Takashi Miike (三池 崇史) is a Japanese film director, producer, and screenwriter renowned for his prolific output and eclectic range of films. Born on August 24, 1960, in Yao, Osaka Prefecture, Japan, Miike has directed over 100 feature films, television episodes, and video productions since his debut in the early 1990s.
Miike's work spans a multitude of genres, including horror, action, crime, drama, and even family-friendly fare. He gained international recognition with films such as Audition (1999), a psychological horror that subverted genre expectations, and Ichi the Killer (2001), noted for its stylized violence. His Black Society Trilogy—Shinjuku Triad Society (1995), Rainy Dog (1997), and Ley Lines (1999)—explores themes of crime and identity within multicultural Japan.
In addition to his more controversial works, Miike has directed mainstream and critically acclaimed films such as 13 Assassins (2010), a remake of the 1963 samurai classic, and Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai (2011), which was screened at the Cannes Film Festival.
Miike's versatility and willingness to push boundaries have made him a significant figure in contemporary Japanese cinema, with a career that continues to evolve and influence filmmakers worldwide.