Shōzō Makino (director)

Shōzō Makino (牧野 省三, Makino Shōzō, 22 September 1878 – 25 July 1929) was a Japanese film director, producer, and businessman who is often regarded as the "Father of Japanese Cinema."

Born in Kyoto, Makino was a pioneer in the Japanese film industry, establishing one of the first film studios in the country, the Yokota Shōkai, which later became Nikkatsu. He is credited with producing and directing hundreds of films, though many are now lost. His work spanned various genres, including jidaigeki (period dramas) and gendai-geki (contemporary dramas).

Makino was instrumental in developing and promoting the jidaigeki genre, often featuring samurai and historical figures. He fostered numerous talents, including actors like Matsunosuke Onoe, who became a major star through Makino's films. Makino's training methods were rigorous, emphasizing both discipline and artistry. He valued realism and incorporated innovative techniques for the time.

His contribution to the Japanese film industry extended beyond filmmaking. He actively worked to establish the film industry as a legitimate art form and a viable commercial enterprise. He was also involved in training and nurturing young filmmakers, shaping the future of Japanese cinema.

Following his death in 1929, his children and students continued his legacy, contributing significantly to the ongoing development of the Japanese film industry. His name remains synonymous with the birth and early growth of Japanese cinema.