SABU

Biography

Sabu (サブ, Sabu), born Hiroyuki Tanaka on November 18, 1964, in Wakayama Prefecture, is a prominent Japanese actor and director. Initially pursuing a career as a professional musician after attending a fashion school in Osaka, he shifted gears and ventured into acting. His film career took off in 1986 with his debut in "Sorobanzuku." Sabu garnered attention for his first leading role in the 1991 live-action film "World Apartment Horror," directed by Katsuhiro Ōtomo, known for his work on "Akira."

In 1996, Sabu made his directorial debut with "Dangan Runner," a film that showcased his unique style characterized by quirky action-comedies driven by eccentric characters and narratives shaped by chance encounters rather than the protagonists' deliberate actions. For his initial five films, he collaborated closely with actor Shin'ichi Tsutsumi. His 2003 film "Blessing Bell," featuring Susumu Terajima, marked a departure from his earlier energetic, parodic, and dark comedic themes, earning the NETPAC Award at the Berlin Film Festival.

Sabu's later works included collaborations with the J-pop group V6, and in 2009, he directed "The Crab Cannery Ship," a contemporary adaptation of a classic Japanese proletarian novel by Takiji Kobayashi. Additionally, he has acted in films such as Takashi Miike's "Ichi the Killer" (2001). His recent film "Chasuke's Journey" was selected for the main competition at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival.