Matsubayashi Shûe

Matsubayashi joined Toho in 1942 intending to make films that reflected his Buddhist values. He was commissioned by the Japanese Navy in 1944 and deployed to the South China Sea, where he commanded a squadron. During his naval career, he grew a beard and swore not to shave it until Japan won the war; since Japan lost, he kept the beard for the rest of his life.

After returning to Toho, he became a prolific director known for war films and comedies. He directed the majority of films in the popular Company President series starring Morishige Hisaya.

In the genre of special effects, Matsubayashi directed the apocalyptic drama The Last War (1961). The film, which starred a mix of Japanese and English-speaking actors, was notable for its strong pacifist message, reflecting his own wartime experiences and religious beliefs.