Hana Matsumoto (born January 24, 1998, in Osaka, Japan) is a Japanese film director and screenwriter known for her distinctive storytelling and early contributions to youth-centered cinema. Despite her young age, she has garnered attention in the Japanese film industry for her emotionally resonant works and keen directorial eye.
Matsumoto made her mark with Dadadada Seventeen (2016), a film that showcased her talent for capturing the raw energy and inner conflicts of adolescence. She followed up with School Outsider (2017), further cementing her reputation as a filmmaker drawn to themes of identity, alienation, and youthful defiance. Her storytelling style often blends realism with lyrical expression, making her voice stand out among emerging directors.
In 2021, Matsumoto directed The End of the Pale Hour, a poignant coming-of-age drama that received critical praise for its mature narrative and compelling visual language. As a director and writer, she continues to explore personal and generational stories, carving a unique space for herself in contemporary Japanese cinema.
