Yoji Yamada
Encyclopedia
is a Japanese film director
best known for his Otoko wa Tsurai yo
series of films and his Samurai Trilogy (The Twilight Samurai
, The Hidden Blade
and Love and Honor
).
He was born in Osaka. But because of the work of his father, who was an engineer for the South Manchuria Railway
, from the age of 2 he was brought up in Manchuria
. Following the end of World War II, he came back to Japan and subsequently he lived in Yamagata Prefecture.
After receiving his degree from Tokyo University
in 1954, he entered Shochiku
and worked under Yoshitaro Nomura
as a scriptwriter or as an assistant director.
He has won many awards throughout his lengthy career and is well respected in Japan and by critics throughout the world. He wrote his first screenplay in 1958, and directed his first movie in 1961. Yamada continues to make movies to this day.
He once served as president of the Directors Guild of Japan
, and is currently a guest professor of Ritsumeikan University
.
under the title Otoko wa Tsurai yo
, his Tora-san series features traveling merchant Torajirō, who is always unlucky in love. Since the lead role in every Tora-san movie was played by Kiyoshi Atsumi
, his death in 1996 put an end to the series and Yamada moved on to other movies. Although Yamada is known for his long-running series of movies—four films in the A Class to Remember
series, 13 in the Free and Easy (Tsuribaka Nisshi) series—none has reached the prolific numbers of the Tora-san series. Over a period of about 25 years, 48 Tora-san films were made, all of them starring Atsumi, and the majority written and directed by Yamada.
four times: in 1977 for The Yellow Handkerchief
, in 1991 for My Sons
, in 1993 for A Class to Remember
, and in 2002 for The Twilight Samurai
, which was nominated for the 76th Academy Awards
' Best Foreign Language Film
. He has won the Japan Academy Prize for Director of the Year
three times.
His 2004 film, The Hidden Blade
, was nominated for sixteen awards and won three.
In 2010 Yoji Yamada was honored at the 2010 Berlin Film Festival with a screening of his latest film Otōto
during the awards ceremony, as well as receiving a Berlinale Camera award for his numerous contributions to the festival's program.
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:...
best known for his Otoko wa Tsurai yo
Otoko wa Tsurai yo
Otoko wa tsurai yo is a Japanese film series starring Kiyoshi Atsumi as "Tora-san" , a kind-hearted vagabond who is always unlucky in love. The series itself is often referred to as "Tora-san" by its fans...
series of films and his Samurai Trilogy (The Twilight Samurai
The Twilight Samurai
The Twilight Samurai or is a 2002 Japanese film directed by Yoji Yamada. Set in mid-19th century Japan, a few years before the Meiji Restoration, it follows the life of Seibei Iguchi, a low-ranking samurai employed as a bureaucrat. Poor, but not destitute, he still manages to lead a content and...
, The Hidden Blade
The Hidden Blade
is a 2004 film, set in 1860s Japan, directed by Yoji Yamada. The plot revolves around several samurai during a time of change in the ruling and class structures of Japan. The film was written by Yamada with Yoshitaka Asama and, like its predecessor The Twilight Samurai, based on a short story by...
and Love and Honor
Love and Honor
is a 2006 film set in Japan of the Edo period. It is the final film in Yoji Yamada's acclaimed Samurai Trilogy .-Plot:Shinnojo, a low level samurai, lives with his pretty, dutiful and loyal wife Kayo...
).
He was born in Osaka. But because of the work of his father, who was an engineer for the South Manchuria Railway
South Manchuria Railway
The , and operated within China in the Japanese-controlled South Manchuria Railway Zone. The railway itself ran from Lüshun Port at the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula to Harbin, where it connected to the Chinese Eastern Railway.-History:...
, from the age of 2 he was brought up in Manchuria
Manchuria
Manchuria is a historical name given to a large geographic region in northeast Asia. Depending on the definition of its extent, Manchuria usually falls entirely within the People's Republic of China, or is sometimes divided between China and Russia. The region is commonly referred to as Northeast...
