I don't mind ratings boards. As a viewer, you have the right not to see a film.

When you are completely satisfied with what you have made, you're pretty much done as a director. So when that happens, that'll sort of be the end.

For me, trying to expand the energy to make one movie in Hollywood would be the equivalent in terms of energy to making 10 movies in Japan.

Filmmaking is not a balancing act, although some directors think it is. I don't believe in it. I like ups and downs. They're the best way to translate my feelings to the screen.

You can't really make something or make a movie and feel all through the process that it's a painful thing. It's not possible to do that.

I can't single out one thing that influenced me. My generation was influenced greatly by the manga that came out during our childhood.

I believe that every director's films reflect their lifestyle.

I don't know if I would call it therapy, but filmmaking is really the only thing I know how to do. For me, making movies is a way to bring on change for myself, and I really enjoy that part.

I go to the dentist, not a shrink.

As a filmmaker, you've got to have a nose for what's going on culturally. You have to feel it. It doesn't have to be manga or music, but you need some kind of antenna. That's very important.

And if I'm running away from something, I try to make myself face it and overcome that initial fear. As a director, I don't think it's possible to make a movie that you really don't want to make.

Crocodiles are easy. They try to kill and eat you. People are harder. Sometimes they pretend to be your friend first.

Entrepreneur, you are your brand. Your website, business card, speech and how you walk and talk is your brand.

My name is Catbug. What’s yours?

Oh literature, oh the glorious Art, how it preys upon the marrow in our bones. It scoops the stuffing out of us, and chucks us aside. Alas!

Successful cooperation in or by formal organizations is the abnormal, not the normal, condition.

For me, Chanel is like music. There are certain notes and you have to make another tune with them.

Children enjoy inflicting pain until unhappiness teaches them tenderness.

He who has his thumb on the purse has the power.

in the past, having a life while earning a living didn't seem like too much to ask. Today, even this basic goal has been redefined as 'having it all.

The noblest revenge is to forgive