Shunji Iwai

Shunji Iwai started his career by directing music videos and music-oriented cable television programs in 1987. Throughout the following years, he consistently wrote and directed numerous television dramas, music videos, and movies for TV such as GHOST SOUP and LUNATIC LOVE. SHOULD WE SEE IT FROM THE SIDE OR THE BOTTOM? was awarded the Best Newcomer by the Japanese Director’s Association in 1993. Iwai then started directing films. His main works are UNDO, PICNIC, LOVE LETTER, SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY (which generated a cult following overseas) and APRIL STORY. In 2000, LOVE LETTER and APRIL STORY were theatrically released in Korea after the removal of a ban on Japanese movies, and became long running hits.