Yōichi Sai - Actor Profile

Yōichi Sai

Directing
Freshness: Jan 21, 2026
6Total Films
7.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jul 6, 1949
Birth Place: Nagano, Japan

About Yōichi Sai

Yōichi Sai (born 6 July 1949 in Nagano Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese film director. His mother is Japanese, His father is zainichi Korean. His 2004 film Chi to hone won four Japanese Academy Awards, including two for Sai himself, for Best Director and Best Screenplay. He had previously received two nominations in the same categories for Tsuki wa dotchi ni dete iru. In 1999 he shot Buta no mukui (The Pig's Retribution), a film set in the lavish natural scenery of Okinawa, inspired by the 1996 Akutagawa Prize-winning eponymous novel by Eiki Matayoshi. The film won the Don Quixote prize at Locarno International Film Festival in 1999. He won the award for Best Screenplay at the 11th Yokohama Film Festival for A Sign Days. As an actor, he appeared in Nagisa Oshima's 1999 film Taboo. He is the current president of the Directors Guild of Japan.   

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Yōichi Sai reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 6 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Yōichi Sai's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 50% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Yōichi Sai remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Stairway to the Distant Past, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Yōichi Sai Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Yōichi Sai's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Yōichi Sai.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2006 Route 225 - Average Similar →
2003 In the Realm of the Senses: Recalling the Film Interviewee Flop Similar →
1999 Taboo Isami Kondo Hit Similar →
1995 The Stairway to the Distant Past Chief of Police Hit Similar →
1994 N45゜ Bearded man Flop Similar →
1993 All Under the Moon Section Chief Hit Similar →

Yōichi Sai - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Yōichi Sai?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Yōichi Sai is "The Stairway to the Distant Past" with a rating of 7.0/10.

How many movies has Yōichi Sai acted in?

Yōichi Sai has been featured in at least 6 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Yōichi Sai?

Other notable films include "Taboo", "All Under the Moon", and "Route 225".