The Tokyo International Film Festival has announced that veteran Japanese director Yoji Yamada will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 38th edition, recognizing a career spanning more than 60 years and 91 films.
Director Yamada’s latest film, “Tokyo Taxi,” starring Chieko Baisho and Takuya Kimura, based on the 2023 French film “Driving Madeleine,” will be screened as this year’s TIFF feature film and will be released in theaters on November 21st. Director Yamada will also participate in a talk session with director Lee Sang-il of “National Treasure” at the TIFF lounge.
As previously announced, legendary Japanese actor Sayuri Yoshinaga will also receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Since director Yamada made his directorial debut in 1961 with “Nikai no People”, he has produced films deeply rooted in Japanese culture and daily life. His most famous work is the “Tora-san” series (“Tora-san, my beloved vagrant”), which was produced in 1969 and numbered 50 films, which was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.
The director shifted to period dramas in the 2000s and achieved great success internationally. Twilight Samurai (2002) swept 15 categories at the Japan Academy Awards and was nominated for what was then known as the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. “The Hidden Blade” (2004) competed in Berlin and took top honors at the Zimbabwe International Film Festival, while “The Little House” (2014) won the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival.
Director Yamada’s recent works include “Tora-san, I wish I had you” (2019), which celebrated its 50th anniversary, “Life Yurameki” (2021), and “Okaasan, Is It You?” ! (2023).
TIFF Chairman Hiroyasu Ando said in a statement: “Director Yoji Yamada has spent many years observing the realities of Japanese society with an insightful yet compassionate eye, crystallizing them into numerous cinematic masterpieces over the decades.” He also noted that Yamada has supported the film festival since its founding and recently served as chairman of the Akira Kurosawa Prize jury.
The director was awarded the Order of Culture in 2012, was recognized as a Person of Cultural Merit in 2004, and was recognized as an Honorary Citizen of Tokyo in 2014.
The 38th Tokyo International Film Festival will be held from October 27th to November. There are 5 stores in Hibiya, Yurakucho, Marunouchi, and Ginza areas.
