Koki Mitani

Writing

Koki Mitani

Born July 8, 1961 · Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan (age 65)

Kōki Mitani (三谷 幸喜, Mitani Kōki; born July 8, 1961) is a Japanese playwright, screenwriter, actor and film director. He studied dramatics at Nihon University. He has been described by The Japan Times as "far and away the nation's best-known dramatist". In 2023, Mitani was the recipient of the 15th annual Juzo Itami Award.

Known For

The Magic HourThe Magic Hour · 2008
The Magic Hour
7.52008
MovieComedy
A hustler who gets in trouble with a gang boss in the port town of Sukago agrees to make good with the don by putting him in contact with a mysterious hitman — an assassin the hustler has no idea how to contact. Instead, he hires an actor to play the role, though the thespian has no idea what he's getting into.
三谷幸喜「short cut」三谷幸喜「short cut」 · 2011
三谷幸喜「short cut」
6.02011
MovieTV MovieComedy
After 10 years of marriage, a couple finds itself walking on a small path in the mountains. Allowing them to discover one another.
VAMP SHOWVAMP SHOW · 2022
VAMP SHOW
2022
Movie
Welcome Back, Mr. McDonaldWelcome Back, Mr. McDonald · 1997
Welcome Back, Mr. McDonald
7.71997
MovieComedy
A love story written by an ordinary housewife is going to be broadcast as a radio drama and almost everyone among the crew insists on changing various parts of the play to their liking.
Murder of the Inugami ClanMurder of the Inugami Clan · 2006
Murder of the Inugami Clan
6.92006
MovieMysteryThriller
Inugami Sahei, who built up the wealth of the Inugami Clan, passes away, leaving a will with Furudate, his legal adviser, for his daughters Matsuko, Takeko and Umeko, all of whom have different mothers, and for their sons, as well as for Nonomiya Tamayo, the granddaughter of a person to whom Sahei feels heavily indebted. The will states that all his assets are inherited by Tamayo alone, on the condition that she marries one of the sons of the daughters. Furudate's assistant learns the content of the will, and seeks advice from Kindaichi Kosuke, a private detective, as he senses the air of unease. Shortly afterwards, murders start to occur one after another in the clan.
A Ghost of a ChanceA Ghost of a Chance · 2011
A Ghost of a Chance
7.32011
MovieMysteryComedy
Defence lawyer Emi is assigned to a particularly unusual case: a man is suspected of murdering his wealthy wife, and his only alibi is a 421-year old ghost, Rokubei. At first Emi is hesitant, but when she pursues her lead she is visited by the ghost herself. And so the fun begins in the courtroom when Prosecutor Osano starts to cross examine.
The Show Must Go OnThe Show Must Go On · 1994
The Show Must Go On
1994
MovieComedy
Recorded on 15th April 1994 at Kinokuniya Hall, Tokyo. This play is what brought media fame to Koki Mitani back in 1991, performed by his theatre group Tokyo Sunshine Boys. It was adapted into a television special in 1992 and then in 1994 (the run the released DVD recording captures) they did another run. It was broadcast on NHK-BS2 on 26th May 1994, identical to the TV release but with differences in music. It is Mitani's typical farcical comedy where the characters follow only one rule: 'No matter what happens. Once that curtain rises. It must not be lowered until we finish our performance.' Koki Mitani said of the play 'They are outrageous people, but deep down, there is a firm principle running through their veins: "Once the curtain rises, no matter what happens, there is an ironclad rule." For stage performers, the phrase "the show must go on" essentially means you can't take the show off.'
いのこりぐみいのこりぐみ · 2026
いのこりぐみ
2026
Movie

