Yuji Nakae (director, scriptwriter) was born in Kyoto in 1960. Soon after entering Ryukyu University, he moved to Okinawa. From his student days, he started filming 8mm movies and introduced "Rhapsody"(1984) and "At Panali"(1986). After graduation, Nakae formed a film production group, Panali Pictures, and produced many 8mm films such as "HEM '88". In 1992, he directed an omnibus film "Pineapple Tours" together with Tsutomu Makiya and Hayashi Tohma which was produced by Sukoburu Kobo, Panali Pictures and Ryuei. Nakae directed the second story titled "Haruko and Hideyoshi" in the film. In it he portrayed the young generation in Okinawa using Okinawan actors and entertainers. The film was officially invited to the Forum of the Berlin International Film Festival, and received Newcomer Award from Japan Film Directors Association and Special Jury Award from Japan Sundance Film Festival.
In 1994, Nakae directed "PAIPATIROMA" which was produced by Japan Satellite Association and Sony Music Entertainment. It is a story of Tomoko who travels down to the south looking for an utopia PAIPATIROMA, a legendary island located further south of Hateruma island. On her way to an island that does not exist, Tomoko gradually realizes what her utopia is. The film was highly acclaimed by showing Nakae's unique thoughts after death.
He continues to live in Okinawa.
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