefecture was formerly part of the province of Mutsu. Mutsu Province, on northern Honshu, was one of the last provinces to be formed as land was taken from the indigenous Emishi, and became the...
. He attended Yokohama National University
Yokohama National University
, or is a national university in Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It offers Doctoral degrees in education as part of a coalition with Tokyo Gakugei University, Saitama University, and Chiba University. It is noted for its Business Administration program.-History:The predecessor...
, graduating in 1987.
In 1988 he started out in the Japanese entertainment industry by directing TV dramas and music videos. Then, in 1993, his TV drama, Fireworks, brought him critical praise and the Directors Guild of Japan New Directors Award
Directors Guild of Japan New Directors Award
The is given annually by the Directors Guild of Japan to a new director of a film released that year who is considered the most "suitable" for the award. The winner is selected by a committee formed of DGJ members. All formats—feature film, documentary, television, video, etc.—are eligible for...
for his portrayal of a group of children in the town of Iioka.
In 1995 he went on to start his career in feature films, starting with the box-office hit Love Letter, in which he cast pop singer Miho Nakayama in challenging dual roles. Love Letter also launched the movie career of Miki Sakai
Miki Sakai
Miki Sakai , born 21 February 1978 in Shizuoka, Japan is an actress and J-pop idol singer.As a teenager she made her feature film debut in the 1995 Shunji Iwai film Love Letter playing the role of Itsuki Fujii as a young girl...
who won a Japanese Academy Award as 'Newcomer of the Year' for her portrayal of Itsuki Fujii as a young girl. Iwai collaborated with cinematographer Noboru Shinoda to produce a film praised for its evocative winter cinematography. Love Letter made an impact in other east Asian countries too, notably South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
where the film's success helped break down the post-World War II barriers to Japanese films being shown there.
In 1996 came the commercial and critical success of Swallowtail Butterfly
Swallowtail Butterfly (film)
Swallowtail , also known as Swallowtail Butterfly or Yentown, is a 1996 movie by Japanese film director Shunji Iwai, starring Hiroshi Mikami, pop-singer Chara, and Ayumi Ito....
, a multifaceted story of the fictional Yen Town, a city of immigrants in search of hope and a better life with three separate and distinct main characters. Ageha (Ayumi Ito
Ayumi Ito
Ayumi Itō is a Japanese actress who received her big break in 1996, when she was cast as the central character of Ageha in Shunji Iwai's hit movie, Swallowtail Butterfly. The following year, she won her first Japanese Academy Award for 'Rookie of the Year'...
), an orphaned teenage girl, Glico (Chara
Chara (singer)
, better known by her stage name Chara, is a Japanese singer-songwriter, actress and video jockey. She debuted in 1991 with the single Heaven...
), a prostitute turned pop star, and Feihong (Hiroshi Mikami
Hiroshi Mikami
is a Japanese actor.-Selected filmography:* Tōki Rakujitsu * Swallowtail Butterfly * Parasite Eve * Tsuki no sabaku aka Desert Moon -External links:...
), an immigrant who manages Glico's career and owns the Yen Town club. He also wrote the lyrics of a theme song for the film Swallowtail Butterfly (Ai no Uta)
Swallowtail Butterfly (Ai no Uta)
is a song by Chara, released under the name Yen Town Band. It was the lead single from Montage, a concept album released for the Shunji Iwai film Swallowtail Butterfly that also starred Chara. This song was used as the theme song for the film....
with Chara and Takeshi Kobayashi.
In 1998, Fine Line Features
Fine Line Features
Fine Line Features was the speciality films division of New Line Cinema. It produced, purchased, distributed and marketed films of a more "indie" flavor than its parent company...
released Love Letter in the US
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
theatrically under the new title When I Close My Eyes; it was the first Iwai-directed film to be released in the US
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
theatrically.
Iwai enjoyed another kind of success with this film as well, having teamed up with Takeshi Kobayashi to create the music for the film and the Yen Town Band, headed by Pop star Chara
Chara (singer)
, better known by her stage name Chara, is a Japanese singer-songwriter, actress and video jockey. She debuted in 1991 with the single Heaven...
. The band they created became a commercial hit in Japan. He would team up with Kobayashi again in 2001 for the harrowing High School Drama All About Lily Chou-Chou
All About Lily Chou-Chou
is a 2001 Japanese film written and directed by Shunji Iwai. The film portrays the rough lives of high school children in Japan, and centres around the music of a fictional singer Lily Chou-Chou.-Plot:...