. Following the end of World War II, he came back to Japan and subsequently he lived in Yamagata Prefecture.
After receiving his degree from Tokyo University
University of Tokyo
, abbreviated as , is a major research university located in Tokyo, Japan. The University has 10 faculties with a total of around 30,000 students, 2,100 of whom are foreign. Its five campuses are in Hongō, Komaba, Kashiwa, Shirokane and Nakano. It is considered to be the most prestigious university...
in 1954, he entered Shochiku
Shochiku
is a Japanese movie studio and production company for kabuki. It also produces and distributes anime films. Its best remembered directors include Yasujirō Ozu, Kenji Mizoguchi, Mikio Naruse, Keisuke Kinoshita and Yōji Yamada...
and worked under Yoshitaro Nomura
Yoshitaro Nomura
Yoshitarō Nomura was a prolific Japanese film director, film producer, and screenwriter. His first accredited film was released in 1953; his last in 1985...
as a scriptwriter or as an assistant director.
He has won many awards throughout his lengthy career and is well respected in Japan and by critics throughout the world. He wrote his first screenplay in 1958, and directed his first movie in 1961. Yamada continues to make movies to this day.
He once served as president of the Directors Guild of Japan
Directors Guild of Japan
The is a trade union created to represent the interests of film directors in the film industry in Japan. It was founded in 1936, with Minoru Murata serving as the first president, and has continued to this day apart from a period between 1943 and 1949 when it was disbanded at first on orders from...
, and is currently a guest professor of Ritsumeikan University
Ritsumeikan University
Ritsumeikan University has a growing reputation as one of the main private universities of Japan. It is part of a group of prestigious private universities in the Kansai area, called "Kan -Kan -Dou -Ritsu "...
.
Tora-san series
Known in JapanJapan
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...
under the title Otoko wa Tsurai yo
Otoko wa Tsurai yo
Otoko wa tsurai yo is a Japanese film series starring Kiyoshi Atsumi as "Tora-san" , a kind-hearted vagabond who is always unlucky in love. The series itself is often referred to as "Tora-san" by its fans...
, his Tora-san series features traveling merchant Torajirō, who is always unlucky in love. Since the lead role in every Tora-san movie was played by Kiyoshi Atsumi
Kiyoshi Atsumi
Kiyoshi Atsumi , born Yasuo Tadokoro , was a Japanese film actor....
, his death in 1996 put an end to the series and Yamada moved on to other movies. Although Yamada is known for his long-running series of movies—four films in the A Class to Remember
A Class to Remember
is a 1993 Japanese film directed by Yōji Yamada. It was chosen as Best Film at the Japan Academy Prize ceremony.-Synopsis:A cantankerous but loveable high school teacher teaches a night school in a poor neighborhood for adult students on the fringes of Japanese society.-Cast:* Toshiyuki Nishida*...
series, 13 in the Free and Easy (Tsuribaka Nisshi) series—none has reached the prolific numbers of the Tora-san series. Over a period of about 25 years, 48 Tora-san films were made, all of them starring Atsumi, and the majority written and directed by Yamada.
Notable Awards
His movies have won the Best Picture award at the Japanese Academy AwardsJapanese Academy Awards
The , often called the Japan Academy Awards or the Japanese Academy Awards, is a series of awards given annually since 1978 by the Nippon Academy-shō Association for excellence in Japanese film...
four times: in 1977 for The Yellow Handkerchief
The Yellow Handkerchief
is a 1977 Japanese film directed by Yoji Yamada. It was the winner of the first Best Picture award at the Japan Academy Prize.-Cast:* Ken Takakura: Yusaku Shima* Chieko Baisho: Mitsue Shima* Tetsuya Takeda: Kinya Hanada* Kaori Momoi: Akemi Ogawa* Hachirō Tako...
