The Demon

is a 1978 Japanese psychological drama directed by Yoshitarō Nomura and written by Masato Ide, based on the short story by Seichō Matsumoto. Plot Consumed by the jealousy and power struggles of their own relationships, a man, his mistress and his wife involve three children in their own games-with tragic results. After Sōkichi stops providing his mistress with monetary support, she leaves her three children with him, whom she insists are also his, and disappears. Sōkichi is bewildered and his wife is livid. With regard only for their own discomfort, they go about remedying their situation. Cast Ken Ogata as Sōkichi Takeshita Shima Iwashita as Oume, Sōkichi's wife Mayumi Ogawa as Kikuyo, Sōkichi's lover Hiroki Iwase as Riichi, Sōkichi and Kikuyo's 1st son Awards 1979 Awards of the Japanese Academy Won Best Actor - Ken Ogata Best Director - Yoshitarō Nomura Nominated Best Film Best Music Score - Yasushi Akutagawa Best Screenplay - Masato Ide 1979 Blue Ribbon Awards Best Actor - Ken Ogata Best Director - Yoshitarō Nomura 1978 Hochi Film Awards Best Actor - Ken Ogata 1979 Kinema Junpo Awards Best Actor - Ken Ogata 1979 Mainichi Film Concours Best Actor - Ken Ogata Best Art Direction - Kyohei Morita Best Cinematography - Takashi Kawamata