Discover Top Documentary DPs in Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Sybilla Patrizia is an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and photographer based in Tokyo. In her work, she merges her passion for social impact and human stories with her background in fashion to create thought-provoking stories that cross the border between documentary, art and design. Sybilla is currently developing her first feature-length documentary ‘PLASTIC LOVE!’, which deals with Japan’s toxic relationship with plastic and which was featured in HERMÈS’ Social Good Book. In 2022, she shot the cover of the Financial Times’ HTSI Magazine, featuring Japan’s best-selling author Mieko Kawakami and ‘The Dark Side of Manga’, a VICE short doc on child abuse in Japanese manga which won an Emmy in 2023. At Tokyo Docs 2023, ‘The Shape of Blue’ was awarded Best Pitch Award, Sunny Side of the Doc Award, and DocedgeKolkata Award.‘A Bloody Taboo’ about the stigma against menstruation in Japan, was awarded at Tokyo Docs and premiered at Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival in 2021.

• Creative Director
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Portrait Photographer
• Field Producer
• Documentary DP
• Drone Operator
• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Senior Editor
• Line Producer / On-Location
• Senior Producer / Project Manager

Born in America, Ian Thomas Ash earned an MA in Film and Television Production at the University of Bristol, UK, in 2005. His first feature documentary, ‘the ballad of vicki and jake’ (2006), received the Prix du Canton Vaud prize at the 2006 Visions du Reél International Documentary Film Festival in Nyon, Switzerland. Ian’s two feature documentaries about children living in areas of Fukushima contaminated by the 2011 nuclear meltdown, ‘In the Grey Zone‘ (2012) and ‘A2-B-C‘ (2013), have been screened at festivals around the world where they have also received multiple awards. The World Premier of ‘-1287‘ (2014), Ian’s latest documentary, took place in the 2014 Raindance Film Festival in London. Ian has lived in Japan for a total of 12 years and lives in Tokyo. He is currently in production for two feature documentaries, one about a little told niche in the Japanese sex industry and the other the third installment in his series about Fukushima.

• Fixer
• On-Air Reporter / Host
• Translator
• Documentary DP
• Video Editor - Documentary

For more than 25 years, Masa Sakamaki has been working as a producer, director, fixer and translator in film, television and theater. After studying film at UCLA, he lived and worked in New York City as a fashion commercial producer for ten years before returning to his native Tokyo to direct television for TV Asahi's 'Web Idol Book'. He then teamed up with director Travis Klose to work as a producer for feature documentary film 'ARAKIMENTARI' and station ID for Skyperfect TV's program Horror TV. He was also a fixer for 'Bomb It', a documentary film about global graffiti culture, and 'IMF', an American documentary show about music and culture in Tokyo in addition to directing an art history program for NHK along with numerous theater pieces for the stage. He is currently working for Discovery Channel / Animal Planet as a creative producer / director since 2007 and about to finish his first feature documentary film Homie KEI as a director.

• Documentary DP

Since 2006, the world of movies and filmmaking has taken a great place in Kevin’s life. He has been fond of cinema and in particular of short-films and documentaries. After 2 years of studying at SAE Institute (School of audio engineering) in Berlin he gives it a shot and directs several short-film projects and documentaries both in Switzerland and Germany. He discovers the possibilities offered by stop motion and special effects and at the same time his own world. His willingness to move further and to increase his knowledge leads him to Paris where he works as a cameraman and editor for C4 productions on music videos and documentaries. Cine impuls in Berlin then gives him an opportunity to work as a camera assistant. He is delighted to go back to this city that he enjoys so much. He learns how to master professional cameras and various cinema technics (image, lights, sound). He starts working as an independent filmmaker in 2011 and through agencies get several contracts for documentaries for german TV and image films for companies as Panasonic or EnBW as a cameraman, camera-assistant, editor or motion designer. He also actually fulfill one of his dreams, writes and shoot documentaries around-the-world since january 2015. The name of the project is doc’it yourself, do yourself your own documentaries, he begin this project alone but want to connect with other filmmakers and create a community of independent films around the world. In his travel he meet the film community "Collabfeature" and direct a long feature film with 40 international directors. The film "Train Station" already win 4 prices in different festivals.

