Takeshi Kitano

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).

Takeshi Kitano is known for work in directing across film and television. New Release currently presents 28 verified screen credits connected to this profile.

Selected work includes Kubi (2023), Citizen Kitano (2020), Outrage Coda (2017), Ghost in the Shell (2017), Doctor X: Gekai Daimon Michiko Special (2016), Beyond Outrage (2012), Outrage (2010), Blood and Bones (2004). The recorded credits span 1981 to 2023, including 24 movies and 4 TV shows.

The filmography below lists available titles, release years and known roles. This profile is updated as additional verified information becomes available.