SEIKO ITO Seiko ITO was born in Tokyo on 19 March 1961. His debut as a novelist brought us “No Life King” in 1988. His newly-chosen theme and unique writing style received a lot of attention. He has since released a number of novels, reportages and essays, including “Botanical Life” (1999) which received the 15th Kodansha Essay Award. As a performer, he has won renown for his stage productions and live shows with Akio Miyazawa, Naoto Takenaka, and City Boys. As a creator working at the cutting edge of his profession, he co-wrote “Kenbutsuki” with his friend and colleague, Jun Miura, and proposed new ways to appreciate statues of Buddha. Also with Miura, he produced the popular event, “Slide Show”, a sell-out performance at the Budokan. In the music world, Ito worked at the frontier of Japanese Hip Hop and is currently receiving attentions with his activities with Kuchiroro. He regularly performs on TV programs such as “Shiru Shiru Mishiru” (TV Asahi) and “Tensai Terebi-kun Bit World”.

SENSHA YOSHIDA

Sensha YOSHIDA was born in Iwate in 1963. In 1985, he made his debut as a manga artist with an adult magazine. In 1989, he started his famous gag strip series of “Utsurun desu” for the Big Comic Spirits magazine and catapulted himself into one of the most distinguished gag-strip artists in Japan. His style is often quoted as “incongruous gag strip” for its creations of extraordinary bafflements by the gaps between/combinations of absurd wordage and depicted matters with seemingly harmless, cute characters. In 1991, he received the 37th Bungei Shunju Manga Prize. In 2009, “Utsurun desu”, was made into animation for a DVD release as well as into a live-action film for streaming via cell-phones. His other popular manga series include “Kaseida Machiko” (1993, Schola), “Demae Hime” (2010, Enter Brain) and many others. He is also known as the author of several publications including the travel writings, “Yoshida Jitensha” (2002, Kodansha) and “Yoshida Densha” (2003, Kodansya). He’s been active in publishing new works on magazines and via internet too.

ASAKUSA JINTA

A rock band based in Asakusa. While performing at music festivals around the world, they have been providing music for film and other creative works in Japan. For the inaugural SHITA COME, they produced the supporting song, You Came to This Town – Acoustic Version

SHUNSUKE KANEKO

Shusuke KANEKO was born in Tokyo on 8 June 1955. After his graduation from Tokyo Gakugei University in 1978, he was hired as an assistant director by Nikkatsu (current Nikkatsu Corporation) where he stayed until 1985. In 1984, his debut film as a director, Koichiro Uno's Wet and Shooting(84) and another film brought him the New Director Award at Yokohama Film Festival. He has since received awards including the Blue Ribbon Awards Best Director and the Director Award at Yokohama Film Festival with Gamera: Giant Monster Midair Showdown (95) and Nihon SF Taisho Award with Gamera 2: Attack of Region(96). He has also directed such films as Summer Vacation: 1999 (88), Yamada Mura Waltz (88), Who Do I Choose? (89), Hong Kong Paradise (90), All's Quiet on the Recruit Front (91), Everyday is Summer Vacation (94), Godzilla, Mothra & King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (90), A Toast To Love (02), Death Note (06), Death Note: The Last Name (06), Left-hand of God, Right-hand of the Devil (06), Pride (09), Bakamono (10) and many others. His works comprehend numbers of TV dramas and commercial spots too.

Official Website : http://www.shusuke-kaneko.com/
Related Program : SHITA COME Grand Prize 2010

HAJIME TABE

Born in 1947, he is the stage director and TV and radio writer for WAHAHA HOMPO. He established WAHAHA HOMPO in 1984, and has since been working on the script and stage direction for all their works. He has expanded his field of work to TV programs, as well as serving as stage director for concerts, stage MC, and other activities. He delivers laughter across Japan through his varied efforts, including group activities and solo live performances.

