Kazuo Ikehiro
Biography
Kazuo Ikehiro was a Japanese film director born in Tokyo on October 25, 1929. He began his career as an assistant director, working under filmmakers such as Kenji Mizoguchi and Kon Ichikawa. Ikehiro, who died on October 15, 2025, in Tokyo, was known for his work on the Zatoichi series and the film Onna Gokuakuchō. He maintained a strong preference for jidai-geki, though he directed modern-day yakuza films due to studio requirements. His filmography includes titles such as The Phantom Samurai, Zatoichi's Pilgrimage, and Naked Ambition. Additionally, he served as a collaboration consultant on the 1963 film An Actor's Revenge and contributed to the script for the 1973 period thriller Slaughter in the Snow.
Career overview
Kazuo Ikehiro was a Japanese film director born in Tokyo on October 25, 1929. He began his career as an assistant director, working alongside filmmakers such as Kenji Mizoguchi and Kon Ichikawa. Throughout his professional life, Ikehiro maintained a strong preference for the jidai-geki genre. While he directed a number of modern-day yakuza films, he noted that these projects were undertaken primarily due to studio demands. His directorial work is characterized by a gritty and unconventional style, which proved well-suited for the Zatoichi series and the antihero screen personae of actor Raizo Ichikawa.
Ikehiro is recognized for his contributions to the Nemuri Kyoshiro series, notably steering the 1964 film Sword of Seduction toward a more surreal and stylistic approach. His filmography includes titles such as The Phantom Samurai, Zatoichi's Pilgrimage, and Naked Ambition. Additionally, he was involved in the production of Onna Gokuakuchō. Beyond directing, Ikehiro served as a collaboration consultant on Kon Ichikawa's 1963 film An Actor's Revenge and contributed to the script for the 1973 period thriller Slaughter in the Snow. Ikehiro held 62 known credits during his career. He died in Tokyo on October 15, 2025.
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Career timeline
Full Filmography
64 titles- Tulips in October (2022) Director
- Seiichi Morimura Mystery Special Shuchuchueki Series 37 No Retirement Age (2021) Director
- Koya no Shomei (2019) Director
- Detective Ushio vs. Case Writer Saeko: Last Family (2017) Director
- Detective Ushio vs. Case Writer Saeko: Survivors (2016) Director
- Murder Credit - Final Destination Series (2016) Director
- Terminal Station Series - Umbrella of Goodwill (2015) Director
- Detective Ushio VS Case Reporter Saeko at the Terminal Station (2008) Director
- Destination Station Series - Homicide Assignment (2001) Director
- Tattooed Kin-san vs Miss Ninja Thief (1997) Director
- Castle of Sand (1991) Director
- The Great White Tower (1990) Director
- The Mysterious Lightning Beauty (1990) Director
- 終着駅シリーズ (1990) Creator
- The Beauty with the Enchanting Melody (1986) Director
- Make-Up (1984) Director
- Satsujin Kou Oku no Hosomichi (1983) Director
- Goyou Sen Enjou (1982) Director
- Lowly Ronin (1981) Director
- Goro Dog (1980) Director
- Monkey (1978) Director
- Slaughter in the Snow (1973) Director
- Slaughter in the Snow (1973) Writer
- Kogarashi Monjiro (1972) Director
- The Trail of Blood (1972) Director
- The Fearless Avenger (1972) Director
- The Fearless Avenger (1972) Screenplay
- Kataashi no ēsu (1971) Director
- Live My Share, Mother (1970) Director
- Naked Ambition (1970) Director
- Useless Creature: Fighting Man's Life (1970) Director
- Broken Swords (1969) Director
- Sleepy Eyes of Death 12: Castle Menagerie (1969) Director
- Prison Break (1969) Director
- Sleepy Eyes of Death 14: Fylfot Swordplay (1969) Director
- Lone Wolf Isazo (1968) Director
- Hoodlum Priest And The Gold Mint (1968) Director
- The Daring Nun (1968) Director
- Sleepy Eyes of Death 9: Trail of Traps (1967) Director
- Escape Man (1967) Director
- Young Boss: Leader's Flesh (1967) Director
- Shinobi no mono 8: The Three Enemies (1966) Director
- Zatoichi's Pilgrimage (1966) Director
- Wild Geese (1966) Director
- The Thieves' Who's Who (1966) Director
- Young Boss: Invitation to Fight (1966) Director
- Young Boss: Prison Release (1965) Director
- Young Boss (1965) Director
- Zatoichi's Flashing Sword (1964) Director
- Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold (1964) Director
- Sleepy Eyes of Death 4: Sword of Seduction (1964) Director
- Shinobi No Mono 5: Return of Mist Saizo (1964) Director
- Cut the Shadow (1963) Director
- Rabble Tactics (1963) Director
- Seven Miles to Nakayama (1962) Director
- Hell's Assassin (1962) Director
- The Gambler's Code (1961) Director
- Tenka ayatsuri-gumi (1961) Director
- Flowers of Chivalry (1961) Director
- The Phantom Samurai (1961) Director
- Bonchi (1960) Assistant Director
- Bara daimyo (1960) Director
- Bakeneko Goyōda (1958) Assistant Director
- Case Files of Zenigata Heiji: The Human-Skin Spider (1956) Assistant Director
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Kazuo Ikehiro best known for?
Kazuo Ikehiro is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Murder Credit - Final Destination Series (2016), Monkey (1978), Kogarashi Monjiro (1972), Shinobi no mono 8: The Three Enemies (1966).
When and where was Kazuo Ikehiro born?
Kazuo Ikehiro was born on October 25, 1929 in Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
How many credits does Kazuo Ikehiro have?
Kazuo Ikehiro has accumulated over 64 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1956 to 2022.
What is Kazuo Ikehiro's background in cinema and television?
Kazuo Ikehiro was a Japanese film director born in Tokyo on October 25, 1929. He began his career as an assistant director, working under filmmakers such as Kenji Mizoguchi and Kon Ichikawa. Ikehiro, who died on October 15, 2025, in Tokyo, was known for his work on the Zatoichi series and the film Onna Gokuakuchō. He m...
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