Isao Yamada
An image from Crystal, one of the productions that also features Isao Yamada.
Isao Yamada

Isao Yamada

Hokkaidō, Japan

Yamada Isao was born in Hokkaido, 1952. He joined an experimental theatrical troupe “Tenjo Sajiki” of Terayama. He took charge of art and costume designs in Terayama’s movies. His first film “Subaru no Yoru” (Night on Pleiades) (1977) won a prize at Off-theater Film Festival (later the name changed to Pia Film Festival). Until now, he has made over 100 movies, mainly 8mm films. With motifs of the borderline between reality and dream, he draws pictorial world of nostalgia. The images with his unique world view have attracted critics worldwide, and some of his works are archived in foreign art museums and universities. He is also a cartoonist and book designer.

Pastoral: To Die in the Country

Pastoral: To Die in the Country

1974

Grass Labyrinth

Grass Labyrinth

1979

Boxer

Boxer

1977

Lynx Reel

Lynx Reel

1987

Crystal

Crystal

1988

Girl Orphee

Girl Orphee

2001

I've Heard the Ammonite Murmur

I've Heard the Ammonite Murmur

1992

Instability of the Signal

Instability of the Signal

2024