
Takeshi Kitano (北野 武, Kitano Takeshi, born January 18, 1947), also known in Japan as Beat Takeshi (ビートたけし, Bīto Takeshi), is a Japanese comedian, actor, and filmmaker. While he is known primarily as a comedian and TV host in his native Japan, he is better known abroad for his work as a filmmaker and actor as well as TV host. Kitano rose to prominence in the 1970s as one half of the comedy duo Two Beat, before going solo and becoming one of the three biggest comedians in the country. After several small acting roles, he made his directorial debut with 1989's Violent Cop and garnered international acclaim for Sonatine (1993). He was not widely accepted as an accomplished director in Japan until Hana-bi won the Golden Lion in 1997. In October 2017, Kitano completed his Outrage crime trilogy with the release of Outrage Coda. He is also known internationally for hosting the game show Takeshi's Castle (1986–1990) and starring in the film Battle Royale (2000).

Golden Horse Awards
TV • 1962

MXC
TV • 2003

Zatoichi
MOVIE • 2003

Idaten: Tokyo Olympics Story
TV • 2019

Musashi
TV • 2003

Ghost in the Shell
MOVIE • 2017

Battle Royale
MOVIE • 2000

Takeshi's Castle
TV • 2002

Today's Close-Up
TV • 1993

Outrage
MOVIE • 2010

Fireworks
MOVIE • 1997

Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence
MOVIE • 1983

Johnny Mnemonic
MOVIE • 1995

Violent Cop
MOVIE • 1989

Kikujiro
MOVIE • 1999

Doctor X: Gekai Daimon Michiko Special
MOVIE • 2016

Glory to the Filmmaker!
MOVIE • 2007

Dearest
MOVIE • 2012