Ben Wada

Ben Wada (和田 勉 "Wada Ben"), born "Tsutomu Wada", July 3 1930 in Matsusaka, Mie Prefecture, was a producer for Japanese TV channel NHK. After attending Sugamo Middle School and Senior High School, Wada graduated from the Drama department of the Literature Faculty at Waseda University. He joined NHK in 1953 and now works as a freelance director. His contemparies include Hisanori Isomura and Naoya Yoshida. Working primarily as a director/producer, he has been in charge of projects such as Ashura no gotoku, Za Shousha and numerous TV dramas. He retired in 1987 and has continued to make advances in his field even after retirement. Harimao was Wada’s debut as a film director.

Wada published a collection of memoirs and writings entitled "TV Autobiography—Farewell My Love" in 2003.

Wada's wife, Emi Wada, is a fashion designer.