Nagisa Oshima

(1932-2013, Film Director) Born in Kyoto. He joins Shochiku Ofuna Studios after graduating from Kyoto Universi-ty, Faculty of Law in 1954. He debuts as director with “Street of Love and Hope” ('59). He becomes known as a member of the Japanese New Wave with Cruel Story of Youth, but leaves Shochiku after a conflict regarding Night and Fog in Japan. He releases many controversial films including “Sing a Song of Sex” ('67); “In the Realm of the Senses” ('76) was highly acclaimed overseas, and with “Empire of Passion” ('78) he was awarded Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival. He engages in international filmmak-ing with “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence”, and “Max, Mon Amour.” Though he suffered a stroke in 1996, he finished the film “Taboo” in 1999. 2000, he was awarded with the Medal of Honour with Purple Ribbon under the commendation of the Minister of Edu-cation. 2001, he received the Mainichi Art Award, and the Order of Arts and Letters, Commander.