. Kobayashi would create the music for the titular pop star, Lily Chou-Chou (voiced by Japanese singer Salyu
Salyu
is a Japanese singer, produced by Takeshi Kobayashi. She debuted in 2000 as the fictional singer Lily Chou-Chou for the film All About Lily Chou-Chou, and later debuted as a solo artist in 2004...
), that is spread through the film (as well as Debussy), and later be released as an album entitled Kokyu (Breathe).
In 2002 he released a short, ARITA, in which he composed his own film score for the first time. In 2004 Iwai released Hana & Alice
Hana and Alice
is a 2004 Japanese teen romance film by director Shunji Iwai. The film, shot on HD digital video by the director of photography, Noboru Shinoda, who shared a longstanding working relationship with Shunji Iwai, concerns the life of two girls, the titular Hana and Alice , and the stress placed on...
, his first comedy. He once again composed the film score himself.
He has recently directed a commercial airing in Japan featuring Matsu Takako, whom he has not worked with since 1998.
October, 2006 sees the Iwai produced film Rainbow Song
Rainbow Song
is a 2006 Japanese film by director Naoto Kumazawa and produced by Shunji Iwai . Kumazawa had worked with Iwai before, having directed the making-of documentary for Swallowtail Butterfly.-Plot:...
released in Japan. The film is directed by Naoto Kumazawa and was written by Ami Sakurai. It stars previous Iwai actors Hayato Ichihara, Yu Aoi
Yû Aoi
is a Japanese actress and model. She made her film debut as Shiori Tsuda in Shunji Iwai's 2001 film All About Lily Chou-Chou...
and Shoko Aida
Shoko Aida
is a female J-Pop artist and actress. She was born in Higashimurayama, Tokyo, and debuted as a member of the J-Pop duo Wink. She began working as a solo artist on April 1, 1996, one month after Wink dissolved...
. Also in 2006, Iwai spent time documenting and interviewing Kon Ichikawa
Kon Ichikawa
was a Japanese film director.-Early life and career:Ichikawa was born in Ise, Mie Prefecture. In the 1930s Ichikawa attended a technical school in Osaka. Upon graduation, in 1933, he found a job with a local rental film studio, J.O. Studio, in their animation department...
while filming The Inugamis
The Inugamis
is a 1976 Japanese film directed by Kon Ichikawa....
(Inugamike no ichizoku - 2006) to create a feature length documentary about the director's life.
His next project, a piece he's written about the Japanese indie Rock scene in the early 1990s called Bandage, is slated for release on January 16, 2010. Apart from being in charge of the music production once again, this will be Takeshi Kobayashi's first time as a movie director. The project was originally taken by Ryuhei Kitamura
Ryuhei Kitamura
-External links:*...
, but was dropped in 2006. The filming started in 2008 and Kobayashi has chosen a completely different cast for the movie, casting j-pop
J-pop
, an abbreviation for Japanese pop, is a musical genre that entered the musical mainstream of Japan in the 1990s. Modern J-pop has its roots in 1960s music, such as The Beatles, and replaced kayōkyoku in the Japanese music scene...
singer Jin Akanishi
Jin Akanishi
is a Japanese idol, singer-songwriter, actor, seiyū, and former radio host. Akanishi is a former member of the J-pop group, KAT-TUN, and was one of the two lead vocalists...
, and Kie Kitano for the main roles. It also includes other actors who have worked with Iwai before, such as Ayumi Ito
Ayumi Ito
Ayumi Itō is a Japanese actress who received her big break in 1996, when she was cast as the central character of Ageha in Shunji Iwai's hit movie, Swallowtail Butterfly. The following year, she won her first Japanese Academy Award for 'Rookie of the Year'...
and Hideyuki Kasahara. The release of the horror film "Vampire" will mark his English-language film debut.
Filmography
- Vampire (2011) (writer and director)
- Bandage (2010) (Producer and Writer)
- Harufuwei (2009)
- New York, I Love YouNew York, I Love YouNew York, I Love You is a 2009 romance film released in the United States on October 16, 2009. From the producer of Paris, je t'aime, it stars an ensemble cast, among them Bradley Cooper, Shia LaBeouf, Natalie Portman, Anton Yelchin, Hayden Christensen, Orlando Bloom, Irrfan Khan, Rachel Bilson,...
