Aikawa says, "the idea of ever having the chance to
participate in Hollywood productions seemed impossible. To
me, Hollywood was a distant world, so it didn't even cross
my mind to make Hollywood my goal."
Instead, Aikawa focused on finding a way into the Japanese
film industry.
"I participated in my first Japanese drama production as
a sort of field trip about 20 years ago," he recalls, "and after
being able to see the process up close, there was no going
back. I decided to learn how to produce."
UP THE LADDER
In Japan, there are two ways to get into the business. The
first is to find your way into a job at a major Japanese studio
like Toho or Toei, Kadokawa. The other, much like anywhere
else, is to begin as an assistant in production and work your
way up. Given his lack of connections, Aikawa had no choice
but to take the longer route.
The production department in Japan, called Seisaku-bu 制
作部, is comprised of a variety of different teams. "It's a very
diverse department here," he explains. "Production handles
everything from location scouting to transportation, hotel
arrangements, catering and budget management."
For 10 years, Aikawa observed and worked in every
Seisaku-bu, learning about the responsibilities of each before
moving up to Seisaku-tanto (the Japanese equivalent of UPM)
and then later, as a producer on several films. It was during
those years that he began to develop an affinity for those
who found and handled locations.
In 2019, Aikawa was hired to work with the location division
of Seisaku-bu on a Chinese film that was shooting in Tokyo.
There, he befriended one of the Japanese producers who
would offer him a huge opportunity… and his big break.
A DREAM REALIZED
The producer had signed on to a major international series
for HBO. Veteran filmmaker Michael Mann was on board to
direct the pilot and also serve as an executive producer. His
visual sense would shape and define the vibe and the look of
the new series.
Seeing that Aikawa had done an incredible job finding and
securing locations for the Chinese feature, the producer
invited him to join the location team on the pilot episode of
Tokyo Vice.
Tokyo. Photo by Masa Aikawa/LMGI
