was a Japanese film director who specialized in directing Yakuza films. Yamashita was nicknamed Shōgun. His son is director Tomohiko Yamashita.
In 1952, He graduated from Kyoto University and joined Toei Film. He was working an office job, but three years later, he became an assistant director under Tomu Uchida and Kōzaburō Yoshimura.
Yamashita made his directorial debut with Wakatono Senryu Hada in 1961. His representative works included The Valiant Red Peony series and Kyōdai Jingi (1966).
Selected filmography
Film
Wakatono Senryu Hada (1961) Kyōdai Jingi (1966) The Vanity of the Shogun's Mistresses (1968) The Valiant Red Peony aka Hibotan Bakuto (1968) Zoro Me no San Kyōdai (1972) Yamaguchi-gumi Sandaime (1973) Yokosuka Naval Prison (1973) Yamaguchi-gumi gaiden: Kyushu Shinko-sakusen aka The Tattooed Hit Man Father of the Kamikaze (1974) Story of All-Out Attack or Path of Japanese Chivalry (1975) Jail Breakers aka Datsō Yugi (1976) Gōtō Satsujin Shu (1976) Tokugawa Ichizoku no Hōukai (1980) Shura no Mure (1984) The Last True Yakuza aka Saigo no Bakuto (1985) Night Train (1987) The Man Who Assassinated Ryoma (1987) Another Way (1988) Yakuza Ladies: The Final Battle (1990) Shin Gokudō no Tsumatachi Kakugoshiiya (1993)
Television
Oshizamurai Kiichihōgan (1974) (ep.13) Hissatsu Shigotonin (1980) (ep.8) Choshichiro Edo Nikki (1983-91) Nemuri Kyōshirō Burai Hikae (1983) Katsu Kaishu (1990) (TV Film) Abare Hasshū Goyō Tabi (1991-94)
Further reading
Shōgun to Yobareta Otoko Eiga Kantoku Yamashita Kōsaku 将軍と呼ばれた男―映画監督山下耕作 (ワイズ出版 1999)