, in 1991 for My Sons
My Sons
is a 1991 Japanese film directed by Yōji Yamada. It was chosen as Best Film at the Japan Academy Prize ceremony.-Synopsis:The children of old-fashioned patriarch of a family in Iwate Province gather to observe the first anniversary of their mother's death. Tetsuya, working as a bartender in Tokyo,...
, in 1993 for A Class to Remember
A Class to Remember
is a 1993 Japanese film directed by Yōji Yamada. It was chosen as Best Film at the Japan Academy Prize ceremony.-Synopsis:A cantankerous but loveable high school teacher teaches a night school in a poor neighborhood for adult students on the fringes of Japanese society.-Cast:* Toshiyuki Nishida*...
, and in 2002 for The Twilight Samurai
The Twilight Samurai
The Twilight Samurai or is a 2002 Japanese film directed by Yoji Yamada. Set in mid-19th century Japan, a few years before the Meiji Restoration, it follows the life of Seibei Iguchi, a low-ranking samurai employed as a bureaucrat. Poor, but not destitute, he still manages to lead a content and...
, which was nominated for the 76th Academy Awards
76th Academy Awards
The 76th Academy Awards ceremony honored the best films of 2003 and was broadcast from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California on ABC beginning at 5:30 p.m. PST/8:30 p.m. EST, February 29, 2004 . The show was produced by Joe Roth and was hosted for the eighth time by comedian Billy Crystal.The...
' Best Foreign Language Film
Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film
The Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film is one of the Academy Awards of Merit, popularly known as the Oscars, handed out annually by the U.S.-based Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences...
. He has won the Japan Academy Prize for Director of the Year
Japan Academy Prize for Director of the Year
The of the Japan Academy Prize is one of the annual Awards given by the Nippon Academy-sho association .-List of winners:-External links:* - **...
three times.
His 2004 film, The Hidden Blade
The Hidden Blade
is a 2004 film, set in 1860s Japan, directed by Yoji Yamada. The plot revolves around several samurai during a time of change in the ruling and class structures of Japan. The film was written by Yamada with Yoshitaka Asama and, like its predecessor The Twilight Samurai, based on a short story by...
, was nominated for sixteen awards and won three.
In 2010 Yoji Yamada was honored at the 2010 Berlin Film Festival with a screening of his latest film Otōto
Otōto (2010 film)
Otōto is a 2010 film by Yoji Yamada. The first screening of this film outside of Japan was at the closing ceremony of the 60th Berlin Film Festival in 2010...
during the awards ceremony, as well as receiving a Berlinale Camera award for his numerous contributions to the festival's program.
Films
- Nikai no Tanin (1961)
- Shitamachi no Taiyo (1963)
- Baka Marudashi (1964)
- Iikagen Baka (1964)
- Baka ga Sensha de Yattekuru (1964)
- Kiri no Hata (1965)
- Un ga Yokerya (1966)
- Natsukashii Fūraibō (1966)
- Kyu-chan no Dekkai YumeKyu-chan no Dekkai YumeKyu-chan no Dekkai Yume/Kyu-chan's Big dream is a 1967 Japanese comedy film by film director Yoji Yamada. Most of the movie takes place at Japan's biggest seaport: Yokohama.-Plot summary:...
(1967) - Ai no Sanka (1967)
- Kigeki Ippatsu Shobu (1967)
- Hana Hajime no Ippatsu Daibōken (1968)
- Fukeba Tobuyona Otoko daga(1968)
- Kigeki Ippatsu Daihissho (1969)
- It's Tough Being a ManIt's Tough Being a Manaka Am I Trying and Tora-san,Our Lovable Tramp is a 1969 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada and starring Kiyoshi Atsumi. It is the first entry in the popular, long-running Otoko wa Tsurai yo series.-Synopsis:...
