Production Services
Production Services in Japan
Professional filming support, location coordination and on-ground production services across Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Japan. We help international productions film smoothly in Japan.
International productions filming in Japan need local knowledge, cultural understanding and reliable on-ground coordination. San Roku Ku provides all three.
Your production partner in Japan
San Roku Ku provides comprehensive production services in Japan for international productions, brands, and filmmakers. From initial concept through to final delivery, we handle the practical and cultural complexities of filming in Japan, so you can focus on the creative work.
Our team is bilingual and based between London and Japan, giving us a clear understanding of both international production expectations and Japanese on-ground realities. We work with commercial productions, branded content, film projects, documentaries, and editorial teams filming in Japan.
Whether you are planning a shoot in Tokyo, coordinating across multiple Japanese cities, or need a reliable fixer for a short production window, we provide the support that keeps projects running smoothly. Our services cover everything from permit applications and location scouting to crew sourcing, interpreter support, logistics, and on-set coordination.
Japan filming requires careful preparation. Location permits, especially for historic sites, temples, and public spaces, need advance applications and local knowledge. Street filming in cities like Tokyo and Osaka requires different permissions and timing considerations. Our team navigates these requirements daily, giving us the ability to plan realistic shoot schedules and avoid common pitfalls.
Beyond the logistics, San Roku Ku brings creative understanding to every project. We know what international clients expect from footage shot in Japan, and we ensure the output meets those standards. Whether that means capturing the visual character of Japanese locations, coordinating bilingual crew, or managing post-production delivery across markets, we handle it.
Our Japan production services
Location Scouting in Japan
We scout locations across Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and other Japanese cities and regions. We identify suitable filming locations, negotiate access with venue owners and managers, and handle the practical details of set requirements.
Filming Permits and Legal Compliance
San Roku Ku manages filming permit applications for public spaces, historic sites, temples, and commercial locations across Japan. We understand the requirements for different municipal offices and how to plan timelines accordingly.
Bilingual Crew Coordination
We source and coordinate Japanese crew members who can work effectively with international creative teams. This includes camera assistants, sound operators, production assistants, and specialist crew for specific production requirements.
Interpreter and Translation Support
Our bilingual team provides interpretation for production meetings, on-set coordination, and talent management. We also handle translation of call sheets, production documents, and release forms.
Equipment and Logistics
We arrange equipment rental, local transportation, accommodation, and daily logistics for productions filming in Japan. Our network of trusted suppliers ensures reliable equipment and timely delivery.
On-Set Production Support
San Roku Ku team members are available on-set during filming to manage local coordination, communicate with crew and locations, and handle any issues that arise during production.
Where we operate in Japan
We support productions across Japan with bases in Tokyo and Kyoto, and the ability to coordinate shoots throughout the country.
Tokyo
Tokyo provides diverse urban filming environments from modern districts to traditional neighbourhoods. We handle permits for street filming, building access, and public space use in all major Tokyo wards.
Kyoto
Kyoto offers iconic historic locations including temples, geisha districts, and traditional streets. Filming in Kyoto requires specific permits through the Kyoto Film Commission, which we manage on behalf of international productions.
Osaka and the Kansai Region
Osaka and surrounding Kansai cities provide alternative urban environments with a distinct character from Tokyo. We coordinate permits and logistics across this region for productions seeking different backdrops.
Beyond
We support productions filming in Hokkaido, Nagano, Okinawa and other Japanese regions, coordinating permits, logistics and local crew as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you help us film in Japan if we are based overseas?
Yes. San Roku Ku works with international productions, agencies and brands that are planning to film in Japan. We can take on the full on-ground coordination role, or support specific aspects of your production depending on your needs.
Do you handle filming permits in Japan?
Yes. We manage filming permit applications for public spaces, historic sites, commercial locations and private venues across Japan. We understand the requirements for different municipal jurisdictions and can plan timelines accordingly.
Which cities in Japan do you cover?
We support productions across all major Japanese cities including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Yokohama, Nagoya and others. Our primary bases are in Tokyo and Kyoto, with the ability to coordinate throughout Japan.
Can you provide bilingual crew in Japan?
Yes. San Roku Ku coordinates bilingual Japanese crew who can work effectively with international creative teams. We source specialists for camera, sound, production and other departments as needed by your shoot.
How far in advance should we plan a Japan shoot?
Permit applications for historic sites and major locations in Kyoto should be submitted several weeks in advance. Tokyo permits for street filming can often be processed more quickly. We recommend reaching out as early as possible to ensure the best location options and scheduling.
Do you offer fixer services or full production management?
We offer both. For some productions, a fixer role covering location access, permits and local logistics is sufficient. For others, we provide full production management from pre-production planning through to final delivery. We adapt our involvement to your project requirements.