How Tokyo Vice Shook Up Filmmaking in Japan — And Why the Industry Still Needs to Do Better

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 of my role on this platform as a stand-in for the wonderful Rachel Keller’s character, Samantha, it was nevertheless one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences of my professional career, an experience which has in turn ignited my passion for productions of all kind and has inspired me to continue working in the industry today, assisting international crew on all aspects of filming in Japan.

Tokyo Vice Creator JT Rogers said it himself in last week’s email to all crew- “We are so proud of this show that all of us built. Together we made a show that put more Tokyo locations on screen than any series or film in memory. In addition, our team effort, along with the help of the many public officials who supported us, has helped change Tokyo from a city where large-scale location shooting was a near-impossible challenge, to one where there are paths and mechanisms in place to make it run smoothly”.

The series broke new ground in several ways, from navigating Japan’s rigid permitting system to aligning Japanese and international production workflows. However, while it set a new benchmark for international collaborations in Japan, it also exposed glaring gaps in the industry’s readiness to accommodate global productions. Here’s how Tokyo Vice changed the landscape — and why there’s still so much work to do.

1. Streamlined Permitting Processes

One of the biggest hurdles for international productions in Japan is its permitting process. Unlike other major filmmaking hubs like New York or London, where clear guidelines and centralized offices exist to handle permits, Japan’s system is fragmented and often opaque. Filming in Tokyo’s high-profile areas — like bustling Shinjuku streets or iconic neighborhoods — requires navigating a maze of municipal regulations, applications to law enforcement and private landowner approvals.

The scale of Tokyo Vice demanded solutions. Local governments, aware of the economic and cultural benefits of hosting a major production, collaborated closely with the crew. This effort helped streamline the process, setting a precedent for how future productions might be handled. While the permitting system remains far from perfect, the lessons learned during Tokyo Vice have encouraged more municipalities to support international filming projects with greater clarity and efficiency.

The Japan Location Database is an English language platform with over 4,000 registered locations across the country with easy to understand permit procedures. While there are still many municipalities that aren’t actively taking advantage of this major resource for international exposure, it’s certainly a step in the right direction.

2. Increased Collaboration Between Japanese and International Crews

The production brought together Japanese and international teams, creating a unique cultural exchange. Japanese productions traditionally follow strict hierarchies, with a regimented approach to decision-making. In contrast, international productions often emphasize flexibility and collaborative problem-solving on set

Being on set for Tokyo Vice was one of the most surreal experiences of my life, watching two vastly different worlds come together in such a collaborative and harmonious way was something I’d never seen before. Foreign crew members embraced Japanese culture with enthusiasm, and the Japanese crew members brought a whole new level of professionalism and efficiency to on-set practices.

Even on nights when we wrapped late, the energy stayed high. We’d celebrate each scene with high-fives (or in Japan, “high-touches”) as we completed the day’s ambitious schedule. Everyone, from the Japanese runners to the international producers and directors, stayed fully engaged. I’ll never forget seeing the hair and makeup crew clasping their hands in awe during performances by Rachel Keller and Ansel Elgort, and I always appreciated their kind words of “well done!” after my stand-in duties for each scene. Their encouragement made me feel seen and cared for amongst the chaos of the day.

The bilingual fixers were a force of their own, seamlessly shouting scene changes and retakes in two languages to ensure everyone was on the same page. Every crew member, no matter their role, worked tirelessly, fueled by a shared sense of pride in being part of such a groundbreaking production.

For Tokyo Vice, bridging these two approaches was essential. Japanese crew members gained exposure to global workflows, which involved a more fluid division of labour and the use of new technologies. This kind of collaboration can set the stage for more seamless production partnerships in the future, although aligning the two styles on a greater scale in Japan is still a work in progress.

3. Japan as a Filming Destination

Tokyo Vice showcased Japan’s rich cinematic potential. From neon-drenched alleys to serene traditional settings, the series highlighted the country’s visual diversity. This exposure positioned Japan as an attractive filming location for other international productions, encouraging regional governments and tourism boards to invest in film-friendly policies.

The economic benefits of hosting large productions — like job creation, economic revival, tourism boosts, and global recognition — are impossible to ignore. However, despite these advantages, Japan’s restrictive filming culture and outdated practices remain major hurdles, even for local film crews. These barriers affect everything from accessing filming locations to pulling off stunts and special effects.

Have you ever watched a Japanese TV show or movie and wondered why it sometimes looks amateurish? Half the time, it’s not just a budget issue (though that can be part of it). Often, it’s because crews are forced to work within a system that allows for neither flexibility or creativity. With this in mind, it’s no wonder why the massive HBO production Shōgun was filmed in British Columbia instead of Japan.

