- Itami was attacked by Yakuza (the Japanese mob) in 1992 due to the release of Minbo (1992), which portrayed Yakuza in a bad light. He was slashed around the face and neck and was hospitalized.
- Had a famous brother-in-law, Nobel Laureate Kenzaburô Ôe, who was married to Itami's sister Yukari. Mr Oe mentions his brother-in-law affectionately in his essay collection titled A Healing Family (Kaifuku suru kazoku; 1995). In one section, there is even a discussion between the two on what Itami called the "grammar" of American films.
- Flash, a Japanese tabloid, alleged that Itami was having an affair. Itami left a note denying the affair and jumped from the roof of the eight-story building where he had his office.
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