Tarantino shot to fame with Reservoir Dogs in 1992

The Pulp Fiction film-maker will have a cameo in Sukiyaki Western Django, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

By taking the role he is paying back Miike for his appearance in the horror film Hostel, which Tarantino produced.

Miike is known for his ultra-violent films and his 2002 gangster movie, Ichi the Killer, had several scenes cut before it could be shown in the UK.

The English-language Sukiyaki Western Django has been dubbed the first "sushi western".

Mystery man

"To make a western like this has long been a dream for Miike," said producer Masao Osaki.

"His father was a huge fan of spaghetti westerns and he always wanted to make his own, so now it is his turn."

The film began shooting this week, and Tarantino is scheduled to visit Japan later this month to film his scenes - although he is only described by producers as "a mystery man".

Like Miike, Tarantino has often been criticised for the graphic violence in his films.

He came to international attention with his self-penned debut, Reservoir Dogs, in 1992 and won the Palme D'Or for his next film, Pulp Fiction, in 1994.

His most recent movie, the martial arts epic Kill Bill, was released in two parts to avoid having to cut scenes.

Tarantino's next project is the hour-long feature Death Proof, which will be released together with a zombie film, Planet Terror, directed by his friend and frequent collaborator Robert Rodriguez.