Shunji Iwai, a renowned Japanese film director, began his journey in the entertainment industry by crafting music videos and television dramas, showcasing his early work in productions such as Maria, Lunatic Love, and Fireworks, for which he received the esteemed Best Newcomer award from the Japanese Director's Association.
As his career continued to blossom, Iwai transitioned to directing short films, starting with Undo in 1994, which was followed by the commercially successful Swallowtail Butterfly in 1996, starring the talented Japanese pop singer Chara.
Throughout his career, Iwai has received numerous accolades, with particular recognition for his films Love Letter in 1995 and All About Lily Chou-Chou in 2001. Despite his global success, Shunji Iwai remains a prominent figure in the Japanese film industry, residing in Japan.