Movies

The Magic HourThe Magic Hour · 2008
The Magic Hour
7.52008
MovieComedy
A hustler who gets in trouble with a gang boss in the port town of Sukago agrees to make good with the don by putting him in contact with a mysterious hitman — an assassin the hustler has no idea how to contact. Instead, he hires an actor to play the role, though the thespian has no idea what he's getting into.
三谷幸喜「short cut」三谷幸喜「short cut」 · 2011
三谷幸喜「short cut」
6.02011
MovieTV MovieComedy
After 10 years of marriage, a couple finds itself walking on a small path in the mountains. Allowing them to discover one another.
VAMP SHOWVAMP SHOW · 2022
VAMP SHOW
2022
Movie
Welcome Back, Mr. McDonaldWelcome Back, Mr. McDonald · 1997
Welcome Back, Mr. McDonald
7.71997
MovieComedy
A love story written by an ordinary housewife is going to be broadcast as a radio drama and almost everyone among the crew insists on changing various parts of the play to their liking.
Murder of the Inugami ClanMurder of the Inugami Clan · 2006
Murder of the Inugami Clan
6.92006
MovieMysteryThriller
Inugami Sahei, who built up the wealth of the Inugami Clan, passes away, leaving a will with Furudate, his legal adviser, for his daughters Matsuko, Takeko and Umeko, all of whom have different mothers, and for their sons, as well as for Nonomiya Tamayo, the granddaughter of a person to whom Sahei feels heavily indebted. The will states that all his assets are inherited by Tamayo alone, on the condition that she marries one of the sons of the daughters. Furudate's assistant learns the content of the will, and seeks advice from Kindaichi Kosuke, a private detective, as he senses the air of unease. Shortly afterwards, murders start to occur one after another in the clan.
A Ghost of a ChanceA Ghost of a Chance · 2011
A Ghost of a Chance
7.32011
MovieMysteryComedy
Defence lawyer Emi is assigned to a particularly unusual case: a man is suspected of murdering his wealthy wife, and his only alibi is a 421-year old ghost, Rokubei. At first Emi is hesitant, but when she pursues her lead she is visited by the ghost herself. And so the fun begins in the courtroom when Prosecutor Osano starts to cross examine.
The Show Must Go OnThe Show Must Go On · 1994
The Show Must Go On
1994
MovieComedy
Recorded on 15th April 1994 at Kinokuniya Hall, Tokyo. This play is what brought media fame to Koki Mitani back in 1991, performed by his theatre group Tokyo Sunshine Boys. It was adapted into a television special in 1992 and then in 1994 (the run the released DVD recording captures) they did another run. It was broadcast on NHK-BS2 on 26th May 1994, identical to the TV release but with differences in music. It is Mitani's typical farcical comedy where the characters follow only one rule: 'No matter what happens. Once that curtain rises. It must not be lowered until we finish our performance.' Koki Mitani said of the play 'They are outrageous people, but deep down, there is a firm principle running through their veins: "Once the curtain rises, no matter what happens, there is an ironclad rule." For stage performers, the phrase "the show must go on" essentially means you can't take the show off.'
いのこりぐみいのこりぐみ · 2026
いのこりぐみ
2026
Movie
Vamp ShowVamp Show · 2001
Vamp Show
2001
Movie
Five merry men who travel and live all over the country. They all love to sing and for some reason they are all nocturnal. Their hobbies are raiding and blood donor cars. What they don't like is crosses, and what they love is - choo-choo-choo!!! ?
Round About MidnightRound About Midnight · 1999
Round About Midnight
7.01999
MovieCrimeThriller
While on a cigarette break in between sets, Koji, a jazz musician, witnesses a murder and runs into a girl, Linda, who is being pursued by the killers. Mistakenly identified as prime suspects, they have to solve the crime but time is running out: Koji has to be back to perform in his club by midnight, as a very special guest will be attending.
Promise of DeathPromise of Death · 2021
Promise of Death
7.32021
MovieCrimeMystery
Detective Suguro is enjoying a stay at a luxurious hotel in Wakayama. Also staying at the hotel is an unusual family led by rich widow Mrs. Hondo. She acts like a tyrant around her children, who are afraid of her and are at her beck and call. Unfortunately, a tragedy strikes the Hondo Family while on a hike to a local shrine. Mrs. Hondo, who was supposed to be taking a rest on the way, is found dead. Kawahara Daisaku, the chief of the local police station, asks Suguro to help with the investigation of Mrs. Hondo’s death.
The Kiyosu ConferenceThe Kiyosu Conference · 2013
The Kiyosu Conference
7.02013
MovieComedyDrama
After the forced suicide of Nobunaga Oda at the Incident at Honnō-ji, powerful figures Katsuie Shibata, Hideyoshi Toyotomi, Nagahide Niwa and Tsuneoki Ikeda meet to decide on a successor. The conference would become Japan's first group made political decision. The meeting was known as the Kiyosu Kaigi.
