There's no other place like Japan.
In Japan, vibrant modernity and rich history coexist to create a production environment like no other. Whether your project requires the high-octane energy of neon cityscapes or the quiet soul of a traditional Shinto shrine, Tokyo Colours is your bridge to the very best of the country.
Established in 2017 by bilingual producers Naoko Miyamoto and Brian Kobo, we are dedicated to providing reliable and comprehensive production services for films, commercials, and photo shoots across Japan.
We believe that a successful project should be as enjoyable as it is professional, and we pride ourselves on navigating the unique nuances of Japanese production with ease.
If you are looking for a local partner to bring your vision to life, we would love to hear from you. Reach out today, and let’s create something extraordinary together.
Finding the right people is essential, and our wide network of local agencies helps us find exactly who you’re looking for—from experienced actors and athletes to background extras and 'real people.'
We keep our process flexible to suit your needs, organizing online casting sessions and video auditions that fit your schedule and time zone. Our goal is to make your talent search straightforward and stress-free.
Japan is home to a diverse range of locations that bring a unique character to any project. From the vibrant energy of the city to quiet rural landscapes and timeless architecture, you’ll find incredible variety across the country.
We handle scouting, permitting, and on-site management anywhere in Japan. We’re here to help you navigate the local logistics and find the right environment for your next production.
Tokyo Colours provides comprehensive support to handle all your production needs while shooting in Japan. From initial budgeting and logistics to sourcing local crew and renting equipment, we ensure every detail is covered. We also manage the essential day-to-day requirements—including transport, accommodation, and catering—so you and your team can focus on the creative work.
No project is too big or small for us, and we are committed to making your experience in Japan both successful and enjoyable. Drop us a line to start a discussion about how we can support your next production.
Producer / Partner
Naoko studied filmmaking at the University of Canterbury School of Fine Arts in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she spent most of her adolescence. After graduating, she returned to her home country to begin her career in production. After working at a Japanese commercial production company, Naoko transitioned to producing international projects. She has worked on numerous commercials, documentaries, and films from around the world.
Producer / Partner
Brian was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. His production career officially started when he moved to Tokyo in 2000. He assisted the launch of MTV Japan as a coordinator and continued to work there as an AD. After leaving MTV, he became a freelance production coordinator/manager on many projects including Lost In Translation, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, Inception, and numerous commercials and music videos . In 2017, Brian joined forces with Naoko and together they created Tokyo Colours.
Production Coordinator
Born and raised in Tokyo. Moeko studied Film and Video at University of the Arts London. She has worked on The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift with Brian as well as a number of Japanese feature films. She also has experience working for a major international café chain, which makes her Tokyo Colours’ unofficial barista. Moeko joined Tokyo Colours in 2019.
From modern cityscapes to historical Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, we have range
of unique locations on offer for your next project.
- Permits: the approval process usually takes 1 to 2 working weeks. We will need to
provide specific information such as cast & crew numbers, gear list, number of
vehicles, the client’s name and product, media usage and sometimes the script.
- Studios: we have access to big and small studios with features such as white
background, chroma key, house studios and sound stage.
- Roads: streets permit are available in certain areas. There are lots of restrictions
such as no street blockage, no interference with public, handheld camera only and time
restrictions.
We are able to hire equipment for your project. Most equipment is readily available in
Tokyo. Send us a list of gear and we will take care of it.
- For a long term project, it may be more cost effective to bring your own camera
equipment as rental fees in Japan are expensive.
- To import equipment, one can use an ATA Carnet. For more information, please visit USCIB
We have highly experienced production personnel. Don’t hesitate to contact us for extra
support if you experience any problems during your stay in Japan.
- Our standard shoot day is based on 10 hours from call time to wrap time
- Regarding overtime, crew members are paid an extra half day if they work between 10
and 15 hours and an extra full day if they work over 15 hours
- You will incur taxi costs for call times before 6am and wrap times after 11pm
- No surcharge for nights, weekends or public holidays
- We have a network of bilingual crew available to make your shoot a successful one
- Aerial shooting is possible
- Helicopters are restricted from operating over some city areas
- The application process will take 1-2 weeks
- Drones: It is possible to fly drones in some public areas, although permits will take
more than one month to be approved. Flying drones over private land is permitted as long
as we have permission from the land owner.
We will take care of meals for everyone during the scout & shoot. We have corporate
rates at some hotels around Shibuya & Shinjuku. Let us know your budget and we can
make arrangements for you and your client.
- In Tokyo, the average 5 star hotel costs US$500 or more per night, and 4 star hotels
start from US$300
- Cost of average meals: breakfast US$8, lunch US$10, dinner US$20
- The legal drinking age in Japan is 20
- If you hold a passport from any of 68 visa exemption countries, you do NOT need visas
in order to enter Japan for film shoots, as long as you leave the country before 90
days.
- Visa exemption countries include: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland,
France, Germany, Korea, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, United
States.
- The exception to this is if you are getting paid by a Japanese company for your
service; you will then need a work visa to work and be paid in Japan.
- For more information on visa exemptions, please visit Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
- As Japan is stretched out over thousands of kilometers, the climate varies from island
to island.
- You can expect heavy snowfall in Northern part of Japan while the southern island of
Okinawa has an average high of over 20C/68F all year around.
- Japan has four seasons; on average, the hottest month is August and coldest month is
January.
- In Tokyo, it gets as cold as 0C/32F in the middle of winter and as hot as 38C/100F in
summer.
- The wet season is from mid-June to mid-July and cherry blossoms are in full bloom from
the end of March for 1-2 weeks.
- Japan is still a very cash-centric country. Major shops and restaurants accept cards
but places like your local ramen shop may not… It’s good to carry some yen with you.
- The best place to exchange money will be the airport. Hotels and money exchanges in
the city tend to charge terrible rates.
- If your local bank card or credit card has a Plus or Cirrus sign on the back, you can
get cash out at ATMs in any 7/11 (a popular convenience store).
- Avoid data roaming in Japan; it costs a fortune! You should either get a global
roaming flat rate plan with your mobile company or rent a pocket Wi-Fi at the airport.
Surprisingly, there are not many free Wi-Fi spots in Japan.
- There is no tipping culture in Japan. No need to tip taxis, waiters or hotel
staff.
- Some locals understand English but they can be very shy when it comes to speaking.
Make sure you have the address and name of the place ready when you get into taxis
