Filming in Japan
Japan is a compelling destination for film and television production, offering an extraordinary blend of visual diversity, cultural depth, and cutting-edge infrastructure. From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to tranquil villages, snow-covered mountains, historic shrines, temples, and dramatic coastlines, Japan presents a cinematic landscape unlike anywhere else. What sets Japan apart is the seamless fusion of the modern and the traditional: futuristic buildings stand alongside centuries-old shrines and temples; all nestled in landscapes that reflect the spirit of wa-harmony. This deep cultural value is reflected in how architecture and nature coexist, creating a world that feels both timeless and uniquely Japanese.
Japan’s traditional culture—samurai, kabuki, tea ceremony, and even ninja folklore—remains vibrantly present, offering not only atmospheric backdrops but a storytelling richness that can’t be replicated elsewhere. Whether you’re capturing the elegance of a tea ceremony or the stark minimalism of a Zen Garden, Japan offers a wealth of cultural texture that enhances any narrative.
Japan’s production infrastructure is among the best in Asia. Local crews are highly skilled and increasingly internationally experienced, with world-class facilities that can support large-scale features and series with the latest in virtual production and data capabilities.
In a major boost to international producers, Japan now offers a generous Location Incentive Program, administered by VIPO and the Japan Film Commission. The program provides a cash rebate of up to 50% on qualifying expenses in Japan, with a maximum reimbursement of ¥1 billion (approx. USD 6.8 million). Projects must be intended for international release in ten or more countries and are expected to feature Japanese locations and contribute to local employment and culture.
Beyond production value, Japan is a highly efficient and reliable country for filming. With its extensive transportation network – including the famously punctual Shinkansen (bullet trains), regional railways, and domestic flights – location moves are fairly easy to plan and execute. Delays are rare, allowing producers to schedule with precision and confidence.
Japan is also a country of four distinct seasons, each offering its own atmospheric palette—from cherry blossoms in spring to snow-covered temples in winter. Most of the country lies in the northern temperate zone but southern islands like Okinawa offer an exceptional immersion into a humid, subtropical climate. Our team can help you take full advantage of this seasonal and climatic variety by matching your creative needs with stunning natural and urban locations throughout the country.
At the heart of the Japanese experience is omotenashi—a spirit of hospitality that runs deep in the culture. It represents a sincere and thoughtful approach to welcoming guests, anticipating needs, and making every effort to ensure comfort and care. It has been passed down from generation to generation and remains firmly rooted in the cutting-edge culture of modern Japan. As PSN’s local partners in Japan, we carry that tradition into every production we support. Our goal is to make your experience filming in Japan as seamless, enjoyable, and creatively fulfilling as possible.
We look forward to welcoming your team to Japan. Please feel free to contact us to begin planning your shoot.
PSN Japan delivers experience working with
- Production houses like Mill+, Untitled, BBH London...
- Studios/Streamers like Apple TV+, HBO Max, Fifth Season, Legendary Pictures, Skydance...
- Directors like Michael Mann, Gus Van Sant, Oded Ruskin, Josef Kubota Wladyka, Alan Poul, Hikari, Takeshi Fukunaga
- DOPs like Rotem Yaron, Katsumi Yanagijima, Benedict Spence, John Grillo, Diego Garcia, Corey Walter
Japan is also home to
- Directors like Takeshi Kitano, Hirokazu Koreeda, Kiyoshi Kurosawa, Takashi Yamazaki, Takashi Miike, Shunji Iwai, Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Hayao Miyazaki, Mamoru Hosoda, Makoto Shinkai
- DOPs like Katsumi Yanagijimia, Akira Sako, Takuro Ishizaka
Satch WatanabeFilm & TV producer - IMDb
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Satch Watanabe is a seasoned film and TV producer with recent credits including the acclaimed Apple TV+ series Drops of God and seasons 1 and 2 of the HBO Max series Tokyo Vice.
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Born in Japan and raised in the U.S., he has honed a unique bicultural perspective in his work on film and television projects over the past 25 years.
Satch has worked with some of the world’s most respected filmmakers such as Gus Van Sant and Michael Mann. He produced the feature film The Sea of Trees (2015) starring Matthew McConaughey, and The Outsider (2018) starring Jared Leto. In 2011, he wrote, produced, and directed the PSA Unite for Japan in response to the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. The project featured global icons such as Clint Eastwood, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Johnny Depp.
With deep roots in both Japanese and Western media, Satch continues to serve as a trusted partner for international productions filming in Japan. His cross-cultural fluency, creative instincts, and logistical expertise make him a vital asset in bringing globally resonant stories to life.
Masanori ”Masa” AikawaFilm & TV producer – IMDb
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Masa is an experienced Producer and Supervising Location Manager of Japanese film and television whose career path turned global when he worked on a Chinese feature shot in Tokyo.
This led to his work as location scout under Janice Polley and later the Supervising Location Manager of Tokyo Vice seasons 1 and 2.
Masa steered a complex process of opening Tokyo streets for the high-profile HBO series. He enabled logistics and secured filming permits in neighborhoods historically resistant to filming like Akasaka, Akabane, and several major landmarks in and around the city.
In 2023, Masa became one of the founding members of Tokyo Rock Studio, an initiative dedicated to leveraging collective on – location expertise for future large-scale productions. That same year, he became the first Japan-based member of the Location Managers Guild International (LMGI), earning a nomination for his work on Tokyo Vice in 2024.
As a cultural liaison Masa continues to support international productions filming in Japan – most recently lending his expertise on Apple TV’s upcoming series Neuromancer. His commitment to authenticity and collaboration has been instrumental in transforming Japan into a dynamic backdrop for global storytelling.
3-16-3, East 3-chome
Shibuya-ku
Tokyo 150-0011
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Current Time in Tokyo
Thursday, 5th March 2026, 4:26 am
Motoo HahnCommercial producer
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Production of commercials, music videos, and graphic design in Los Angeles, Sydney, Hawaii and Tokyo are at the foundation of Motoo’s career spanning three decades. He is committed to pursuing the highest quality in visual expression by leveraging the experience and creativity he’s cultivated on international stages.
[cont.] Upon relocating to his Tokyo base in 2009, Motoo focused on bridging cultural and language barriers to support shoots for clients around the world. In collaboration with PSN, he has played a central role in the execution of commercial projects for Yamaha, Vodafone, TDK, Sony, Samsung, Mitsubishi, Kubota, Honda and more. He accurately understands and resolves the concerns and challenges faced by overseas producers, directors, and DOPs, ensuring smooth communication and seamless production processes.
To realize clients’ visions, Motoo dedicates himself fully to each project regardless of budget, pouring passion and innovative ideas into every endeavor. Constantly seeking new challenges, he sees it as his mission to pioneer new frontiers in visual storytelling at the cutting edge of our creative industry worldwide.
