Born in 1954 in Kumamoto, Japan, he started working for Seirinsha in 1981, and began producing films. He established Siglo, Ltd. in 1986 as its president and producer. He has produced and distributed 40 feature-length films to date. Among them are “UMINCHU--THE OLD MAN AND THE EAST CHINA SEA” (directed by John JUNKERMAN; Grand Prix at New England Film Festival), “THE RIVER WITH NO BRIDGE” and “VILLAGE OF DREAMS” (both directed by HIGASHI Yoichi). “VILLAGE OF DREAMS” won a Silver Bear Prize at the 46th Berlin International Film Festival, Grand Prix at the film festivals of Ghent Flanders and Amiens, and over 20 other awards at festivals around the world. He produced “THE CROSSING” (directed by HIGASHI Yoichi), which premiered at the 50th Berlin International Film Festival ‘Panorama Special’ program in 2000. He has just produced “HUSH!” (directed by HASHIGUCHI Ryosuke), which was an official selection of Director’s Fortnight, Cannes International Film Festival 2001. Apart from his main work as a producer, he has directed “JAKUPA - BIRTH OF AN ARTIST” in 1993, and recently wrote the original story for “THE CROSSING”.