• Documentary DP
• Creative Director
• Video Editor - News
• Production Company
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - Commercial

I am a freelance filmmaker based in Tokyo, Japan. In 2013, a summer program at UCLA sparked my love for filmmaking. In 2015, I relocated to New York and successfully completed my major in Film B.F.A. at State University of New York, Purchase College, graduating in 2020. After returning to Japan, I joined a production company before embracing the freelance journey in 2021. The video, under my direction in both filming and editing, secured a TikTok award among 246 submissions for the "CraftBoss Milk Tea Contest" on TikTok in Japan. Recently, the documentary TV show I edited, titled "MIRADOR," aired on Japanese national broadcasting network called NHK. "MIRADOR" recently won an award for ABU (Asia pacific broadcasting union) for entertainment category. While primarily focused on editing, I also take on shooting roles. I've worked my editing and/or shooting for a range of clients, including Audi, Nikon, BBC StoryWorks, NHK, Toray, Annapurna Interactive, Japan Post, and more.

• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Corporate Videographer
• Documentary DP
• Commercial DP
• Creative Director

If you are interested in my portfolio, Please send me a message. I will send the password ASAP. I worked for a Japanese TV programme production company for four years. For the first three years, as an assistant director (AD), I was in charge of research (preliminary interviews), obtaining filming permission for locations, preparing for filming by arranging accommodation, transport and meals, attending to the actors during filming, responding flexibly to the site to ensure filming went smoothly, and assisting with editing and delivering the programme after filming was complete. I gained a series of experiences from programme production preparation to delivery to the TV station. 　I worked as an AD for NHK BS Premium's "Kirari! En Tabi" and the NHK BS Premium special "Heisei Manyoshu" in my first year. In 'Heisei Manyoshu', I was 1st AD for the third of the four specials, working in pairs with the director to create a 90-minute programme. In my second year, I made my debut as a director on the TV Asahi mini-programme 'Mirai Heritage' while in charge of NHK BS Premium's 'Charidar'. In the third year, amidst the Corona disaster, I was VTR editorial director for 'Charidar' and was in charge of actor handling as assistant director and extra in the drama 'Edogawa Rampo Short Story'. 　In my fourth year, I participated as a director in the launch of TV Asahi's mini-programme 'The Challenge of the Twenty'. As ADs and APs are not assigned to mini-programmes, I produced more than 20 productions in one year as a director, while also taking care of AD duties, post-production communication, delivery work and other duties handled by the APs.

• Video Editor - Documentary
• Documentary DP
• Video Editor - Commercial

Hello, my name is Thomas and I am a director & editor living in Tokyo, Japan. I enjoy directing a wide range of projects including documentary style content and music videos. I have worked with musicians, master sake brewers, VR engineers, and creative agencies to create work that reveals something special about Japan. I work with a compact network of like-minded friends and colleagues to create projects with love and great attention to detail. I also own my own equipment and have many contacts here in Japan. Cameras Canon C70 (RF,EF,PL) Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K pro Team members own: Red Raven, Gemini, Arri Alexa 35 + other camera models are usually rented Lenses Zeiss ZE 15, 18, 21, 25, 35, 50, 80, 100, 135 Canon EF 20,28,35,50,85,16-35,24-105,70-200, Sigma 18-35 Other Mavic 2 Drone Sachler Flowtech tripod Tilta M wireless follow focus

• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Digital Content Creator
• Documentary DP
• Corporate Videographer

It started with editing- I love it! on virtually every level, whether it's a broadcast program or an independent short, I get immense satisfaction from the process. It's about creating order from chaos, and finding emotionally engaging narratives within sometimes seemingly disparate raw content, or crafting scenes to draw out the drama and character. Now I've branched out into creative and operational management both in production and post production - with the ability to deliver high quality under all kinds of difficult circumstances. My clients have included advertising agencies such as Wieden Kennedy, BBH, M&C Saatchi, streamers such as Amazon Prime, Netflix and DAZN, but I also don't shy away from more modest projects that are about creating emotionally engaging, sincere content.

• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Senior Editor
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Post-Production Manager
• Corporate Videographer
• Creative Director
• Documentary DP
• Production Company
• Senior Producer / Project Manager

I’ve spent 28 years living, traveling and filming around the world and have a passion for telling stories and sharing the human experience through the power of video and photography. Currently based in Tokyo, Japan, I am a freelance videographer, video editor and photographer with 12 years of professional experience shooting documentary-style films for non-profits, travel videos, and corporate promotional videos. I enjoy working both on land and underwater and have worked intermittently as a NAUI/PADI certified SCUBA diving instructor since 2002. I’ve called various countries home including the US, Germany, Hungary, Mexico, the UAE and now, of the second time, Japan. I love travel, adventure, diving, dogs, good food and my wife, not necessarily in that order.

• Creative Director
• Documentary DP
• Drone Operator
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Commercial DP
• Production Assistant

Yuta Okamura is a Japanese-born and raised writer and director. Over the past decade, Yuta has lived and worked in Los Angeles and Tokyo, directing and shooting short films, documentaries, web series, commercials, and music videos. After high school, he moved to the United States and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Film & Television Production from the University of Southern California in 2011. Yuta's work has earned global acclaim and recognition. His short film "Waking Up" won the Best Film and Best Director awards at the Asians on Film Festival and was showcased at the Short Shorts Film Festival, among over 10 international film festivals. Yuta's film "The Lost Samurai" also won the Jury Award at the Rappahannock Independent Film Festival in 2011.

• Production Company
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Documentary DP
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Creative Director
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Production Coordinator / Crewing

Like an idea we have no limits or boundaries, just solutions, tools and amazing people with the desire to create. These are the precursors to something amazing happening. Huxham Creative Studio is a Tokyo based entity streamlining the process of being effortlessly awesome. Who we are exactly and what we do can be a little hard to define, at the root of it all we are specialists, not just in a single field but in many. A full service production house from idea to execution. Masterminds of advertising, creators and curators of film and still imagery projects. But most importantly; we are the movers and shakers that accomplish what others merely talk about. In short – we’re the people you hire to get things done

• Documentary DP
• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Commercial DP
• Creative Director
• Video Editor - News
• Field Producer
• Fixer
• Drone Operator
• Motion Graphics Designer
• Music Composer
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Production Assistant

Matthew currently focuses on commercial work as a director and cinematographer specializing in fashion content production. Matthew’s history in the industry as an editorial assignment photographer & videographer has seen his work on Vogue (US, UK, Paris, Japan & China editions), Elle (US, UK & Italy editions), GQ & British GQ, Harper’s Bazaar, V Magazine & VMAN, Paper, W, Nylon, WWD, Glamour, Garage, Vanity Fair, Esquire, Essence, InStyle, TIME, Complex, and The New York Times. Matthew’s commercial clients include Nike, New Balance, Adidas, Lululemon, Rakuten, Dover Street Market, BAPE, Alpha Industries, Havaianas, etc. Matthew is based in Tokyo, Japan.

• Commercial DP
• Documentary DP
• Creative Director
• Fashion Photographer
• Social Media Producer
• Digital Content Creator
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Production Company

I am a documentary filmmaker based in Tokyo. I majored in comparative politics at Princeton University. My latest documentary film "Tomorrow We Will See" highlights how 10 artists in Lebanon challenge sectarian divides. This documentary has been shown in film festivals such as National Geographic All Roads Film Festival 2010 and will air on DR, a Danish television broadcasting station in May 2015. I have experience directing and producing finance news programs called Asia Biz Forecast NHK World. I directed a short documentary on a 69-year-old DJ for VICE Japan. I speak Japanese and English fluently. I can have basic conversations in Portuguese and Spanish.

• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Documentary DP
• Translator
• Video Editor - News
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - Commercial

Hemant is a young, independent filmmaker based in Tokyo, Japan, with 8 years of experience, including pre- and post-production. It included TV commercials, music videos, film promos, corporate films, social media content, and many others. In particular, his skills revolve around shooting and editing. Director/Camera/Photographer/ Editor / Motion Graphics. Hemant has worked in this capacity for the vast majority of his projects. Hemant has experience as a one-man team as well as being part of the larger crew. This experience allowed him to adapt quickly and painlessly to the changing circumstances and plans on the set and still deliver a high-quality product, as evidenced by his work.

• Documentary DP
• Commercial DP
• Corporate Videographer
• Creative Director
• Copywriter
• Senior Editor

To Whom It May Concern, I'm a bilingual freelance filmmaker based in Japan. I got a degree in filmmaking from California State University, Northridge in 2007. Since then, I have been involved in many productions from commercial to feature length film in Japan, US, Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia, Poland, and Dubai. Meanwhile, I have written and directed some shorts and feature-length film as well as a mini-TV series. I have my own team from production support to editing process. Also, I have an access to camera equipment. I am very interested in joining your team and looking forward for hearing from you soon. Best regards, Yu Inose

• Documentary DP
• Reporter / Journalist
• Translator
• Video Editor - Documentary

I'm an Australian living in Tokyo Japan who has had a long career in creating and shooting imagery. I have been a Photographer working in advertising and editorial for 15 years before transitioning to be a DOP and Director. I shoot Documentary and Narrative and for commercial clients as well as streaming platforms. I am well versed in all areas of filmmaking from pre production to post and bring a creative and well trained eye, great lighting skills and a passion for story telling to all projects. Living and working in Japan I can speak Japanese and understand how to navigate the cultural landscape whilst creating beautiful and powerful work.

• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Commercial DP
• Documentary DP

My name is Bryan Baier and I live to play and adventure outside. Whether I'm paragliding or sand boarding on the sand dunes of Tottori, ripping up the powder on the slopes of Nagano, partying in Tokyo or bungee jumping in Gunma, in my adopted home of Japan adventure is always within reach. I show you where it is, how to do it, and how to get to and stay at it cheaper and more comfortably than you ever though possible. Get ready, ordinary is strictly prohibited especially when you're... Traveling on a Dime. See ya!

• Documentary DP
• Sound Mixer

Born in Ishikawa, Japan. Miku Kitagawa is a Japanese film director based in Tokyo. She attended Tokyo Gakugei University in Expressive Communication, graduated from UCLA Extension in Entertainment Studies. Her short film, “Fiction” won the Audience Award from The 30th Tokyo Student Film Festival, and “Fried Egg” received Honorable Mention from Berlin Flash Film Festival 2019. Most recently, she participated in the Berlinale Talents Tokyo 2020 workshop, and won the Special Mention with her first feature project (work-in-progress), "KANAKO".

• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Corporate Videographer
• Documentary DP
• Commercial DP
• Creative Director

+B Film Production wants to bring film production in Japan and abroad together. With rich experience of many years from film production to High Vision technology our staff is striving to reduce the distance between Japan and the world. True to our motto Japans values to the world, the worlds values to Japan, we take over film production introducing Japanese film management, creators, actors, music and movie producers to the world, and at the same time making valuable resources abroad accessible from Japan.

• Documentary DP
• Sound Mixer

Cinematographer / DP based in Tokyo, Japan. Taiwanese who had the chance to be raised in the U.S, New Zealand, Taiwan, and now, Japan. With this unique experience, Kaze is able to appreciate the cultures of both East and West, and apply them through his work. Experiences from hundred crews blockbuster movie set, to one man documentary shoot. Familiar with most industry standard gears, and will alway be a nerd for new gear technologies.

• Documentary DP
• Commercial DP
• Corporate Videographer
• Creative Director
• Event Photographer
• Fashion Photographer
• Portrait Photographer