When Tokyo Vice debuted, it wasn’t just another gritty drama about the underworld. It was a turning point for filmmaking in Japan, putting the spotlight on Tokyo’s neon-lit streets, its bustling urban life, and, behind the scenes, its complex and sometimes restrictive film industry. As one of the first major international TV dramas to shoot extensively in Japan, Tokyo Vice highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of filming in the country. While I have never spoken o

Japan is known for its breathtaking landscapes, dense urban environments, and deep cultural heritage. It’s no surprise that content creators, filmmakers, and brands from around the world want to capture it on camera. But filming in Japan—especially for social media—is not as straightforward as it might seem. Japan has strict filming rules and strong cultural expectations around privacy and public behaviour. Understanding these in advance is essential if you want your shoot to

The filming landscape in Japan is changing, and here’s how it could impact creators… In recent years, Japan-based and Japanese...

As a freelance video producer and local fixer based in Tokyo, I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside an array of domestic and international clients over the years. From TV, film and brand campaigns, I’ve been involved in a wide spectrum of commercial video production which has given me an invaluable insight into the complexities of the industry and particularly the obstacles that international production agencies and crew members alike face when filming in Japan. Post-pand