Happy birthday! Takeshi Kitano turns 79 today

Takeshi Kitano is celebrating his 79th birthday today. As a number of online tributes attest, he is one of the most acclaimed directors of his generation.

Popular director-actor-comedian Takeshi Kitano (Sonatine, ...) has always liked to keep a bit of himself hidden from view. At 79th birthday, he remains a man of many facets.

Kitano, a cultural icon

Born Kitano Takeshi in Tokyo on January 18, 1947, his career spans an arc over many different eras and tastes in Japanese history. Kitano's not just a great director, he's an inspiration, an icon and a successful business man. At this point in his career, there seems to be little Takeshi hasn't done.

And we've got a feeling the next 12 months are going to be even bigger and better for Takeshi Kitano as he promises more to come. After all, he's only 79.

Happy Birthday, Takeshi, you're the best!

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