
Directing
Born July 16, 1941 · Gifu, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
Born in Gifu Prefecture, Koyama attended Nihon University but quit midway to join the independent production company Kindai Eiga Kyokai, where he worked as an assistant director under such directors as Kaneto Shindō, Kozaburo Yoshimura, and Tadashi Imai. He made his directorial debut in 1971 with thechildren's film Koi no iru mura. His second film, Futatsu no hāmonika (1976), earned him a New Directors Citation from the Directors Guild of Japan. His 1983 film Hometown was entered into the 13th Moscow International Film Festival. His 1987 film, Hachiko Monogatari, about the faithful dog Hachiko, was the top Japanese film at the box office that year. He is known for his humanistic perspective.

Shinpei: Uta Koso Subete
2024

Until the Day Comes
2014

The Last Game: Waseda vs. Keio
2008

Kusa no ran
2004

A Single Drop of Water in a Mighty River
2001
Riot in Gujo
2000

The Life and Love of Kenji Miyazawa
1996

Maya no Isshou
1996

Mitabi no kaikyô
1995

Himeyuri no To
1995

Sakura
1994

Summer of the Moonlight Sonata
1993

Faraway Sunset
1992

The Pale Hand
1990

Don't Mind
1990

Isewan Taifuu Monogatari
1989

Thousand Cranes
1989

Hachiko
1987
Song of the Spring Pony
1985

Hometown
1983

Fifth Movement
1981
Nurse's Husband
1980

Tomorrow Evening
1977

Two Harmonicas
1976
The Clock was Alive
1973