theater director
Born in 1995 in Nagasaki Prefecture. Playwright, theater director and actor. Professor at Tama Art University. Formed the theater company "Yume no Yuminsha" while a student at Tokyo University and wrote many acclaimed plays. In 1992, disbanded the theater company and went to London to study theater. Returning to Japan, set up theatre production company "Noda Map" in 1993 which performed a series of hits including "Kill", "Pandora no kane (Pandora's Bell)", "Oil", "The Bee", "Piper", "The Character", "South" and "Egg." Collaborated with the late kabuki actor Nakamura Kanzaburo, adapting and directing kabuki plays such as "Nezumikozo," "Tragedy of Togitatsu" and "Aida Hime". Works tirelessly in Japan and abroad, and has been actively involved in international productions. Appointed an Honorary Officer of the British Empire (OBE) in October 2009. Awarded the Asahi Prize in 2009. Received the Medal with Purple Ribbon in June 2011.