Today we’d like to introduce you to Yusaku Mizoguchi.
Hi Yusaku, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always felt destined to become a film director. My journey with cinema started before I was even born. When my mother was pregnant with me, she went to see The Godfather at a theater in Tokyo. She told me that during the screening, I started kicking inside her womb, apparently excited by the film. (True story.)
I grew up in Tokyo, where I went through kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school while watching an endless number of movies (Hollywood blockbusters, American New Wave, French New Wave, Japanese classics, samurai epics, Spaghetti Westerns, and everything in between). I immersed myself in every filmmaking opportunity I could find: joining film clubs, acting in school plays, recreating action scenes from Jackie Chan movies, and pursuing anything that brought me closer to directing films.. Before I even realized it, I had already set my sights on becoming a film director.
Around the same time, I was also training in martial arts (Karate, Judo, Kendo, Muay Thai, Kung fu, Jeet Kune Do, Fight Choreography, Samurai Sword Fighting) and competing in US and Japan tournaments. It was a big part of my life growing up: discipline, focus, and pushing past limits, all of which would later influence how I approach filmmaking.
My love for cinema (especially the American New Wave) led me to study abroad in the U.S., where I pursued film directing at both New York University and Columbia College Chicago. After earning my B.A. in Film Directing from Columbia, I moved to Los Angeles and began working my way through the industry at major studios like Warner Bros., Disney/ABC, and various production companies.
To become a great director, I knew I needed to understand every aspect of filmmaking. So during my time at these studios, I made it a point to learn everything I could (besides directing), producing, writing, acting, fight-choreography, cinematography, editing, sound design, and even visual effects. Each skill helped sharpen my perspective as a director and gave me a deeper respect for the craft and the collaborative nature of filmmaking.
During this period, I directed dozens of short films that were screened at international film festivals. The growing recognition from the festival circuit helped open doors, ultimately leading to the opportunity to direct my first feature film, Mafiosa, which went on to win several prestigious awards, including the Best Action Film Award at the Hollywood Reel Film Festival and the Best Drama Film at the Los Angeles World International Film Festival. Mafiosa also received numerous nominations from various festivals.
I’m currently completing my second feature film, Sae, which will have its world premiere this year. Filmed in Los Angeles, Sae follows the story of a young Japanese art student and a first-generation immigrant in the U.S. as she navigates the complexities of cultural identity and personal growth. Her journey is one of self-discovery as she finds her voice and confronts the challenges of gender roles, racial dynamics, and class divides in contemporary America.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to becoming a film director hasn’t always been smooth. Growing up in Japan and making a living in the US has been far from easy. Aside from that, like many film directors, I’ve faced specific challenges along the way. Whether it was navigating the production hurdles of securing funding, figuring out how to sustain a career as a film director, or finding the right collaborators who truly understand my vision, each obstacle has strengthened my determination. The process of bringing my feature films to life, from pre-production to final delivery, has tested my ability to adapt and make tough decisions.
Every challenge has deepened my commitment to growth, sharpened my creative instincts, and strengthened my ability to lead with clarity and purpose, all in service of becoming a more confident, compelling, and impactful director.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a film director focused on emotionally grounded, visually driven narratives. I specialize in character-driven storytelling that emphasizes emotional impact and cinematic scale. I’m drawn to characters who hold onto their convictions, even when society tries to push them in another direction, because there’s something deeply human about that resistance, the courage to stay true to yourself despite external pressure or societal expectations.
My approach to storytelling builds intensity through layered performances, bold visual language, and meaningful stakes. I focus on creating powerful moments that stay with audiences, not just through spectacle but through the emotional depth of the characters’ journeys. With a strong eye for composition and mood, I aim to create a world that lingers long after the final frame. My commitment to craft, vision, and authenticity ensures that my films resonate with audiences around the world.
At this point in my career, I approach each film with a tailored directorial style that aligns with its unique vision. Like Stanley Kubrick, I prioritize intuition and the creative energy of the moment, allowing that to guide my process. My focus remains on crafting films that push boundaries and resonate deeply, with my best work always being the film I’m making now.
Building on the intense thriller of Mafiosa and the character-driven drama of Sae, my current focus is on directing large-scale, blockbuster films with studios or production companies. I’m eager to explore stories that blend gripping spectacle with deeply human drama, creating a cinematic experience that engages a global audience and challenges the boundaries of both genre and emotion.
What sets me apart is my encyclopedic knowledge of world films and how everything I do enhances my directing skills. My training in martial arts, creating artwork, hitting a speed bag, fishing, gardening, cooking, and riding a Onewheel all contribute to sharpening my focus, discipline, and attention to detail when directing films. I don’t see filmmaking as simply telling a story; I see it as orchestrating every detail, every emotion, and every moment of silence to create something that feels both authentic and alive for the audience, all rooted in rich life experiences.
I am currently developing several films in partnership with leading production companies. At the same time, I’m actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with producers, sponsors, writers, and creative partners who are committed to creating cinematic experiences with lasting impact. While the film industry (Especially in LA) faces significant challenges, it still holds immense untapped potential. Together, we can harness that potential to transform and elevate the future of filmmaking.
If you’re interested in collaborating or supporting my work, feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] or connect with me on Instagram @yusaku_director.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1228324
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yusaku_director
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yusaku.mizoguchi
- Twitter: https://x.com/yusaku_director
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@yusaku_director
- Other: https://saethefilm.com
