**Yôjirô Takita** (born in 1955) is an acclaimed Japanese director known for his exceptional versatility across genres. He began his career directing numerous comedies, action films, and “pinku eiga” (soft-porn films) in the 1980s, immediately demonstrating remarkable narrative skills.

His international fame exploded with the bittersweet drama *Okuribito* (Departures, 2008), a touching tale about a funeral home, which earned him the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. His other notable works include the jidaigeki *When the Last Sword Is Drawn* (Mibu Gishi Den, 2003), winner of numerous awards in Japan, and the adventure film *The Climber's High* (Kûchû buranko, 2008).

Takita's style is distinguished by his attention to human stories, often introspective and moving, which explore themes such as life, death, dignity, and the search for meaning in everyday life, with a deep sensitivity and careful direction of the actors.