 While teaching he began writing scripts under the pseudonym "Matsugoro Kuroiwa" for "Pink films" produced by small independent studios.It was during this early stage of his career that Dan's long professional relationship with actress Naomi Tani began.In 1956 Dan won an honorable mention for "Death in Naniwa," which he submitted under the name Matsujiro Kuroiwa (黒岩松次郎) in the All Rookie Cup sponsored by Bungeishunju's "Ooru Yomimono" Magazine.