Kana Tomoko is a Japanese film director and screenwriter. Born in Tokyo in 1977, Tomoko began her career as a freelance editor for television commercials and music videos. After graduating from the Tokyo University of the Arts, she made her feature film debut with the 2000 drama, "World Apartment Horror." She went on to direct the award-winning 2006 drama "The Mourning Forest," which earned her a Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival.
Tomoko is best known for her 2013 drama "Like Father, Like Son," which earned her a nomination for Best Foreign Film at the Academy Awards. The film tells the story of two families whose children were accidentally switched at birth. Tomoko's intimate and nuanced direction of this emotionally charged story was widely praised, earning her Best Director awards at the Tokyo International Film Festival and the Asian Pacific Film Festival.
Tomoko's other works include the sci-fi drama "Big Fish & Begonia" (2016), the romantic comedy "Kiseki" (2018), and the anthology drama "Ayako" (2019). Her films often explore themes of identity, family, and the connection between the past and present. In 2019, Tomoko also directed the live-action remake of the popular anime series "Your Name," which became one of the highest-grossing films of all time in Japan.
Tomoko is an acclaimed director whose work has earned her numerous awards and accolades. Her films explore themes of identity and family, with a unique sense of empathy and insight. Her dedication to her craft and her willingness to explore new genres continues to make her one of the most exciting and innovative filmmakers in Japan.
