About Henry Kotani
Lived 1887 – 1972 (aged 84). Henry Kotani was a Japanese film director, cinematographer, actor and camera operator.
was a pioneering Japanese film director and cinematographer.
Career
Born Kuraichi Kotani in Hiroshima Prefecture, Kotani emigrated to the United States with his parents when he was still a boy. Graduating from high school, he began working as an actor and cinematographer under the name Henry Kotani in Hollywood, particularly at Famous Players Lasky. He frequently worked on Donald Crisp's films. In 1920, on the recommendation of Cecil B. DeMille, the newly formed Shōchiku film company hired Kotani and brought him back to Japan.
Selected filmography
As cinematographer Believe Me, Xantippe (1918) The Goat (1918) Jane Goes A-Wooing (1919) Mrs. Temple's Telegram (1920)
As director Shima no onna (島の女) (1920) Gubijinsō (虞美人草) (1921)
As actor The Wrath of the Gods (1914) The Geisha (1914) The Typhoon (1914) The Sable Lorcha (1915)
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Important facts
People in Henry Kotani's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Henry Kotani's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Henry Kotani?
Film director and cinematographer (1887–1972)
When was Henry Kotani born?
Henry Kotani was born on 25 April 1887 in Hiroshima Prefecture.
When did Henry Kotani die?
Henry Kotani died on 8 April 1972 in United States.
What was Henry Kotani's occupation?
Henry Kotani was a film director, cinematographer, actor and camera operator.
What nationality was Henry Kotani?
Henry Kotani was Japanese.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Henry Kotani. https://biography.guide/henry-kotani/
MLA: "Henry Kotani." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/henry-kotani/.
Chicago: "Henry Kotani." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/henry-kotani/.
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