He was not in attendance at the Cannes Film Festival when "Narayamabushiko" was entered, commenting that "I did not make this film just for the Cannes Film Festival."
なお本人は『楢山節考』を出品した際には「カンヌ（映画祭）出品のために作った作品ではない」とカンヌ映画祭を欠席。