Kazuo Ikehiro
- Known for
- Directing
- Born
- October 25, 1929
- Died
- October 15, 2025
- Birthplace
- Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Kazuo Ikehiro got his start as an assistant working for directors like Kenji Mizoguchi and Kon Ichikawa. He always had a strong preference for working in jidai-geki and says that he only did a number of modern-day yakuza films because of studio demands. Ikehiro developed a gritty, unconventional style that made him an excellent match for Zatoichi and the antihero screen personae of Raizo Ichikawa. Possibly his greatest achievement came with Raizo, when he played an instrumental part in the Nemuri Kyoshiro series. The first three movies had been fairly straightforward chambara adventures, but with 1964's Sword of Seduction, Ikehiro steered the series into the surreal and stylistically outrageous extremes that made the Son of the Black Mass so legendary.
Filmography
Tulips in October 2022
Director
Seiichi Morimura Mystery Special Shuchuchueki Series 37 No Retirement Age 2021
Director
Koya no Shomei 2019
Director
- Detective Ushio vs. Case Writer Saeko: Last Family
Detective Ushio vs. Case Writer Saeko: Last Family 2017
Director
Murder Credit - Final Destination Series 2016
Director
- Detective Ushio vs. Case Writer Saeko: Survivors
Detective Ushio vs. Case Writer Saeko: Survivors 2016
Director
Terminal Station Series - Umbrella of Goodwill 2015
Director
- Detective Ushio VS Case Reporter Saeko at the Terminal Station
Detective Ushio VS Case Reporter Saeko at the Terminal Station 2008
Director
- Destination Station Series - Homicide Assignment
Destination Station Series - Homicide Assignment 2001
Director
Castle of Sand 1991
Director
The Mysterious Lightning Beauty 1990
Director
The Beauty with the Enchanting Melody 1986
Director
Make-Up 1984
Director
- Satsujin Kou Oku no Hosomichi
Satsujin Kou Oku no Hosomichi 1983
Director
Goyou Sen Enjou 1982
Director
Lowly Ronin 1981
Director
Slaughter in the Snow 1973
Director, Writer
The Fearless Avenger 1972
Director, Screenplay
The Trail of Blood 1972
Director
Kataashi no ēsu 1971
Director
Useless Creature: Fighting Man's Life 1970
Director
- Live My Share, Mother
Live My Share, Mother 1970
Director
Naked Ambition 1970
Director
Sleepy Eyes of Death 14: Fylfot Swordplay 1969
Director
Prison Break 1969
Director
Broken Swords 1969
Director
Sleepy Eyes of Death 12: Castle Menagerie 1969
Director
Hoodlum Priest And The Gold Mint 1968
Director
The Daring Nun 1968
Director
Lone Wolf Isazo 1968
Director
Young Boss: Leader's Flesh 1967
Director
Escape Man 1967
Director
Sleepy Eyes of Death 9: Trail of Traps 1967
Director
Shinobi no mono 8: The Three Enemies 1966
Director
Zatoichi's Pilgrimage 1966
Director
Wild Geese 1966
Director
The Thieves' Who's Who 1966
Director
Young Boss: Invitation to Fight 1966
Director
Young Boss: Prison Release 1965
Director
Young Boss 1965
Director
Shinobi No Mono 5: Return of Mist Saizo 1964
Director
Sleepy Eyes of Death 4: Sword of Seduction 1964
Director
Zatoichi's Flashing Sword 1964
Director
Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold 1964
Director
A Life of Bad Temper 1963
Director
Rabble Tactics 1963
Director
Cut the Shadow 1963
Director
Hell's Assassin 1962
Director
Seven Miles to Nakayama 1962
Director
Flowers of Chivalry 1961
Director
The Phantom Samurai 1961
Director
Kodachi o tsukau onna 1961
Director
The Gambler's Code 1961
Director
Tenka ayatsuri-gumi 1961
Director
Bara daimyo 1960
Director
Bonchi 1960
Assistant Director
Bakeneko Goyōda 1958
Assistant Director
- Case Files of Zenigata Heiji: The Human-Skin Spider
Case Files of Zenigata Heiji: The Human-Skin Spider 1956
Assistant Director
Credits from TMDB.