Noriaki Yuasa, known internationally as "the father of Gamera," was born into a show business family; his father and grandmothers were stage performers. Young Noriaki grew up in housing populated by actors, and he soon began to be cast in small roles. The arrival of World War II curtailed his acting opportunities. When the war ended, he again had some chances to work as an actor, but by this time his years living among actors and actresses had soured him on the profession; reportedly, Yuasa disapproved of the loose morality many in the profession displayed. Upon graduation from college, he sought work behind the camera, joining Daiei Studios in 1955.