Official Website : http://wahahahompo.co.jp/
Related Program : SHITA COME Grand Prize 2010

KEIKO SOOTOME

Keiko SOOTOME was born in Yamaguchi in 1974 and raised in Yokohama. She majored in Cinema Studies at university while experimenting with 8mm film cameras at the filmmaking club. After graduation, she became a self-taught illustrator. Her illustrations using manual-arts materials have great impact and loosen up viewers with a mere glance. In 2000, she was in charge of illustrations for “Atarashii Tan-i”, a component of a BS Fuji TV program. Later, these illustrations were published into a book which became a bestseller and sold thirty-thousand copies. Since then, she has produced 1,000 works each year for TV, advertisements, magazines, books, and more. Her recent publications include “Keiko SOOTOME’s Let’s Kojiki” (Kodansha). Her broad-range of activities covers designing undershorts, acting on the stage, “Danshi ha Damatte Nasai yo!”, appearing in the film, Instant Numa (directed by Satoshi MIKI), commenting on films on TV, writing columns, teaching drawing at illustration clubs, and many others.

Official Website : http://www.keikosootome.com/
Related Program : SHITA COME Grand Prize 2010

SEIKO ITO >> Profile

YUTARO SAWADA A puppet animation creator. He is known for his works with witty dialogues between his characters, but is also occasionally creating works with more movement. Too consumed in his creative works, he has yet to find himself a “real” job. He won both the Grand Prize and the Audience Award of the SHITA COME Grand Prize 2009.

Official Website : http://robo-ninja-alien.jimdo.com/
Related Program : SHITA COME Grand Prize 2010
The 3rd Shitacome trailer avant-title

KIM YONG-HWA

Born in 1971. After graduating from the Department of Film Studies at Chung-ang University, he made his debut as a director with Oh! Brothers (2003). He drew public attention by taking home various film awards with Kanna’s Big Success! (2006). Take Off (2009) won the Best Director Award at the Daejong Film Festival.

Related Program :Special Screenings Opening Screening : TAKE OFF

JEFF LAU

He created Hong Kong style comedy films in the 1980s while supporting the films directed by Kar Wai Wong, such as the production of Chungking Express (1994). While continuing to produce films with Director Xing Chi Zong and Director Corey Yuen, he established Jettone Film with Lau. He is one of the top directors from China who continues to produce powerful works to the world.

Related Program :Special Screenings : THE FANTASTIC WATER BABES（出水芙蓉）

MICHAEL LEMBECK

Born in the US in 1948. He works as an actor, TV producer and director. The major works he directed include the TV series “FRIENDS,” the film The Santa Clause 2 (2002) and The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006).

Related Program :Special Screenings : TOOTH FAIRY

PATRYK VEGA

One of the top film directors and scriptwriters of Poland. He is highly regarded by both critics and film fans, and has won various prizes at film festivals both domestically and abroad. He is drawing even more attention now that CHIACHO became a great hit in Poland.

Related Program :Special Screenings : SUPERHEROES

SHINPEI HAYASHIYA Born in Tokyo in 1955. Became a pupil of the first Sanpei Hayashiya in 1974 and was promoted to a shinuchi (star performer) in 1990. He demonstrates extraordinary talent with his performances of both classic and new rakugo, as well as tokusatsu (special effects) rakugo. The major films he has directed include The Deep-Sea Monster vs the Battleship Yamato (2009).

Related Program :Special Screenings : RAKUGO STORY

SERGEI BODROV A film director, scriptwriter and producer from Russia. He has been winning numerous awards at international film festivals around the world since his director debut work, and thus has been recognized both domestically and globally. Mongol (2007), starring Tadanobu Asano, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Related Program :Special Screenings : YAKUZA'S DAUGHTER DOESN'T CRY!

GUKA OMAROVA Her director debut film SCHIZO was screened at film festivals around the world and won many awards, including the Best Actor Award at the Tokyo International Film Festival. She participated in director Bodrov’s Mongol as the second unit director.

Related Program :Special Screenings : YAKUZA'S DAUGHTER DOESN'T CRY!

RAJKUMAR HIRANI Involved in theater since he was a student, he later joined a film school and then became an editor, establishing his career in the film industry. Inspired by the works of Director Vidhu Vinod Chopra, he started shooting feature films. The first work he shot was filled with humor and became a great hit, winning the India National Award. His second work started a “Gandhi craze” in India.

