Beat Takeshi

Takeshi Kitano (1947) is a Japanese comedian, television presenter, actor, filmmaker, painter and author.

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, actor and TV host. Except for his works as a film director, he is known almost exclusively by the stage name Beat Takeshi.

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).

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).

'I paint for the sheer joy of painting. I have never sold any of my paintings.
I'd rather give them to people for free'

Many of Kitano's films are dramas about yakuza gangsters or the police. Described by critics as using an acting style that is highly deadpan or a camera style that approaches near-stasis, Kitano often uses long takes during which little appears to be happening or editing that cuts immediately to the aftermath of an event. Many of his films express a bleak worldview but are also filled with humor and affection for their characters.