A Japanese film director and screenwriter, he gained recognition for his work in the tokusatsu and kaiju genres. Starting his career in the 1980s, he directed several successful films, including entries in the "Gamera" trilogy, which revitalized the franchise with a darker, more mature tone. His adept storytelling and innovative special effects earned him a dedicated fan base. He also directed "Death Note" and its sequel, expanding his influence into live-action adaptations of popular manga.