Yoshitarô Nomura(1919-2005)

Began working in the Japanese movie industry when he was 22. He was best known for his suspense thrillers and his pioneering work in Japanese film noir, but he also made samurai dramas and musicals. His 1974 thriller, "Castle of Sand" (Zerbrechliches Schicksal (1974)), is considered one of the best Japanese movies ever made. He adapted novels by Agatha Christie and other authors for the screen. After retiring from directing in 1985, he continued to work as a movie and TV producer, as well as mentoring other Japanese directors.