Born in 1952 in Nara Prefecture, Japan. Debuted in 1975 with Yuku Yuku Maito Guy: Seishun no Monmon. In 1981, his film Empire of Kids earned the New Director Award from the Directors Guild of Japan. Nidaime wa Christian (1985) grossed 2.5 billion yen in box office. Both Boys, be ambitious! (1996) and Pacchigi! (2004) won the Blue Ribbon Award for Best Film, with Pacchigi! sweeping multiple awards. Recent works include FLY WITH THE GOLD (2012, Best Director at Takasaki Film Festival) and Wiseguy(2020), continuing to blend entertainment with social critique.