(1969) - Tora-San's Cherished MotherTora-San's Cherished Motheraka Torasan's Homeward Journey, Am I Trying? Part II, and Torasan Pt. 2 is a 1969 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Kuruma Torajirō , and Orie Satō as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1969) - Tora-san's RunawayTora-san's Runawayaka Tora-san Homebound is a 1970 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Aiko Nagayama as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1970) - KazokuKazoku (film)-Awards:25th Mainichi Film Award*Won: Best Film-References:...
(Family) (1970) - Tora-san's Shattered RomanceTora-san's Shattered Romanceaka Tora-san in Love is a 1971 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Ayako Wakao as his love interest or "Madonna". Tora-san's Shattered Romance is the sixth entry in the popular, long-running Otoko wa Tsurai yo series.-Synopsis:A girl who...
(1971) - Tora-san, the Good SamaritanTora-san, the Good Samaritanis a 1971 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Rumi Sakakibara as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1971) - Tora-san's Love CallTora-san's Love Callaka Tora-san's Love Song is a 1971 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Junko Ikeuchi as his love interest or "Madonna". Tora-san's Love Call is the eighth entry in the popular, long-running Otoko wa Tsurai yo series.-Synopsis:Hoping to find...
(1971) - Tora-san's Dear Old HomeTora-san's Dear Old Homeaka Tora-san's New Romance is a 1972 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Sayuri Yoshinaga as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1972) - Tora-san's Dream-Come-TrueTora-san's Dream-Come-Trueaka 'Torasan Appears in a Dream is a 1972 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Kaoru Yachigusa as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1972) - KokyōKokyois the main residence of the Emperor of Japan. It is a large park-like area located in the Chiyoda area of Tokyo close to Tokyo Station and contains several buildings including the main palace , the emperor left Kyoto Imperial Palace for Tokyo...
(1972) - Tora-san's Forget Me NotTora-san's Forget Me Notaka Torasan and his Forget-Me-Not is a 1973 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Ruriko Asaoka as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1973) - Tora-san Loves an ArtistTora-san Loves an Artistaka Tora-san Goes French is a 1973 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Keiko Kishi as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1973) - Tora-san's LovesickTora-san's Lovesickaka Tora-san's Lovesickness is a 1974 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Sayuri Yoshinaga as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1974) - Tora-san's LullabyTora-san's Lullabyis a 1974 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Yukiyo Toake as his love interest or "Madonna". Tora-san's Lullaby is the fourteenth entry in the popular, long-running Otoko wa Tsurai yo series. It marks the debut of actor Masami Shimojō in...
(1974) - Tora-san's Rise and FallTora-san's Rise and Fallaka Tora-san Finds a Sweetheart, Tora-san Meets the Songstress Again and Torasan: Love Under the Umbrella is a 1975 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Ruriko Asaoka as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1975) - Tora-san, the IntellectualTora-san, the Intellectualaka Tora-san Meets a Lady Scholar is a 1975 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Fumie Kashiyama as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1975) - Harakara (1975)
- Tora-san's Sunrise and SunsetTora-san's Sunrise and Sunsetaka Torasan and the Painter and Tora-san's Sunset Glow is a 1976 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Kiwako Taichi as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1976) - Tora's Pure LoveTora's Pure Loveaka Torasan Meets his School-Mates and Tora-san's Heart of Gold is a 1976 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Machiko Kyō as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1976) - Tora-san Meets His LordshipTora-san Meets His Lordshipaka Tora-san and a Lord is a 1977 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Kyōko Maya as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1977) - Tora-san Plays CupidTora-san Plays Cupidaka Tora-san, Hold Out! is a 1977 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Shiho Fujimura as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1977) - The Yellow HandkerchiefThe Yellow Handkerchiefis a 1977 Japanese film directed by Yoji Yamada. It was the winner of the first Best Picture award at the Japan Academy Prize.-Cast:* Ken Takakura: Yusaku Shima* Chieko Baisho: Mitsue Shima* Tetsuya Takeda: Kinya Hanada* Kaori Momoi: Akemi Ogawa* Hachirō Tako...
