Filming for Social Media in Japan 101

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 run smoothly and avoid problems once you’re on the ground.

Permissions and Permits

One of the biggest misconceptions about filming in Japan is that public spaces are free to use. In reality, many public locations require prior permission, even for small-scale social media shoots (this applies to any shoot using a camera, or cameras and not just an iPhone).

Public areas such as streets, pavements, parks, and train stations often require approval from local authorities or property managers. Even short-form content like Instagram Reels or YouTube videos can fall under these rules.

The application process usually involves paperwork in Japanese and typically takes around five working days, though some locations may take longer.

Private properties—including temples, shrines, cafés, shops, and businesses—always require explicit permission. Some locations also charge filming fees. Filming without approval can result in footage being deleted, equipment confiscated, or police involvement.

A quick lesson I learned early on...

Before I began working as a fixer, I once escorted a client to a shrine to capture a brief shot of visitors writing down their wishes for the year ahead. There were no visible “no filming” signs and no staff nearby.

Within 30 seconds, several shrine staff appeared and demanded to see the footage and ensure it was deleted immediately.

That moment made something very clear: the absence of signage does not mean filming is allowed.

Filming on Streets and Roads

For public street filming involving multiple crew members or equipment such as tripods or lighting, you’ll usually need a Road Use Permit (道路使用許可申請書).

This application must be submitted in person at the local police station covering the filming area, which is why working with a local fixer or location manager is often essential.

A key part of the application is a 配置図 (layout diagram)—a bird’s-eye view showing where crew, talent, and equipment will be positioned and how much space they occupy.

Japan’s constitution guarantees freedom of movement, so any obstruction of public walkways is taken seriously. Depending on the scale of the shoot, a police officer may attend on the day to ensure pedestrians are not inconvenienced.

Once approved (usually within five business days), the permit must be carried on-site during filming.

Privacy Comes First

Privacy is one of the most important aspects of filming in Japan. Capturing identifiable individuals without their consent is illegal, even in public spaces.

This includes:

• faces

• licence plates

• any clearly identifiable personal details

Busy areas like Shibuya Crossing or popular tourist spots can in some cases lead to complaints if someone feels their privacy has been violated.

To film people safely you should...

• Shoot wide rather than tight to emphasize crowds over individuals

• Use shallow depth of field to blur background faces

• Film people from behind or from the side

• Avoid framing eyes and noses too closely

• Use reflections or silhouettes creatively

  
  

If faces are unavoidable, blurring or mosaic effects in post-production are widely accepted, particularly for TV and documentary work.

Always respect “No Filming” (撮影禁止) signs, and ask for permission before filming inside shops, cafés, or other private establishments.

Drone Filming in Japan

Drone regulations in Japan—especially in Tokyo—are strict.

Drone operators must:

• register their drone with MLIT

• obtain flight permission for restricted zones

• secure approval from landowners or relevant authorities

Flying over roads, parks, schools, crowded areas, or private property without permission is prohibited and can result in fines or criminal penalties.

It’s important to note that drone registration alone does not grant filming permission. Approval must also be obtained from the landowner or local authority for the specific location.

Cultural Sensitivity Matters

Legal permission doesn’t always equal cultural permission.

Temples, shrines, festivals, and traditional events often have additional expectations—some written, many unwritten. Even when filming is technically allowed, behaviour that feels intrusive or disruptive can quickly bring a shoot to a halt.

In Japan, causing inconvenience or discomfort to others is taken very seriously.

Social Media and the Grey Area

Social media has blurred the line between personal and professional filming. Many creators assume casual filming is exempt from regulation, only to encounter issues later.

At the same time, Japan’s filming regulations haven’t fully caught up with modern corporate social media workflows. This creates grey areas that experienced local teams know how to navigate.

Generally speaking, social media filming is simpler when:

• there’s no direct financial transaction tied to the footage

• the content doesn’t misrepresent Japan or its people

• appropriate permissions (formal or informal) are in place

Handled correctly, filming for social media in Japan can be surprisingly straightforward.

Final Thoughts

Filming in Japan can be incredibly rewarding, but it requires preparation, local knowledge, and cultural awareness.

By understanding the rules, respecting privacy, and approaching each shoot with care, content creators and brands can build trust with the communities they film.

Responsible content creation doesn’t just protect your project—it reflects respect for the people and culture that make Japan so compelling to film!

Have any questions about the process? Feel free to get in touch!