Born in 1948 in Morioka City, Iwate. Dropped out of Chuo University's Faculty of Law in 1972, and joined Nikkatsu Studio as an assistant director on a contract basis. Later went freelance, and worked as an assistant director to filmmakers such as HASEGAWA Kazuhiko and TERAYAMA Shuji. Made his directorial debut with "Tonda Couple" in 1980. His second effort "Sailor Suit and Machine Gun" (81) was a huge hit and one of the year's leading Japanese films. These two works were both commercial films starring YAKUSHIMARU Hiroko, but his unique style characterized by bold camerawork with heavy use of long takes and exacting direction of his actors caused a sensation among cinephiles. Participated in the establishment of Directors Company in 1982 at the request of HASEGAWA Kazuhiko. Subsequently directed such celebrated films such as "The Catch" (83), "P.P. Rider" (85) and "Yuki no Dansho ? Jonetsu" (85). His sole Nikkatsu Roman Porno softcore erotic film "Love Hotel" (85) was also greeted with high acclaim. That same year, his "Typhoon Club" won the Young Cinema Grand Prize at the first Tokyo International Film Festival, and was lauded by juror Bernardo BERTOLUCCI. It was also released in other countries including France and the United States, generating overseas recognition of SOMAI's talents. In 1993, his "Moving" was screened in the Cannes Film Festival's Un Certain Regard section. "Wait and See" (1998) was selected for the Panorama section of the Berlin International Film Festival, and won the FIPRESCI Award. It was also ranked first in Kinema Junpo magazine's best ten list for that year. In 2001, his "Kaza Hana" was screened in the Berlin International Film Festival's Forum section. Later that year he began preparations for his next film, but died suddenly of lung cancer on September 9th at the age of 53. SOMAI's 13 works continue to provide inspiration to many filmmakers.
11/25『東京上空いらっしゃいませ』トークイベント／ 笑福亭 鶴瓶
from ブロードキャスト 2011/11/26
