Koji Shiraishi (白石 晃士 Shiraishi Kōji) hails from Fukuoka, Japan, where he spent his formative years. He completed his studies in film making at Kyushu Sangyo University, and subsequently took on the role of assistant director for notable projects such as Gakuryū Ishii's *August in the Water* and Shinobu Yaguchi's *WATER BOYS*.
Shiraishi has expressed admiration for Gakuryū Ishii, considering him his favorite Japanese filmmaker, with Ishii's 1980 work, *Crazy Thunder Road*, standing out as his top film. His influences extend beyond Japanese cinema, as he holds a deep respect for directors like John Carpenter, Brian De Palma, Abbas Kiarostami, and Sam Raimi. Among the films that have left a lasting impression on him are classics such as the original *Dawn of the Dead* (1978), *The Evil Dead* (1981), *Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn* (1987), *The Thing* (1982), and *The Texas Chain Saw Massacre* (1974).
With a diverse range of inspirations and a solid background in film direction, Shiraishi continues to contribute to the cinematic landscape, drawing upon both his Japanese heritage and international influences.
