**Beyond Japan Filmmaker Program Returns to Hollywood, Showcasing Rising Japanese Talent**
As Japanese content continues to resonate globally, the Beyond Japan Filmmaker program is making its return to Hollywood. This initiative brings together groups of up-and-coming filmmakers and producers from Japan, providing them with access to key industry players in Los Angeles and opportunities to grow their international exposure.
CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment), an organization dedicated to the development of Asian and Pacific Islanders in the entertainment industry, has teamed up once again with JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) and American venture capital firm Plug and Play for the second iteration of the program.
**Meet the 2024 Cohort**
The selected filmmakers for this year’s program, in alphabetical order, are:
– Kako Annika Esashi
– Kana Hatakeyama
– Kenneth Pulgar-Vidal
– Takuya Miyahara
– Yoshihisa Toda
– Yusaku Mizoguchi
U.S.-born, Tokyo-based Kako Annika Esashi is recognized for projects that examine how women navigate changing cities and expectations. Her short film, *End of Dinosaurs*, was screened at the Tokyo International Film Festival.
Kana Hatakeyama, who works in both Japan and New York, has produced multiple shorts, including *Okaasan*, *Fitness!*, and *Sweat*. She has also served as an advisor to director Sang-il Lee on *Pachinko* and as a consultant on *Tokyo Vice*.
Kenneth Pulgar-Vidal is a writer-director specializing in genre projects, with experience at both Apple TV and Netflix. He is the creator of the cyberpunk short *Synapse*.
Takuya Miyahara is a Tokyo-born, London-raised filmmaker influenced by visual arts and music. His signature style focuses on minimal dialogue and rich sound design.
Yoshihisa Toda is a cinematographer with credits spanning more than 40 countries, including projects for Disney+ and Amazon. In the U.S., he is represented by UTA.
Yusaku Mizoguchi, a writer-director, has previously worked at Warner Bros. and Disney. His debut feature, *Mafiosa*, won Best Feature at the LA World Film Fest, and his second film, *SAE*, follows a young Japanese artist who finds hope through her art in Los Angeles. *SAE* is set for its world premiere in 2026.
**Program Selection and Structure**
This year’s cohort was chosen by a distinguished panel, including Palme d’Or-winning filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda, CAPE Executive Director and CEO Michelle K. Sugihara, *Tokyo Vice* executive producer Kayo Washio, director-producer Chiaki Yanagimoto, and DJ Jiang, founder of Great Leap Ventures.
The program is facilitated in English and offers mentorship, networking opportunities, and seminars led by industry heavyweights from both Japan and the U.S. The experience culminates in *J-Screen*, a two-day event celebrating hit Japan-U.S. co-productions and bringing together recognized Japanese filmmakers alongside emerging talent.
**Industry Impact and Support**
“Globalization of Japan’s film industry is a top priority for the Japanese government,” said JETRO Executive Director Yasunori Takizawa. “We are honored to bring back Beyond Japan Filmmaker, a program that fosters talent for this purpose, and partner with CAPE again given their long history of advancing Asian and Pacific Islander representation.”
Rhian Moore, CAPE Head of Programs, added: “As we witness this international surge of interest in Japanese IP and content, CAPE is proud to support Japan’s growing investment in creators and storytellers. We are thrilled to partner again with JETRO for Beyond Japan Filmmaker to nurture the next generation of Japanese filmmakers, connect them with Hollywood, and champion their stories to inspire global audiences.”
Stay tuned for more updates as the Beyond Japan Filmmaker program continues to bridge creative talent from Japan to Hollywood and beyond.
https://deadline.com/2025/11/beyond-japan-filmmaker-program-second-year-cohort-1236614184/