Thankfully, when international stakeholders (who have much higher expectations and deeper pockets) get involved, we’ve seen that some systems can change to be more accommodating. These collaborations often bring fresh perspectives, streamlined processes, and higher production values, proving that Japan has the potential to compete on a global stage.

Despite this, many official application procedures are still predominantly done only in Japanese, and rules for anything from the size of productions to where you can or can’t place a tripod differ from city to city. While organizations such as the Japan Film Commission are often able to assist with permits and procedures for larger, big-budget productions, smaller corporate or even social media-led productions (which make up the bulk of Japan-based productions) are certainly an afterthought when it comes to improving the paperwork infrastructure.

4. Spotlight on On-Set Norms

Japanese film crews are known for their intense work ethic, but the long hours and hierarchical structures often clash with international standards. Productions like Tokyo Vice have highlighted these disparities, advocating for fairer working conditions and a better balance between efficiency and crew well-being. On set, call times of 8am with wrap-ups around 9pm were somewhat common and are still far better than the norm in Japan, where crew members often average just four hours of sleep per night during shoot days.

Ensuring all crew members have regular breaks and three hot meals a day was also a Tokyo Vice standard that is rarely ever met in Japan. Many local crew members are reluctant to take breaks for fear of being seen as lazy or unprofessional. Eating rice balls standing up while nobody is looking is a common occurrence, and even on larger sets where lunch boxes are provided, break times more than 30 minutes are rare.

While some progress has been made in improving working conditions for local Japanese crew, especially in urban centers like Tokyo, many local productions still adhere to practices that prioritize endurance over innovation.

This year, Palme d’Or-winning director Hirokazu Kore-eda announced his support for a fundraising effort aimed at making radical reforms to working conditions in Japan’s film industry. Local start-ups such as veteran producer Muneyuki Kii’s K2 Pictures will be one of several to use the fund to share profits with crew members, as well as to apply pressure on the industry to improve labour standards, compensation and working conditions.

Aligning with global standards will require more than just high-profile collaborations — it will demand systemic change.

5. Demand for Bilingual Professionals

The success of Tokyo Vice underscored the critical role of bilingual producers, fixers, and production managers. These professionals act as bridges, ensuring smooth communication between Japanese and international teams while navigating cultural and logistical challenges.

As Japan continues to attract international productions, the need for experienced bilingual talent has grown. Programs and organizations aimed at developing such skills could play a pivotal role in Japan’s film industry evolution.

Freelance fixers such as myself situate themselves between the two worlds, offering the cultural insight and practical expertise needed to navigate the complexities of filming in Japan. From securing permits and scouting locations to mediating on-set dynamics, we ensure productions run smoothly while respecting Japan’s unique systems and traditions.

As more international projects choose Japan as their stage, the demand for professionals who can bridge these worlds will only increase. For freelance fixers, this represents not just an opportunity but a responsibility — to help shape an industry that’s welcoming, efficient, and prepared for global collaboration.

By embracing this role, we help shape a future where Japan becomes a top destination for filmmakers worldwide while also advocating for international standards that empower local crews with fewer resources to champion these practices themselves.

Challenges That Remain

Despite the progress spurred by Tokyo Vice, significant challenges persist:

• Fragmented Regulations: Permitting processes vary widely between municipalities, creating inconsistencies that frustrate productions.

• Conservative Filming Culture: Large-scale street filming remains rare, with authorities and locals often hesitant to disrupt daily life.

• Labour Practices: Long working hours and rigid hierarchies continue to deter international collaborations.

• Language Support: There currently are no official processes to apply for filming permits in public spaces in anything but the Japanese language. While as a fixer I provide permit application services, I do believe that the system can be improved to allow low-budget international productions to have the same level of access without the heavy paperwork.

The Path Forward

To cement its position as a global filmmaking hub, Japan must:

• Develop consistent, bilingual and transparent permitting systems across regions.

• Modernise labour practices and compensation to align with international standards.

• Provide training programs for bilingual professionals and production managers, fully educating them on overlaps between production and Japanese law.

Conclusion

Tokyo Vice was a milestone for international filmmaking in Japan, but it’s just the beginning. The series proved that Japan has immense potential as a filming destination, but realizing that potential will require bold reforms and a willingness to embrace global standards.

Without meaningful change, Japan risks losing out to countries that have already made themselves indispensable to the global film industry. The world is watching — and it’s time for Japan to step up.

Planning a film project in Japan or already deep in production? Let’s make your vision come to life! Whether you need expert guidance through online consultations, hands-on production support on the ground, or someone to navigate the maze of permit applications and lend an ear to the planning process, I’m here to ensure your project runs smoothly and successfully.

Let’s create something incredible together — reach out, and let’s get started!