Renowned Japanese director, screenwriter and editor Nobuhiko Obayashi died of lung cancer. He was 82 years. He began his filmmaking career as a pioneer of Japanese experimental films before transitioning to directing more mainstream media. He is best known as the director of the 1977 horror film House, which has garnered a cult following. He was notable for his distinct surreal filmmaking data-style, as well as the anti-war themes commonly embedded in his films.

Obayashi was born on 9 January 1938 in the city of Onomichi, Japan. Through his childhood and adolescence, Obayashi followed many artistic pursuits including drawing, writing, playing the piano, and a growing interest in animation and film. Diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in August 2016 and given three months to live, Obayashi went on to make two more films. He was a fighter and continued to be one till death.