Kitao Sakurai

Kitao Sakurai (born January 1, 1983, in Kinugasa, Kyoto, Japan) is a Japanese-American screen artist best known for his work as a director across film and television. With a background that also includes acting, writing, and producing, Sakurai has built a career defined by energetic, audience-forward storytelling and a sharp sense of comedic timing.

He gained broad recognition for directing the 2021 Netflix feature Bad Trip, a boundary-pushing comedy that helped cement his profile with mainstream viewers. The film’s mix of scripted narrative and real-world reactions reflects Sakurai’s interest in blending formats to create immediate, unpredictable entertainment.

Beyond his directing reputation, Sakurai’s on-screen and behind-the-camera credits span a wide range of projects, including appearances under alternate names such as Darius Szopa, Zenny Hata, Stygian Triplet, and Justin Banning. Notable work includes Aardvark, The Best Bad Thing, Dogma, Best of the Best 3: No Turning Back, and We Are the Hartmans, showcasing his versatility within the industry.