Murder on the Orient ExpressMurder on the Orient Express · 2015
Murder on the Orient Express
6.62015
MovieCrimeDrama
The Japanese adaption of Agatha Christie's famous whodunit "Murder on the Orient Express".
三谷文楽「人形ぎらい」三谷文楽「人形ぎらい」 · 2025
三谷文楽「人形ぎらい」
2025
Movie
Hit Me Anyone One More TimeHit Me Anyone One More Time · 2019
Hit Me Anyone One More Time
7.12019
MovieComedyDrama
Keisuke Kuroda wakes up in a hospital bed unable to remember who he is. While sneaking out of the hospital, he sees a glimpse of the news and realizes that he is the Prime Minister of Japan. His approval rating was the lowest in the history of modern Japan. During a recent speech, a citizen had thrown a rock at him causing him to lose his memory. Keisuke Kuroda’s subordinate takes him to the official residence of the prime minister where he tries to implement changes to the country. The only people aware that he has lost his memory are his three secretaries.
What Happened to Our Nest Egg!?What Happened to Our Nest Egg!? · 2021
What Happened to Our Nest Egg!?
6.72021
MovieComedyDrama
Atsuko and Akira are a husband and wife duo with a daughter and a son. Atsuko is in charge of the retirement finances. She saves from money given to her by her husband and also earns money herself by working part-time. She stretches every yen by leading a frugal life. yet, expenses come up. These include their daughter's upcoming wedding and the funeral expenses of the husband's father. Then, and at exactly the worst time, the couple finds itself unemployed.
Suite DreamsSuite Dreams · 2006
Suite Dreams
6.22006
MovieComedyDrama
New Year's Eve at a posh hotel and all should be shipshape. It is not. There is the traditional party, an official ceremony, entertainment and a special dinner planned and yet there is trouble everywhere. An Animal is on the loose, a politician to protect, a prostitute to handle, a bellhop to focus and a few things more.
A Flawless ConciergeA Flawless Concierge · 2011
A Flawless Concierge
5.52011
MovieComedyTV Movie
A comedy about a concierge at a plush hotel who deals with a series of unusual guests.
The Murder of KuroidoThe Murder of Kuroido · 2018
The Murder of Kuroido
2018
MovieMysteryCrime
March 1952, the only doctor in the village Shiba had found a dead body of Sanako. The cause of death is overdose of sleeping pills. Sanako had been suspected for killing her own husband so Dr. Shiba's sister Kana is guessing that she has committed suicide due to being tormented by killing her husband. Everyone who was in Mr. Kuroido's house is the suspect, including all the members of Kuroido family, butler, secretary, maids, etc. The Detective Suguro (Hercule Poirot) will investigate the case. Dr. Shiba will be assisting him. As things are searched by them, a shocking fact has been brought to light…
All About SuomiAll About Suomi · 2024
All About Suomi
5.42024
MovieDramaComedy
The wife of a tycoon, Suomi, suddenly disappears. Upon learning of her disappearance, assembled at the mansion where her husband lives are five men who have loved her. But they each describe their version of "Suomi" very differently, both in appearance and personality. So, who exactly is the real Suomi?
All About Our HouseAll About Our House · 2001
All About Our House
6.32001
MovieComedy
Two newlyweds decide to build their dream home, and hire an old friend named Yanagisawa to design it. Unfortunately, Yanagisawa isn’t licensed to build homes, so they call in the wife’s father, a retired carpenter, to help out. When Yanagisawa’s contemporary ideas clash with the old carpenter’s traditional Japanese methods, the project becomes a huge mess.
90 Years Old – So What?90 Years Old – So What? · 2024
90 Years Old – So What?
8.82024
MovieComedy
Aiko Satō, who has won many literary awards, retired from her life as a writer and had no guests. She spent a gloomy time, but then a middle-aged editor named Tachibana came with a commission for a story. The story begins with a series of essays that are initially unpleasant, writing out her anger towards society. Aiko's life will undergo significant changes by the time she is 90 years old.
University of LaughsUniversity of Laughs · 2004
University of Laughs
7.22004
MovieComedyDrama
In pre-war Japan, a government censor tries to make the writer for a theater troupe alter his comedic script. As they work with and against each other, the script ends up developing in unexpected ways.
Galaxy TurnpikeGalaxy Turnpike · 2015
Galaxy Turnpike
6.82015
MovieScience FictionComedy
Set in the year 2265. There is a small restaurant along the main road Galaxy Kaido, which connects Earth and the space colony Uzushio.