Related Program :Special Screenings : 3 IDIOTS

KEI TANI Born in Tokyo in 1932. He simultaneously pursued a career as a trombone player and a comedy actor. He joined the Crazy Cats in 1956. He created the gag lines “Gachooon!”, “Birooon!” and more. A genius at blending humor, pathos and irony.

Official Website : http://www.watanabepro.co.jp/mypage/artist/tanikei.html
Related Program :The 3rd Comedy Award of Honor

ARUYO A unit from the old town established in December 2009, comprised of Kaori Tsuji, Takashi Ikeda (Lexi, 100s) and Seiya Nagatomo (Captain Straydum). They create fun acoustic and pop music with “Aruyo” as their keyword.

Official Website : http://blogaruyo.blogspot.com/
Related Program :Closing Event &Ceremony Crazy Cats Live Tribute Show

ASAKUSA JINTA >> Profile

Related Program :Closing Event &Ceremony Crazy Cats Live Tribute Show

HARUO CHIKADA A rock musician who has been a leading influence in hip-hop music in Japan since its early years. After making his debut as “Haruo Chikada & Haruofon,” he has been performing under several aliases. He continues to run at the forefront of the music world.

Related Program :Closing Event &Ceremony Crazy Cats Live Tribute Show

POCASKAJAN A mock music unit. Their music is backed by musical strong talent as all members were vocalists in different bands before they came together. They have a flexible style, performing before a wide range of audiences at various venues, from entertainment theaters to large-scale halls. They are known for the TV commercial song “Garigari-kun no Uta.”

Related Program :Closing Event &Ceremony Crazy Cats Live Tribute Show

SAKEROCK A strange instrumental group established in 2000, comprised of four members: Gen Hoshino (guitar), Hajime Tanaka (bass), Daichi Ito (drum) and Kenta Hamano (trombone). Their music includes various musical features appealing to different senses.

Official Website : http://sakerock.com/
Related Program :Closing Event &Ceremony Crazy Cats Live Tribute Show

SCHADARAPARR Since their debut in 1990, this rap group has been constantly creating fresh, innovative hip-hop music. With their 20th anniversary event “SCHADARA 2010” ending on a high note this year, they have many festivals and events lined up from this summer onward.

Official Website : http://www.schadaraparr.net/index2.html
Related Program :Closing Event &Ceremony Crazy Cats Live Tribute Show

KEIICHI SUZUKI The vocalist of the Moonriders. He has been influencing the global music world by providing different types of music for games and films as a solo artist. He won the Best Music Award at the 27th Japan Academy Awards and the Original Music Award at the 36th SITGES International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia for the film Zatoichi directed by Takeshi Kitano.

Official Website : http://www.keiichisuzuki.com/
Related Program :Closing Event &Ceremony Crazy Cats Live Tribute Show

KAN TAKAGI The vocalist of the Moonriders. He has been influencing the global music world by providing different types of music for games and films as a solo artist. He won the Best Music Award at the 27th Japan Academy Awards and the Original Music Award at the 36th SITGES International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia for the film Zatoichi directed by Takeshi Kitano.

Related Program :Closing Event &Ceremony Crazy Cats Live Tribute Show

TORU TAKEUCHI Debuted as the leader of THE CHECKERS in 1983. After disbanding his group, he produced artists such as Shinji Takeda, THE GOSPELLERS and CHEMISTRY, as well as produced the music for Collage of Our Lives, Train Man and more. As a huge fan of the Showa period popular songs, he is hosting “Bar Takeuchi,” a club event featuring popular songs.

Official Website : http://torumaster.exblog.jp/
Related Program :Closing Event &Ceremony Crazy Cats Live Tribute Show

TOSHIAKI SATO Born in Tokyo in 1963. As an entertainment film researcher, he has written numerous commentaries and critiques mainly on entertaining works, as well as organized film festivals. In addition, his talent also shines as a program writer, and a musical and music critic. He is also engaged in the planning and production of publications and DVDs on the Crazy Cats.

