Kajirō Yamamoto (山本 嘉次郎,Yamamoto Kajirō; 15 March 1902 – 21 September 1974) was a Japanese film director, screenwriter, and actor who was known for hiswar films andcomedies and as the mentor of the Three Crows. The combined list of his efforts as a director for documentaries, silent, and sound films includes over 90 film titles during his lifetime.
Born inTokyo, Yamamoto attendedKeio University, where he helped form a film appreciation society.[1] He first appeared in film in 1921 as an actor oppositeYoshiko Okada, but that only earned the wrath of his family, who disowned him.[1]
He is also responsible for the career ofToshiro Mifune. In 1947, one of Mifune's friends who worked for the Photography Department of Toho Productions suggested Mifune try out for the Photography Department. He was accepted for a position as an assistant cameraman. At this time, a large number of Toho actors, after aprolonged strike, had formed a separate company,Shintoho. Toho then organized a "new faces" contest to find new talent. Mifune's friends submitted an application and photo, without his knowledge. He was accepted, along with 48 others (out of roughly 4000 applicants), and allowed to take a screen test for Kajiro Yamamoto. Instructed to mime anger, he drew from his wartime experiences. Yamamoto took a liking to Mifune, recommending him to directorSenkichi Taniguchi.[4]
