Kei Kumai

Kei Kumai (熊井 啓, Kumai Kei, June 1, 1930 – May 23, 2007) was a Japanese film director, screenwriter, and author known for his socially conscious and politically charged films. Born in Azumino, Nagano Prefecture, Kumai's work often explored themes of social injustice, human rights, war, and historical events, often from a critical perspective.

Kumai's filmography includes several notable works, such as "Sandakan No. 8" (1974), a powerful depiction of the lives of Japanese women who were forced into prostitution in Southeast Asia before and during World War II. Other acclaimed films include "The Sea and Poison" (1986), which examines the moral dilemmas surrounding human experimentation by Japanese doctors during the war, and "Deep River" (1995), based on the novel by Shusaku Endo, exploring themes of faith and suffering.

Kumai's films are characterized by their realism, detailed historical research, and compassionate portrayal of marginalized individuals. He often collaborated with prominent actors and actresses, and his films garnered numerous awards both domestically and internationally. Kumai's work contributes significantly to Japanese cinema and serves as a powerful commentary on societal issues. He passed away in Tokyo in 2007.