Hajime Ishimine

Directing

Born: November 24, 1967

Birthplace: Osaka, Japan

Hajime Ishimine (伊志嶺 一, also known as ANIKI) born in November 24, 1967, is a Japanese film director, screenwriter and editor, he made his directorial film debut with "Frog River" (2002), starring Ryo Kase in the lead role. In 2005, alongside directors Katsuhito Ishii and Shunichiro Miki, he co-directed "Funky Forest: The First Contact", an anthology comedy film that blends sketch-like segments, bizarre humor, and experimental elements that made it earn it's cult classic status, having an Bluray re-release in 2023 by Third Window Films. He directed, co-written and edited the film "Custom Made 10.30" (2005), an musical comedy which incorporates a concert collaboration with musician Tamio Okuda, and singer Kaela Kimura in the lead role. He is making his return as a film director after more than 20 years in "Funky Forest: The Second Contact" To be released in 2027.