You can't really make something or make a movie and feel all through the process that it's a painful thing. It's not possible to do that.

I don't know if I would call it therapy, but filmmaking is really the only thing I know how to do. For me, making movies is a way to bring on change for myself, and I really enjoy that part.

I can't single out one thing that influenced me. My generation was influenced greatly by the manga that came out during our childhood.

The reason I like incorporating the Yakuza into my movies - all their actions, everything they do, you can say 'It's ok because he's a Yakuza'. Changes happen very quickly in their world. If you were trying to make a movie about politicians, it would takes years and years for something to change; whereas for Yakuzas, it could only take one night and things can change dramatically.

I've been making movies for a long time. The Japanese way of making movies has become second nature to me. To get away from that, I really try to surround myself with younger staff and approach making movies not like a veteran of the industry but always as a beginner and a rookie.

I don't mind ratings boards. As a viewer, you have the right not to see a film.

I go to the dentist, not a shrink.