Official Website : http://toshiakis.at.webry.info/
Related Program :A Crazy Night with the Crazy Cats!

Seiko ITO >> Profile

FUMIO TAKADA

Born in Tokyo in 1948. As a TV and radio writer, he has under his belt many hit programs, including “Oretachi Hyuokinzoku” and “Beat Takeshi no All Night Nippon (All Night Nippon by Beat Takeshi).” He has also become apprenticed to the Japanese sit-down-comedy master, Danshi Tatekawa, and became a full-fledged master of sit-down-comedy in 1998, going by the name of “Toshiro Tatekawa.” He is also serving as the radio personality on the long-running show, “Fumio Takada’s Radio Beverly Hills.”

Related Website :http://www.1242.com/takada/
Related Program :Fumio Takada Presents: Tribute Screenings of Works by the Crazy Cats

MASAO KOMATSU

Born in Fukuoka in 1942. After working in sales, he worked as Hitoshi Ueki’s manager and made his debut in showbiz with “Shabondama Holiday.” He took people by storm as a comedian with his many original gag lines, such as “I’m sick of living like this!” and “Think about it looooong term,” his song “Shirakedori Ondo,” and his side-splitting comedy performance as “Komatsu no Oyabun,” among others. He has widened his field of work to include making appearances as a TV personality and actor.

Related Program :Fumio Takada Presents: Tribute Screenings of Works by the Crazy Cats

TOMOHIRO MACHIYAMA A film critic and the first editor in chief of Eiga Hiho (Yosensha). He moved to the US in 1997. His recent work includes serving as the MC for the TBS radio program “Kira Kira” (regular showings on Fridays) and the Tokyo MX TV program “Matsushima x Machiyama: Mikokai eiga wo miru TV,” as well as film selection, subtitle supervision, and more. His publications include “Eiga no Mikata ga Wakaru Hon,” and others.

Official Website : http://d.hatena.ne.jp/TomoMachi/
Related Program :Festival Eve Screening: Eiga Hiho Festival

SUIDO-BASHI HAKASE Born in Okayama in 1962, He became a pupil of Beat Takeshi in 1986. Is active as part of a comedy duo, “Asakusa Kid,” but is also aggressively pursing various careers, such as in acting and writing, as well as in politics and combat sports. His major publications include “Hakase no Ijo na Kenko,” “Kinniku Baka no Kabe” and “Hongyo,” among many others.

Official Website : http://www.office-kitano.co.jp/index.html
Related Program :Festival Eve Screening: Eiga Hiho Festival

MATTHEW VAUGHN Born in England in 1971. The producer of Snatch. and other films directed by Guy Ritchie. He debuted as a director in 2004 with Layer Cake, which was nominated in the First Feature Film category of the British Academy Film Awards. In 2007, he directed and wrote the script for Stardust. He is to direct X-Men: First Class.

Related Program :Festival Eve Screening: Eiga Hiho Festival, KICK-ASS

THE ROBIN SISTERS A twin duo that debuted in 1959. They rose to stardom in no time and performed on NHK’s “Kohaku Uta Gassen” (year-end live TV program) for seven consecutive years. They left showbiz for some time, but returned in 1983. In 2008, they won the Lifetime Achievement Award for the 50th Japan Record Award. They continue to fascinate many fans today.

Taito-ku Film Comission Program : THE ROBIN SISTERS ARE HERE, YEAH, YEAH, YEAH!

JUN MIURA He made his debut as a comic artist while still a student at Musashino Art University. He has since expanded his creative territory as a comic artist to include illustrator, novelist, musician, and other titles. Won the buzzword-of-the-year contest in 1997 by crafting a new term, “my boom.” In addition to his many publications, he has also produced a number of music and video works. His major works include “Iden & Tity” and “Shikisoku Generation.”

SEIKO ITO >> Profile

MONTY PYTHON A British six-man comedy unit. They dominated the entertainment scene with the TV series “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” on the BBC, which started in 1969, as well as with films and stage performances. They have been acclaimed not only in the UK but also around the world. Celebrating their 40th anniversary until October 4, 2010!

