was a pioneering Japanese film director and cinematographer.
Born Kuraichi Kotani in Hiroshima Prefecture, Kotani emigrated to the United States with his parents when he was still a boy. Graduating from high school, he began working as an actor and cinematographer under the name Henry Kotani in Hollywood, particularly at Famous Players Lasky. He frequently worked on Donald Crisp's films. In 1920, on the recommendation of Cecil B. DeMille, the newly formed Shà Âchiku film company hired Kotani and brought him back to Japan. There he directed and photographed Shà Âchiku's first film, Shima no onna in 1920, and in 1921 wrote, directed and photographed Gubijinsà Â, the first film of the star actress Sumiko Kurishima. His career at Shà Âchiku did not last long, but he helped establish the modern visual style of Shà Âchiku's output and raise cinematographers such as Michio Midorikawa. He later became head of the East Asian bureau of Paramount News. In recognition of his contributions, he was given a lifetime achievement award at the Mainichi Film Awards in 1960.