Born in 1950, Tokyo, Japan. After graduating with a Theater Major from Waseda University, he joined Nikkatsu Film Studio as an assistant director for Fujita Toshiya and Sone Chusei. He made his directorial debut with Orion’s Intent to Kill(1978). What the Snow Brings(2005) also won him numerous awards. Dog in a Sidecar (2007), his twentieth film, won the Director’s award at the Japanese Film Critics Association.