‘Shogun‘ Success Echoes Strategies of Japanese Producers Behind ’Kokuho‘ and ‘Renoir‘
LOS ANGELES – The global phenomenon of FX’s “Shogun” is spotlighting the rising influence of Japanese producers on the international stage, a trend underscored by recent conversations with the creatives behind hit films like “Kokuho” and the critically acclaimed “Renoir.” These producers reveal a nuanced approach to filmmaking, blending artistic vision with keen understanding of both domestic and international markets.
The producers-Kaori Miyagawa, Junko Murata, and mizuno Gray-shared insights into what makes a producer valuable, the challenges of navigating different production models, and the importance of connecting with global audiences. their experiences offer a blueprint for future collaborations and a deeper understanding of the factors driving the current wave of Japanese content resonating worldwide.
Miyagawa emphasized the importance of empathy and clarity. “I think empathy goes a long way,” she said. “Really try to put yourself in another person’s shoes and know where their priorities are coming from. Also, have clarity in terms of what your goal is and what story you want to tell.”
murata,whose work includes the record-breaking drama “Kokuho,” modestly attributed its success to the collaborative efforts of the directors,crew,scriptwriter,and actors. However, she noted her experience proved invaluable in connecting with international film festival programmers and filmmakers, who provided crucial input. These industry professionals expressed a longing for films reminiscent of the masterpieces of Ozu, Kurosawa, and other titans of Japanese cinema’s Golden Age, prompting Murata to pursue “Kokuho” as a “grand studio film” with lavish sets, a decades-spanning story, and a three-hour running time.
in contrast to Murata’s corporate role, Mizuno Gray operates as an autonomous producer, requiring a highly selective approach to project selection. “You have to be very selective,” she stated, prioritizing “understanding the creator’s vision and reasoning and storytelling.” gray focuses on building personal connections with filmmakers, aligning visions before committing to a project. “So first I will try to get know filmmakers not just for their creative ability, but also as a person,” she added.”And if we can align our vision I will try to make it happen as a producer.”
Miyagawa highlighted the significance of “packaging”-balancing the director, scriptwriter, cast, and the story itself. “It’s really the balance of all of that,” she explained. Murata, as a company employee, prioritizes projects that generate revenue, a goal demonstrably achieved with “Kokuho,” which has earned $109 million since its June release, becoming the third-highest grossing live-action Japanese film ever. She added, “Talent is also very, very critically important. Because this business is all about bringing money into talent.”
