Masahiro Makino [Film Director]

Masahiro Makino was born in 1908 in Kyoto as the eldest son of Shōzō Makino (nicknamed the father of Japanese film). After appearing in films as a child actor, Makino became a director and delivered silent jidaigeki films Roningai, Keiaidori, and Sōzenji Baba, all highly acclaimed in the reputable Kinema Junpo magazine. With not only critical successes but also many box office hits, he laid the groundwork for a variety of cinematic genres such as jidaigeki, modern stories, thriller, musical, and comedy. His pre-war work includes Ahen Sensō, Oshidori Utagassen, Kinō Kieta Otoko, Otoko no Hanamichi, and post-war films include Machibōke no Onna, Tateshi Danpei, and the Jirochō Sangokushi series. With Toei, he directed Nihon Kyōkakuden and the Shōwa Zankyōden series among others. He directed 270 films at the very least. Being not only a great director but also a mentor to many film stars and crew members in key film productions and studios, Makino is no doubt a giant star in the Japanese film industry.