Makoto Ueda (上田誠) is a Japanese director and screenwriter. He was born on 4th November 1979 in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. A founding member of the performance group Europe Kikaku, Ueda often draws from stage-based storytelling techniques, infusing his films with a playful yet thought-provoking tone. His breakout project The Tatami Time Machine Blues (2022), a sequel to the cult-favorite The Tatami Galaxy, was widely praised for its clever use of time travel and surreal humor. He continued to build his reputation with River (2023), a time-loop drama set in Kyoto’s Arashiyama, and Yokomichi Dragon (2023), which mixed eccentric characters with heartfelt moments.

Ueda’s 2023 work Don’t Waste Your Time, Lovers demonstrated his skill in romantic dramedy, while The Unusual Residents of District S (2025) and Rewrite (2025) reflect his continued interest in speculative fiction and human connection. Known for his witty dialogue, imaginative concepts, and warm, character-driven plots, Makoto Ueda has firmly established himself as one of Japan’s most creative cinematic voices.