Isao Matsuoka (松岡 功, Matsuoka Isao, born December 18, 1934) is a longtime studio executive and former chairman of Toho Co., Ltd., serving as Chairman for 14 years until his retirement in 2009.
Tatsuro also served as Toho's president following the death of his older brother Fusao.
[1] A graduate of the prestigious Konan University, Isao is credited with helping establish Toho as the preeminent film production, distribution and exhibition company in Japan with his revolutionary and innovative reforms following his promotion to President in 1977, and named as the 10th most powerful person in the Japanese film industry by Première Magazine Japan in 2001.
Established in 1932, Toho is known internationally for its Godzilla series and the Akira Kurosawa classics Kagemusha and Ran produced under Matsuoka's leadership.
[8] Isao married Chinami Shizuka, a star of the Takarazuka Revue, with whom he had 2 sons, Hiroyasu Matsuoka, who followed his father into the film business and succeeded Isao to serve as the 15th President and CEO of Toho in 2022, and Shuzo Matsuoka, a former professional tennis player and current sports commentator.