Yoshimitsu Morita, a self-taught Japanese film director, embarked on his cinematic journey by creating short films on 8 mm film during the 1970s. He eventually made his feature film debut with No Yōna Mono, also known as Something Like It, in 1981.
In 1983, Morita's film Kazoku Gēmu, or The Family Game, garnered widespread acclaim from Japanese critics, earning the top spot in the Kinema Junpo magazine poll as the best film of the year. This groundbreaking black comedy skillfully tackled the then-recent transformations in Japanese home life, shedding light on the evolving structure of family dynamics. The film's critical acclaim led to Morita receiving the prestigious Directors Guild of Japan New Directors Award.
Throughout his illustrious career, Morita continued to impress audiences and critics alike. He went on to win the award for best director at the 21st Yokohama Film Festival for his 2003 film 39 keihō dai sanjūkyū jō, aptly titled Keiho. Additionally, his screenplay for Haru, which premiered at the 18th Yokohama Film Festival, earned him the award for best screenplay, further solidifying his reputation as a masterful storyteller.
