Isao Matsuoka (Japan)

Nomination Detail

Winner, FIAPF Award, Outstanding Achievement in Film, 2009

Born in 1934, Isao Matsuoka joined Toho Company in 1957 following his graduation from Konan University. He became a studio executive in 1970, Vice President in 1974, and President in 1977. He was appointed Chairperson of the studios in 1995, a position he held until his retirement in May 2009. He was then appointed as Honorary Chairperson of Toho in 2009.

Matsuoka is credited with establishing Toho as the undisputed leader in film production, distribution, exhibition and live theatre production in Japan today.

Established in 1932, Toho is known worldwide for the success of the Godzilla monster films which have won fans across the globe. Other notable films include Nihon Chinbotsu (1973) a film based on a bestselling novel that triggered a great leap for Toho’s film division; Akira Kurosawa’s epic samurai war film, Kagemusha, which won the Palme d’Or at the 1980 Cannes Film Festival; and World War II drama, Rengo Kantai (1981).

In the 1970s, Matsuoka revolutionised the company with innovative ideas and bold reforms at a time when Toho in particular was feeling the impact of the Japanese industry in crisis. He restructured the organisation by creating the film programming department and consolidated it with the marketing, distribution and exhibition departments to assist in streamlining the film business and maximising the company’s revenue.

These actions quickly rejuvenated the organisation and, in 1978, made Toho the highest grossing distributor in terms of annual box office for both domestic and international films. Over the next 30 years, Toho was ranked 22 times as the highest annual grossing distributor. Eight of the top ten domestic films of 2008 were distributed by Toho.

In addition to his many film industry board appointments, Mr. Matsuoka has also served as a director on the boards of six publicly-traded companies in various fields such as television broadcasting, hotels and railroads.