(1977) - Stage-Struck Tora-sanStage-Struck Tora-sanaka Tora-san's Stage-Struck is a 1978 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Nana Kinomi as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1978) - Talk of the Town Tora-sanTalk of the Town Tora-sanaka Torasan and a Lovely Maid is a 1978 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Reiko Ōhara as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1978) - Tora-san, the MatchmakerTora-san, the Matchmakeraka Tora-san Riding High is a 1979 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Kaori Momoi as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1979) - Tora-san's Dream of SpringTora-san's Dream of Springaka Torasan Dreams Springtime is a 1979 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Kyōko Kagawa as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1979) - Tora's Tropical FeverTora's Tropical Feveraka Torasan Goes to Hisbiscus Land is a 1980 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Ruriko Asaoka as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1980) - Foster Daddy, Tora!Foster Daddy, Tora!aka Torasan's Song of the Seagull is a 1980 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Ran Itō as his love interest or "Madonna". Foster Daddy, Tora! is the twenty-sixth entry in the popular, long-running Otoko wa Tsurai yo...
(1980) - A Distant Cry from SpringA Distant Cry from Springis a 1980 Japanese film directed by Yoji Yamada.-Awards and nominations:5th Hochi Film Award* Won: Best Actress - Chieko Baishō-References:...
(1980) - Tora-san's Love in OsakaTora-san's Love in Osakaaka Tora's Many-Splintered Love is a 1981 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Keiko Matsuzaka as his love interest or "Madonna". Tora-san's Love in Osaka is the twenty-seventh entry in the popular, long-running Otoko wa Tsurai yo series...
(1981) - Tora-san's PromiseTora-san's Promiseaka Torasan and a Paper Balloon is a 1981 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Mikiko Otonashi as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1981) - Hearts and Flowers for Tora-sanHearts and Flowers for Tora-sanis a 1982 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Ayumi Ishida as his love interest or "Madonna". Hearts and Flowers for Tora-san is the twenty-ninth entry in the popular, long-running Otoko wa Tsurai yo series.-Synopsis:During his travels,...
(1982) - Tora-san, the ExpertTora-san, the Expertis a 1982 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Yuko Tanaka as his love interest or "Madonna". Tora-san, the Expert is the thirtieth entry in the popular, long-running Otoko wa Tsurai yo series...
(1982) - Tora-san's Song of LoveTora-san's Song of Loveaka Torasan's Journey with a Lady is a 1983 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Harumi Miyako as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1983) - Tora-san Goes Religious?Tora-san Goes Religious?aka Torasan Whistling is a 1983 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Keiko Takeshita as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1983) - Marriage Counselor Tora-sanMarriage Counselor Tora-sanis a 1984 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Rie Nakahara as his love interest or "Madonna". Marriage Counselor Tora-san is the thirty-third entry in the popular, long-running Otoko wa Tsurai yo series.-Synopsis:In Shibamata, Tokyo,...
(1984) - Tora-san, the Go-BetweenTora-san, the Go-Betweenis a 1985 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Kanako Higuchi as his love interest or "Madonna". Tora-san, the Go-Between is the thirty-fifth entry in the popular, long-running Otoko wa Tsurai yo series.-Synopsis:In Nagasaki, Tora-san and an...
(1985) - Tora-san's Island EncounterTora-san's Island Encounteraka Torasan, From Shibamata with Love is a 1985 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Komaki Kurihara as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1985) - Tora-san's Bluebird FantasyTora-san's Bluebird Fantasyaka Tora-san, Bluebird of Happiness is a 1986 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Etsuko Shihomi as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1986) - Cinema no Tenchi (1986)
- Tora-san Goes NorthTora-san Goes Northaka Torasan, Remind Shiretoke is a 1987 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Keiko Takeshita as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1987) - Tora-san Plays DaddyTora-san Plays Daddyaka Torasan's Tale is a 1987 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Kumiko Akiyoshi as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1987) - Tora-san's Salad-Day MemorialTora-san's Salad-Day Memorialis a 1988 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Yoshiko Mita as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1988) - Downtown Heroes (1988)
- Tora-San Goes to ViennaTora-San Goes to Viennais a 1989 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Keiko Takeshita as his love interest or "Madonna". Tora-San Goes to Vienna is the forty-first entry in the popular, long-running Otoko wa Tsurai yo series.-Synopsis:During his wandering...
