Tsutomu Hanabusa (Japanese: 英 勉) is a Japanese film and television director known for his dynamic storytelling and versatility across genres. Born in Kyoto in 1968, Hanabusa has built a diverse portfolio that spans romantic comedies, action thrillers, supernatural horror, and live-action adaptations of popular manga and anime.
Hanabusa's directorial debut came with The Handsome Suit (2008), a romantic comedy that garnered attention for its unique premise and comedic elements. He continued to explore various genres with films like High School Debut (2011), a teen romance; Sadako 3D (2012) and its sequel Sadako 3D 2 (2013), which revitalized the J-horror genre; and No Longer Heroine (2015), a romantic drama.
In 2017, Hanabusa directed Asahinagu, a coming-of-age sports drama based on the manga of the same name, showcasing his ability to adapt complex narratives for the screen. He further demonstrated his versatility with Real Girl (2018), a romantic comedy exploring virtual and real-life relationships.
Hanabusa gained significant acclaim for directing the live-action adaptations of Kakegurui (2019) and its sequel Kakegurui 2: Ultimate Russian Roulette (2021), both based on the popular manga series. His work on Tokyo Revengers (2021) and its two-part sequel Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween (2023) further solidified his reputation for successfully bringing manga narratives to life.
In addition to films, Hanabusa has directed television dramas, including Happy Kanako's Killer Life (2025), a live-action adaptation of the manga series, demonstrating his continued engagement with diverse storytelling formats.
Tsutomu Hanabusa's career reflects a commitment to exploring a wide range of genres and themes, making him a prominent figure in contemporary Japanese cinema.