Tokyo, Japan
I am a Localization Strategy and Production Specialist with deep expertise spanning the entire content lifecycle—from international sales and theatrical acquisition to global dubbing and subtitling production. My background provides a unique, end-to-end perspective: Theatrical Production Excellence: Oversaw subtitling and dubbing production for approximately 30 annual theatrical releases, including Academy Award winners (e.g., Green Book, Shoplifters). Managed the entire process—from quality checks to logistics—ensuring adherence to high theatrical quality standards. Acquisition & Strategy: Contributed to securing distribution rights for critically acclaimed titles (e.g., The Artist, The Imitation Game). Developed strong insight into quality content evaluation and international marketing alignment. Foundation in Project Management: Established a solid base in vendor management, multilingual production, and international stakeholder coordination through early roles in translation project management and content sales.
Leads the global dubbing strategy and production for Japanese original content, managing the end-to-end lifecycle across 36+ languages. Ensures Creative Intent Preservation: Acts as the primary liaison between local Creative Teams and global partners, setting guidance for casting, talent management, and consistency to protect the integrity of the original work. Drives Operational Excellence: Manages large-scale project risk, complex budgets, and schedules. Ensures strategic alignment among critical cross-functional teams (Content Acquisitions, Marketing, Legal) for successful global launches. Contributes to Innovation: Proactively adopts and contributes to new workflows and technology to continuously enhance the efficiency and quality of the dubbing ecosystem.
Provided specialised audiovisual translations (subtitle and dubbing script creation) and entertainment texts between English and Japanese. Experienced in: Proofreading & Quality Check, Transcription, Timing / Spotting. Utilized industry-standard tools (SST, CANVASs, Babel) to deliver high-quality localised feature films, TV series, and corporate videos.
Managed media localisation services (subtitling, voice-over, transcription) for a diverse client base, ranging from public sectors in Nordic countries to internationally known private companies. Led project management activities including quoting, budgeting, vendor selection, client communication, and final delivery, contributing to the growth of a new business area. Consistently delivered tailored solutions by discovering client needs and collaborating with a worldwide network of vendors and co-workers.
Oversaw the complete localization production cycle for approximately 30 foreign films annually, specialising in subtitled and dubbed versions for both theatrical release and home entertainment. Guaranteed high theatrical quality standards by selecting and managing translators, external vendors, and labs, and personally executing quality control on translations and final products. Managed essential distribution logistics, including materials management, customs clearance, and adherence to local rating authority processes, ensuring smooth theatrical releases. Titles: • Shoplifters (Hirokazu Kore-eda, 2018): CC and audio guide • Green Book (Peter Farrelly, 2018): subtitle and dubbed • Borg/McEnroe (Janus Metz, 2017): subtitle • Redoubtable (Michel Hazanavicius, 2017): subtitle • The Big Sick (Michael Showalter, 2017): subtitle • Kubo and the Two Strings (Travis Knight, 2016): subtitle and dubbed (re-dubbing) • Citizenfour (Laura Poitras, 2014): subtitle • The Hateful Eight (Quentin Tarantino, 2015): subtitle and dubbed for home entertainment • Room (Lenny Abrahamson, 2015): subtitle • The Sing Street (John Carney, 2016): subtitle and dubbed for home entertainment • Loving (Jeff Nichols, 2016): subtitle • Lion (Garth Davis, 2016): subtitle and dubbed for home entertainment • Elle (Paul Verhoeven, 2016): subtitle • It's Only the End of the World (Xavier Dolan, 2016): subtitle ...and so on.
Identified and secured distribution rights for a diverse portfolio of critically acclaimed international films through script and screening evaluations (e.g., The Artist, The Imitation Game). Coordinated international marketing strategies, managed contract adherence, and secured approval from licensers for local promotional campaigns. Represented the company at major film markets and festivals, enhancing market presence and deal-making opportunities. Titles: • The Artist (Michel Hazanavicius, 2011) • Pina (Wim Wenders, 2011) • Intouchables (Olivier Nakache, Éric Toledano, 2011) • The Young And Prodigious T.S. Spivet (Jean-Pierre Jeunet, 2013) • The Imitation Game (Morten Tyldum, 2014) • Silver Linings Playbook (David O. Russell, 2012) • Shame (Steve McQueen, 2011) ...and so on.
Supported international sales activities for high-quality Japanese films, including production of sales materials (keyart, press book) and managing English subtitled materials production. Coordinated participation in international film festivals and markets, and handled Japanese talents abroad. *Double-hat until the team is split between Acquisition and International Sales. Titles: • Into the White Night (Yoshihiro Fukagawa, 2010): screened in the Main Programme of the Panorama section at the Berlin International Film Festival • I wish (Hirokazu Kore-eda, 2011) • Himizu (Sion Sono, 2011): Marcello Mastroianni Award winner at Venice International Film Festival • Like Father, Like Son (Hirokazu Kore-eda, 2013): Jury Prize winner at Cannes Film Festival ...and so on.
Due to bankruptcy of previous employer.