(1989) - Tora-san, My UncleTora-san, My Uncleis a 1989 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Kumiko Gotō as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1989) - Tora-san Takes a VacationTora-san Takes a Vacationis a 1990 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Kumiko Gotō as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1990) - My SonsMy Sonsis a 1991 Japanese film directed by Yōji Yamada. It was chosen as Best Film at the Japan Academy Prize ceremony.-Synopsis:The children of old-fashioned patriarch of a family in Iwate Province gather to observe the first anniversary of their mother's death. Tetsuya, working as a bartender in Tokyo,...
(1991) - Tora-san ConfessesTora-san Confessesis a 1991 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Kumiko Gotō as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1991) - Tora-San Makes ExcusesTora-San Makes Excusesis a 1992 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Kumiko Gotō as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1992) - A Class to RememberA Class to Rememberis a 1993 Japanese film directed by Yōji Yamada. It was chosen as Best Film at the Japan Academy Prize ceremony.-Synopsis:A cantankerous but loveable high school teacher teaches a night school in a poor neighborhood for adult students on the fringes of Japanese society.-Cast:* Toshiyuki Nishida*...
(1993) - Tora-san's MatchmakerTora-san's Matchmakeris a 1993 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Keiko Matsuzaka as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1993) - Tora-san's Easy AdviceTora-san's Easy Adviceis a 1994 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Rino Katase as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1994) - Tora-san to the RescueTora-san to the Rescueis a 1995 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Ruriko Asaoka as his love interest or "Madonna"...
(1995) - A Class to Remember II (1996)
- Niji wo Tsukamu Otoko (1996)
- Niji wo Tsukamu Otoko Nangoku Funtō hen (1997)
- A Class to Remember III (1998)
- A Class to Remember IV (2000)
- Twilight Samurai (2002)
- The Hidden BladeThe Hidden Bladeis a 2004 film, set in 1860s Japan, directed by Yoji Yamada. The plot revolves around several samurai during a time of change in the ruling and class structures of Japan. The film was written by Yamada with Yoshitaka Asama and, like its predecessor The Twilight Samurai, based on a short story by...
(2004) - Love and HonorLove and Honoris a 2006 film set in Japan of the Edo period. It is the final film in Yoji Yamada's acclaimed Samurai Trilogy .-Plot:Shinnojo, a low level samurai, lives with his pretty, dutiful and loyal wife Kayo...
(2006) - Kabei: Our MotherKabei: Our Mother-Reception:The film received several nominations at the 32nd Japan Academy Prize, including for Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress for Sayuri Yoshinaga, Best Supporting Actor for Tadanobu Asano and Best Supporting Actress for Rei Dan....
(2008) - OtōtoOtōto (2010 film)Otōto is a 2010 film by Yoji Yamada. The first screening of this film outside of Japan was at the closing ceremony of the 60th Berlin Film Festival in 2010...
(2010)
Screenplays
- Castle of SandCastle of SandCastle of Sand is a 1974 police procedural directed by Yoshitaro Nomura, based on the novel "Inspector Imanishi Investigates" by Seicho Matsumoto, and is largely considered by critics as one of the masterpieces of Japanese cinema....
(1974) - Tsuribaka NisshiTsuribaka Nisshi' is a fishing manga by Jūzō Yamasaki and Kenichi Kitami that has been serialized in Big Comic Original since 1979. It won the 28th Shogakukan Manga Award in 1983...
Series (1988–2009) - Deguchi no Nai Umi (2006)