Trivia

Was offered the job directing The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, but turned it down, citing a poor script.

Briefly studied film making in Australia

Has cast actor Tak Sakaguchi in every one of his films but 2008's The Midnight Meat Train.

Speaks fluent English

Was introduced to an American agent by Samuel L. Jackson, whom he met at a party and discovered was a great admirer of his work.

He is the first person to direct both a Godzilla film and a Lupin III film.