Masahiro Kobayashi (director)

Masahiro Kobayashi (小林政広, Kobayashi Masahiro, born January 4, 1954, in Niigata Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese film director and screenwriter. He is known for his independent, low-budget films that often explore themes of grief, loss, social isolation, and the complexities of family relationships.

Kobayashi began his career working in television before transitioning to independent filmmaking in the late 1990s. He gained international recognition for his film Walking With the Dog (歩く犬, Aruku Inu, 2001), which won the prestigious FIPRESCI Prize at the Moscow International Film Festival.

His subsequent works include Koroshi (2003), Bashing (2005), which explores the re-integration of a former hostage into Japanese society and won the Golden Montgolfiere at the Three Continents Festival, and The Rebirth (愛の予感, Ai no Yokan, 2007). The Rebirth competed for the Golden Lion at the 64th Venice International Film Festival.

Kobayashi's films are characterized by their minimalist style, naturalistic performances, and deliberate pacing. He frequently uses long takes and static shots to create a sense of realism and draw the viewer into the emotional lives of his characters. He often writes, directs, and edits his own films, maintaining a strong personal vision throughout the filmmaking process.

Filmography (selected):

• Walking With the Dog (歩く犬, Aruku Inu, 2001)
• Koroshi (2003)
• Bashing (2005)
• The Rebirth (愛の予感, Ai no Yokan, 2007)
• Haru's Journey (春との旅, Haru to no Tabi, 2010)
• Japanese Tragedy (日本の悲劇, Nihon no Higeki, 2012)
• Three Nights of Happiness (彼女がその名を知らない鳥たち, Kanojo ga sono na o shiranai toritachi, 2017) (as screenwriter)