(2008) - Hōtai ClubHotai Clubis a Japanese movie directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi that came out in 2007 based on a novel by Tendō Arata. It is rated PG-13 and lasts 118 minutes. This drama stars Yūya Yagira as Dino Tatsuya 'Dino' Ideno and Satomi Ishihara as Emiko 'Wara' Kiba.-Scenario:After Wara's father leaves, her mom falls...
(2007) (Writer only; credited as Aminosan) - The Kon Ichikawa StoryThe Kon Ichikawa Storyis a 2006 documentary directed by Japanese director Shunji Iwai about the life of iconic Japanese director Kon Ichikawa. It was filmed during production of Ichikawa's 2006 film .The DVD was released in Japan on June 29th, 2007.- External links :...
(2006) - Rainbow SongRainbow Songis a 2006 Japanese film by director Naoto Kumazawa and produced by Shunji Iwai . Kumazawa had worked with Iwai before, having directed the making-of documentary for Swallowtail Butterfly.-Plot:...
(2006) (Producer and Writer) - Hana & AliceHana and Aliceis a 2004 Japanese teen romance film by director Shunji Iwai. The film, shot on HD digital video by the director of photography, Noboru Shinoda, who shared a longstanding working relationship with Shunji Iwai, concerns the life of two girls, the titular Hana and Alice , and the stress placed on...
(2004) - 30 days with the Japanese National Football Team (2002)
- Jam FilmsJam FilmsJam Films and its sequels are collections of short films, each by a different Japanese director.-Jam Films:Jam Films is a 2002 suite of 7 shorts produced by Sega/Amuse Jam Films and its sequels are collections of short films, each by a different Japanese director.-Jam Films:Jam Films is a 2002...
(2002) - segment "ARITA" - All About Lily Chou-ChouAll About Lily Chou-Chouis a 2001 Japanese film written and directed by Shunji Iwai. The film portrays the rough lives of high school children in Japan, and centres around the music of a fictional singer Lily Chou-Chou.-Plot:...
(2001) - "Shiki-JitsuShiki-Jitsuis a live-action film directed by Hideaki Anno.The screenplay is an adaption by Hideaki Anno and Ayako Fujitani of Fujitani's novella Touhimu, which was inspired by an emotionally difficult time spent in Los Angeles during her work in her father's 1998 film, The Patriot.The film tells the story of...
" (2000) (Actor - male lead) - The Kids Who Wanted to View Fireworks from Another Perspective (1999)
- April StoryApril StoryApril Story is a Japanese short film directed by Shunji Iwai starring Takako Matsu.-Plot:Uzuki Nireno, a shy girl from the countryside of northern Hokkaidō leaves her family and gets on a train bound for Tokyo so she can attend the university of her choice; to be near the boy she fell in love...
(1998) - Takako Matsu: film -A Mirror in the Air- (1997)
- Moon Riders: Knit Cap Man (1996)
- Swallowtail ButterflySwallowtail Butterfly (film)Swallowtail , also known as Swallowtail Butterfly or Yentown, is a 1996 movie by Japanese film director Shunji Iwai, starring Hiroshi Mikami, pop-singer Chara, and Ayumi Ito....
(1996) - PicnicPicnic (1994 film)Picnic is a 1996 Japanese film directed by Shunji Iwai. The film was shot in 1994, but not released until 1996.Coco, Tsumuji and Satoru, three mental asylum patients want to see the world, being not allowed behind the border of the asylum. Therefore they start to explore the world by walking on the...
(1996) - Love Letter (aka When I Close My Eyes (US)) (1995)
- Lunatic Love (1994)
- Undo (Film) (1994)
- The Snow King (1993)
- Fried Dragon Fish (1993)
- Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom? , usually called Fireworks, is a 1993 Japanese film by writer/director Shunji Iwai. The film was shot by Koji Kanaya, while its lighting director was Hiroyuki Sumida...
(1993) - (Abbr: Fireworks) - Omelette (Film) (1992)
- A Summer Solstice Story (1992)
- A Tin of Crab Meat (1992)
- Maria (Film)María (film)María is a 1938 Mexican film. It was directed byChano Urueta....
