Let's make this birthday one to remember.

78 years old (Born on January 18, 1947)

Happy Birthday, Kitano Takeshi! The true successor to Kurosawa himself—though with a bit more swagger and slightly fewer samurai swords. From your gritty yet brilliant "Outrage" series to your iconic deadpan humor, you've proven that cinema can be both thrilling and hilarious.

Whether you're directing intense yakuza dramas or delivering unforgettable comedic moments on screen, you always keep us guessing what's next. Here's hoping this birthday brings as much excitement as an action-packed sequel—and far less outrage than usual!

Cheers to another year of cinematic genius; may the only battles ahead involve cake slices rather than gangsters!