My first "movie" experience
I was little when I saw my very first movie. It was the most anticipated film of the year in Japan and my entire family went to see it in the movie theater. I still remember vividly, how at the end of the movie, everyone's eyes were full of tears. Even my older, bossy cousin cried. It was the first time in my young life that I witnessed the way a movie can affect people, the magic of the movies.
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A movie that led me to college
The experience did not make me run out and make films at a young age like Mr. Steven Spielberg however. I was still just a kid with a multitude of interests such as volleyball, video games, music, and astronomy. Learning English and foreign cultures as well. Over a decade of time would pass after that special movie theater experience, until an American movie inspires my college major of English Literature. A phrase from the movie has become my motto in life: "Carpe Diem."
In college, I wasn't only introduced to great literature, but also great professors at Sophia University in Tokyo. One of them, Prof. K, was from UCLA, who was teaching film classes that I was obsessed with. He inspired me to fly to Los Angeles and start my filmmaking journey upon graduation.
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My first film
While studying at UCLA extension, I wrote, produced, and directed my first film on location in Kyoto, Japan: Chiyo. Chiyo was my very first film I produced and directed. It turned out to be the best film school. Through years of unexpected hardships, the film came to fruition thanks to the continuous belief and support of my staff, friends and family. As a result, we were honored to be selected as a semi-finalist for the 79th Academy Awards.
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After Chiyo
After Chiyo, I had the opportunity to work for an Oscar-winning production company from South Africa. The discipline and skills I acquired there were priceless, inspiring me to create my own production company. I had the opportunity to produce and direct a feature documentary film, Seed - The Life of The Rice King and His Kin -, on an inspiring story about the Japanese American rice farmers in Central California. I had also the honor to work with Ms. Tamlyn Tomita for a short film I wrote, produced, and directed, The Oak Tree and Onigiri.
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Today I continue pouring my heart into the making of quality films for audiences far and wide -- hopefully in a movie theater, filled with tears and smiles:)