(1992) - Ghost SoupGhost SoupGhost Soup is a 1992 Japanese TV drama produced for Fuji TV as part of their part of the food-themed drama series, La Cuisine by Shunji Iwai.-Plot:...
(1992) - The Man Who Came to Kill (1991)
- Unknown Child (Film) (1991)
Awards
Hana & AliceHana and Alice
is a 2004 Japanese teen romance film by director Shunji Iwai. The film, shot on HD digital video by the director of photography, Noboru Shinoda, who shared a longstanding working relationship with Shunji Iwai, concerns the life of two girls, the titular Hana and Alice , and the stress placed on...
- Best Actress: Yû AoiYû Aoiis a Japanese actress and model. She made her film debut as Shiori Tsuda in Shunji Iwai's 2001 film All About Lily Chou-Chou...
, 2005 - Japanese Professional Movie Award
All About Lily Chou-Chou
All About Lily Chou-Chou
is a 2001 Japanese film written and directed by Shunji Iwai. The film portrays the rough lives of high school children in Japan, and centres around the music of a fictional singer Lily Chou-Chou.-Plot:...
- 2002 - Berlin International Film FestivalBerlin International Film FestivalThe Berlin International Film Festival , also called the Berlinale, is one of the world's leading film festivals and most reputable media events. It is held in Berlin, Germany. Founded in West Berlin in 1951, the festival has been celebrated annually in February since 1978...
: The C.I.C.A.E. Panorama Prize. - 2002 - 6th Shanghai International Film Festival: Special Jury Award / Best Music.
April Story
- 1998 - Pusan International Film FestivalPusan International Film FestivalBusan International Film Festival , held annually in Haeundae-gu, Busan , South Korea, is one of the most significant film festivals in Asia...
, Audience Award.
Swallowtail Butterfly
Swallowtail Butterfly (film)
Swallowtail , also known as Swallowtail Butterfly or Yentown, is a 1996 movie by Japanese film director Shunji Iwai, starring Hiroshi Mikami, pop-singer Chara, and Ayumi Ito....
- 1998 - Fant-Asia Film Festival, Best Asian Film.
Love Letter
- Montreal Film Festival Audience Award.
- 20th Houchi Cinema Award: Best Director.
- 8th Nikkan Sports Movie Award: Best New Comer.
- 69th Kinema Junpo Best 10: Reader's poll for Directors.
- 50th Mainichi Movie Competition: Best Japanese Movie.
- 17th Yokohama Film FestivalYokohama Film FestivalThe is a noticed yearly awards ceremony held in Japan. The festival was started as a small affair by fans and film critics, and first held on February 3, 1980. Ten films are chosen as the best of the year, and various awards are given to personnel...
: Production Award, Director Award. - 21st Osaka Film Festival: Production Award, Best New Director.
- 19th Academy Award in Japan: Best Production.
- 6th ACA Film Award: Best Film Production.
- 46th Arts Recommendations: New Comer Award from the Ministry of Culture.
- 10th Takasaki Film Festival: Grand Prix of young directors.
Picnic
- 1996 - Berlin International Film FestivalBerlin International Film FestivalThe Berlin International Film Festival , also called the Berlinale, is one of the world's leading film festivals and most reputable media events. It is held in Berlin, Germany. Founded in West Berlin in 1951, the festival has been celebrated annually in February since 1978...
, Forum of new cinema Prize of the Readers of the Berliner Zeitung.
Undo
- 1995 - Berlin International Film FestivalBerlin International Film FestivalThe Berlin International Film Festival , also called the Berlinale, is one of the world's leading film festivals and most reputable media events. It is held in Berlin, Germany. Founded in West Berlin in 1951, the festival has been celebrated annually in February since 1978...
, Forum of new cinema, Netpac Award.
Fireworks
- 1993 - Directors Guild of Japan New Directors AwardDirectors Guild of Japan New Directors AwardThe is given annually by the Directors Guild of Japan to a new director of a film released that year who is considered the most "suitable" for the award. The winner is selected by a committee formed of DGJ members. All formats—feature film, documentary, television, video, etc.—are eligible for...
Unknown Child
- 1991 - Galaxy AwardGalaxy Awardis a Japanese production award for television, radio and commercials.- Television :*2006 NHK Special working poor *2005 Tiger & Dragon *2004 Waratte Koraete! Bunkasai Special All-Japan Band Competition...
, Dranma dos Award.