TAKASHI MATSUO Born in Hyogo in 1960. Made his debut as “Kitsch” in 1984, but changed his name to “Takashi Matsuo” in 1989. He has since expanded his creative territory to include TV, radio, essays, illustration, origami, etc. He also serves as a guest professor at the Kyoto University of Art and Design.

AKIO MIYAZAWA Born in Shizuoka in 1956, he is a scriptwriter, producer and novelist. Starting his career with stage works in the 1980s, he has been engaged in the activities of “U-enchi Saisei Jigyodan” since 1990. His major publications include “Reading Capitalism” and others. He won the Department of Critics Award for the 21st Ito Sei Prize for Literature in 2010.

YASUNARI SUDA As the representative of the SLOW COMEDY ADVERTISING INC., he is producing new contents and ads. His work involves creating low-budget online commercials and hosting events at venues such as Slow Comedy Factory in Shimokitazawa and SABANOYU Kyodo, as well as at outdoor spaces. His publications include Monty Python Zenshu (Monty Python’s Complete Works).

HISASHI INOUE A Japanese novelist and a playwright. His works have won numerous awards and he has been on a number of selection committees for literature awards, including the Naoki Prize. He has also taken part in social activities, serving as the Chairman of The Japan P.E.N. Club and calling on people as a member of the Article 9 Association. He passed away in April 2010. He is also a founder of the Old Town Taito International Comedy Film Festival (SHITA COME).

SHOICHI OZAWA After graduating from Waseda University, he received training at Haiyu-za Actors School and debuted on Haiyu-za’s stage. Since then, he has widely performed in modern plays, films, on TV and radio, and received numerous awards in each field. He has also devoted himself to research on Japanese folk entertainment. Also known as the author of more than 60 books, he is the current Chairman of the Nihon Shingeki Haiyu Kyokai (the Japan Association of New Theater Actors) and the Village Mayor of Meiji-mura.

MICHIO HAZAMA His repertoire for dubbed works includes the voices for Sylvester Stallone in the Rocky series, Steve Martin, Woody Allen, Robert De Niro, Harrison Ford, and others. One of the well-established leading voice actors, with over 6,000 works in dubbed films. He also has a career as a program personality and producer.

RYUSEI NAKAO A veteran voice actor with a wide ranging of career, including acting and singing. He is known for his works “Soreike! Anpanman” (Baikinman) and “Dragon ball Z” (Frieza). His repertoire includes many popular characters with a twist. In recent years, he has been part of the SEX AND THE CITY series (Steve).

KOICHI YAMADERA A top voice actor for both popularity and talent. His major works include the “Soreike! Anpanman” series (four characters including Cheese, the dog). In Disney films, he plays the voices of over ten characters, including Donald Duck. His repertoire for dubbed works includes the voices for Eddie Murphy, Jim Carey, and others. He is also the main MC for the variety show “Oha Sta.”

TOMOKAZU SEKI While good at playing a wide range of roles from serious to comical characters as a voice actor, he is also the host of the theatrical troupe, Herohero Q Company. He has been playing the voice of Suneo in “Doraemon” since 2005. His other major works include “Kidou Butoden G Gundam” (Domon Kasshu), “Nodame Cantabile” (Shinichi Chiaki), and others.

KENTA HAGIWARA Born in 1956. He sent many bands into the world as a judge of the legendary program “Miyake Yuji no Ikasu Band Tengoku” (TBS). He has also expanded his career as a music critic and producer. His main publications include the Rock Guitarist Legend (Ascii Shinsho), etc.

MANABU YUASA Born in Kanagawa in 1957. As a member of a unit called “Maboroshi no Meiban Kaiho Domei” which discovers songs that did not sell in the past, he has supervised/edited many CDs. While actively engaged in his music performances, he also serves as a TV personality and DJ on music programs. His publications include Onkai and Onzan among others.

MAKITA SPORTS He won the Tokyo Sports Film Award Grand Prize and the 1st Kitai Award at the Beat Takeshi Entertainment Awards with his stunning performance in Boys on the Run and Outrage. He is also a musician of great popularity, with his solo music performance tickets selling out, and is also a genius in combining sound and art.