Shinji Kuma

Shinji Kuma (Japanese: 久万真路) is a Japanese film and television director and screenwriter known for his work across various television series and feature films.

Career in Directing

Shinji Kuma has directed numerous television drama series and feature films spanning different genres. His notable feature film directing credits include Shiratori Reiko de Gozaimasu! The Movie (2016), Psychic Agents (2018), and According To Our Butler (2019), which is adapted from the novel series.

In television, Kuma has directed series such as Wakako Zake (2015), Hibana: Spark (2016, co-produced by Netflix and NHK), Fringe Man (2017), Dive!! (2021), Hard-boiled & Love (2022), Stand Up Start (2023), Time Traveler's Disease (2024), Tokyo Tower (2024), and Zenbu, Anata no Tame Dakara (2026).

Assistant Directing Experience

Before establishing his career as a principal director, Kuma worked as an assistant director on several notable Japanese films. His credits in this role include Villain (2010), Dreams for Sale (2012), Yellow Elephant (2013), Unforgiven (2013), Maestro! (2015), and Strobe Edge (2015).

Screenwriting

In addition to directing, Kuma has contributed as a screenwriter for select projects, including the film The Code (2009), Wakako Zake (2015), and Shiratori Reiko de Gozaimasu! The Movie (2016).