Asakazu Nakai (中井朝一, Nakai Asakazu, 29 August 1901 – 28 February 1988) was a Japanese cinematographer born in Hyōgo Prefecture, best known for his work with Akira Kurosawa.[1] In 1950, he won the Mainichi Film Award for Best Cinematography for Stray Dog.[2] He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography for his work on the film Ran (1985), being the oldest nominee ever in that category.[citation needed]