Koji Hashimoto (director)

Koji Hashimoto (橋本 幸治, Hashimoto Kōji, born January 21, 1936, died January 9, 2005) was a Japanese film director and screenwriter. He is best known for directing several Godzilla films during the Heisei era.

Hashimoto joined Toho Studios in 1958, initially working as an assistant director. He worked alongside prominent directors such as Akira Kurosawa and Ishirō Honda, gaining experience on various film productions.

His directorial debut came in 1978 with Young Guy in the Galaxy. In 1984, he directed The Return of Godzilla, marking the return of the iconic monster after a nine-year hiatus. This film rebooted the series, ignoring all sequels after the original 1954 film and establishing a new continuity.

Hashimoto also directed Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989), which continued the Heisei series and is noted for its more complex storyline and blend of science fiction and horror elements. Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993) is another notable entry in the series that he directed.

Beyond the Godzilla franchise, Hashimoto directed various other films and television series. He passed away in 2005. His contribution to the Godzilla franchise cemented his legacy within the tokusatsu genre.