What economic problems did Kurosawa Akira face as an independent producer?

After establishing Kurosawa Productions in 1960 to produce his own works, Kurosawa Akira faced persistent economic challenges as an independent producer. These difficulties were primarily driven by the following factors:

• Industry Depression: During the 1960s, the Japanese film industry entered a period of economic decline, largely due to competition from television and American distributors.12
• High Production Costs: Kurosawa’s ambitious film projects were frequently deemed too expensive by domestic film companies, making it difficult to secure traditional funding.1
• Failed International Collaborations: In an attempt to overcome domestic financial constraints, Kurosawa sought to work with Hollywood producers. However, these efforts often ended in failure. A notable example occurred in 1968 during the production of Tora! Tora! Tora! for 20th Century Fox; the production progressed slowly, and the producer dismissed Kurosawa due to fears that the project would exceed its estimated budget.1
• Commercial Performance: Even when Kurosawa managed to complete films, such as Dodesukaden (1970), they often failed to achieve financial success, further exacerbating his economic difficulties.1