TV Shows

Furuhata NinzaburoFuruhata Ninzaburo · 1994
Furuhata Ninzaburo
8.81994
SeriesDramaCrime
Furuhata Ninzaburō is a Japanese television series that ran periodically on Fuji Television from 1994 until its final episodes in 2006. It was written by Japanese playwright Kōki Mitani and is often referred to as the Japanese version of Columbo. The series is a police detective drama starring actor Masakazu Tamura as Furuhata Ninzaburo and Masahiko Nishimura as his stereotypically bumbling sidekick, Shintaro Imaizumi. The program aired weekly and featured a guest villain each time, usually a famous talent in Japan. Pop-stars like SMAP, television hosts like Sanma Akashiya and even sports figures like Ichiro Suzuki have been featured on this program. It was one of the most popular television dramas in the history of Japanese television, having spawned several seasons and TV specials.
The 13 Lords of the ShogunThe 13 Lords of the Shogun · 2022
The 13 Lords of the Shogun
8.52022
SeriesDrama
Following the ascension to power of Taira no Kiyomori, the Minamoto clan is exiled. Minamoto no Yoritomo meets Masako, the sister of Hōjō Yoshitoki and later marries her. Following this marriage, the gears of Yoshitoki's destiny begin to turn.
Back of FatherBack of Father · 2014
Back of Father
8.02014
SeriesDramaFamily
A 10-part omnibus drama by 10 different scriptwriters on the theme of fathers and their sons and daughters.
SanadamaruSanadamaru · 2016
Sanadamaru
8.02016
SeriesDrama
Spanning over 50 episodes, we follow the historical fiction of the Sanada clansmen as they plotted and fought their ways to survive the changing political alliances during the Warring States Period of Japan.
The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko HouseThe Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House · 2023
The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House
7.62023
SeriesDrama
Two inseparable friends move to Kyoto to chase their dreams of becoming maiko, but decide to pursue different passions while living under the same roof.
The Three MusketeersThe Three Musketeers · 2009
The Three Musketeers
9.42009
SeriesDrama
Shinsengumi!Shinsengumi! · 2004
Shinsengumi!
8.12004
SeriesDrama
Shinsengumi! is a Taiga drama television series produced by Japanese broadcaster NHK. It was a popular drama about the Shinsengumi, a Japanese special police force from the Bakumatsu period.
The History of Our FamilyThe History of Our Family · 2010
The History of Our Family
7.02010
SeriesComedyFamily
Wagaya no Rekishi is a Japanese three-part television mini-series, shown on Fuji TV from April 9, 2010 to April 11, 2010 to celebrate its 50th Anniversary. The show was known for its star-studded cast.
Pray Speak What Has HappenedPray Speak What Has Happened · 2025
Pray Speak What Has Happened
8.32025
SeriesDrama
In 1984 Shibuya, four quirky young souls navigate life’s struggles while chasing joy in a city bursting with hope.
He Is Always ThereHe Is Always There · 1993
He Is Always There
8.01993
SeriesDramaMystery
This is a story of two physicians who are complete opposites. Although he's a skilled surgeon, Dr. Shiba does not believe that every life is worth saving, but is willing to perform any surgery for the right price. On the other hand, Dr. Ishikawa is an idealist who believes that doctors should treat all patients equally and fight to protect every person's right to live. Therefore, Ishikawa quickly becomes liked by hospital staff while Shiba continues to make enemies.
HRHR · 2002
HR
5.02002
Series
A situation comedy set in a fixed-time high school in Tokyo.
Farewell, Mr. PremierFarewell, Mr. Premier · 1997
Farewell, Mr. Premier
10.01997
SeriesDrama
What happens when the Prime Minister of Japan suddenly has the lowest approval ratings in history? Tamura Masakazu plays an unpopular Prime Minister who faces daily protests of citizens, inside betrayals, and the decision of a new Chief Cabinet Secretary. He makes an unprecedented selection, choosing his daughter's private tutor, who is only in his 20s and not even a politician! Will the Prime Minister be able to turn his ratings around, or will he be forced to resign? This drama focuses on the government of Japan, with a comedic twist.
王様のレストラン王様のレストラン · 1995
王様のレストラン
7.41995
SeriesDramaComedy
San-ban Tēburu no KyakuSan-ban Tēburu no Kyaku · 1996
San-ban Tēburu no Kyaku
8.01996
SeriesDrama
A program that uses a script written by Koki Mitani and is produced by a different cast and crew each time. As the narration at the beginning of the show says: "If you think you can create the same work with the same script, you don't know drama". This is a drama that clearly shows how the atmosphere of a work changes depending on the direction, making it ideal for those who aspire to become directors.
Furuhata Ninzaburo Extra: Police Officer Imaizumi ShintaroFuruhata Ninzaburo Extra: Police Officer Imaizumi Shintaro · 1996
Furuhata Ninzaburo Extra: Police Officer Imaizumi Shintaro
8.01996
Series
Furuhata Ninzaburo's goofy sidekick Shintaro vents his frustrations to the uninterested forensic technician Kuwabara.
今泉慎太郎今泉慎太郎 · 1996
今泉慎太郎
1996
SeriesDramaComedy
Konya Uchu no Katasumi deKonya Uchu no Katasumi de · 1998
Konya Uchu no Katasumi de
1998
SeriesDramaComedy
Set in New York , three friends fall in love with the same woman, causing their feelings to waver between friendship and love. One day, Kosuke Kosuke, who works in the publicity department of a film company in New York, has a fateful encounter with Kawakami Makoto, a hair and makeup assistant. It's like an encounter in a Hollywood movie, something Kosuke has always dreamed of. However, just a few hours later, Makoto has another fateful encounter with a man. The man turns out to be a freelance photographer, Higuchi Norito, Kosuke's best friend from college...