On December 21st, it was revealed that movie director Morita Yoshimitsu passed away due to liver failure on the night of the 20th. He was 61 years old.

Morita made his debut in the cinema scene back in 1981 with “No.Younamono”. He then went on to direct other films like “Kazoku Game” (1983), “Sore Kara” (1985), “Haru” (1996), “Shitsurakuen” (1997), and “Asura no Gotoku” (2003). His more recent works include “Mamiya Kyodai” (2006), “Tsubaki Sanjuro” (2007), and “Bushi no Kakeibo” (2010).

Morita had also been serving as the director and screenwriter for Matsuyama Kenichi and Eita’s upcoming double starring film, “Bokutachi Kyuko A-Ressha de Ikou”, which focuses on two men: a laid-back man who works at a large corporation, and a man who’s set to inherit an iron factory in the lower part of town. The comedy focuses on the friendship between the two, utilizing their mutual love for railroads as they struggle with their love life and work life.

Rest in peace, Morita Yoshimitsu.

Source & Images: Oricon