櫻
Voice 01 | ★★★★★ 5.0 | Working together for 5+ years
“A partner who put into words
and gave shape to what I wanted to say.”
櫻井 樹 | Owner, Good Life Fitness (Yatomi, Aichi)
Owner of Good Life Fitness, a fully private personal training gym in Yatomi, Aichi. Offers sustainable fitness with a view to changing not just your body but your life.
How it started
Right when I went independent, an acquaintance introduced him as “someone who's great at giving shape to what you feel,” and as soon as we met, I knew instinctively: “I can work with this person.”
During the project
It wasn't ordinary production. He talks with you a lot before the camera ever rolls, so I felt my own thoughts getting organized too. On shoots, he's great at creating the atmosphere and brings out the real me. And I feel there's love in every step of the process.
On the deliverables
Both the photos and the videos show not how I want to be seen, but who I am. It amazed me that they come across as natural and still convey real appeal. After the website renewal, the response clearly changed, and our customer base grew from there.
How we use it, and the response
Now the brand film and the website photos are like a business card, a tool that lets me say, “This is what we stand for.” I can use them with companies, and more and more customers tell me, “Seeing it put me at ease.”
Overall
Above all, it's fun working together, and I feel he thinks about me even more than I do. He feels less like a vendor and more like a partner walking alongside me. There's no one else I've trusted and worked with for this long. I look forward to more!
新
Voice 02 | ★★★★★ 5.0 | 2nd–3rd project
“The moment I received it,
I knew it would become a treasure for our company.”
Junko Nitta | Engawa Space neiro Inc.
During the project
I remember being moved to tears at every meeting. Throughout the production, it felt like a door deep in my heart, long closed, was being gently knocked on. In the hands of John and his team, our work made me feel, “Yes, yes! That's exactly how we want to share it! The subtle feelings I couldn't put into words have become a film right in front of me!” Thanks to that, our vision as a company became clearer, and our energy for the work grew even more.
On the deliverables
The moment I received it, I knew it would become a treasure for our company. All the staff have watched it again and again. It's meaningful for our clients, of course, and for us staff, it's like a charm: whenever we're lost or face difficulties, this film lets us return to the passion and love we started with.
How viewers respond
It moves the hearts of everyone who sees it. Many are moved to tears, and some watch it again and again. I feel it's not just beautiful or easy to understand, but a film with life in it, speaking to the depths of the viewer's heart.
Overall
Through this project, I feel the flame of happiness in everyone's heart growing bigger and stronger. May we become a society where every single life shines... I'm cheering you on!
山
Voice 03 | ★★★★★ 5.0 | 2nd–3rd project
“‘I finally met the person I'd been searching for’ —
hearts moved, thanks to the film.”
山田眞佑里 | Founder of the “School of the Heart,” Core Essence Inc.
Core Essence Inc. holds the vision “A world where no one is denied, and everyone can shine,” and runs the “School of the Heart,” a place of learning that faces the essence of the heart.
During the project
This was when John came to Niseko, Hokkaido, to report.
What struck me was how, standing a little apart, he made himself almost invisible so as not to disturb the course, closing his eyes and concentrating, taking it all in.
Seeing that, I felt that John's films have the power to reach deep into the heart precisely because he senses with all five senses and sees what the essence is.
On the deliverables
It gave our landing page real power.
The response was big:
“This is the course I was looking for.”
“I felt I'd finally met the person I'd been searching for.”
“I was moved to tears.”
“I thought, this is the real thing.”
Many people were moved by John's film and went on to take the course. For us too, he made a video that moves us every time we watch it, a true asset.
The photos, too, have a quality only John can achieve, capturing energy itself. I'm so glad I asked John for both the video and the photos.
How viewers respond
“This is the course I was looking for.”
“Through the film, I felt I'd finally met the person I'd been searching for.”
“I was moved to tears.”
“I thought, this is the real thing.”
“I watched it over and over.”
“The choice of images and music is perfect,” and more.
We received many comments from people whose hearts were shaken by the film.
Overall
From long hours of footage, his ability to find what to cut out and share as the essence, and to weave words, images and music that move the heart from the viewer's point of view, is outstanding.
At John's core is love, and I feel that his heart that cherishes people and events creates deep emotion at a high vibration.
I'm cheering you on to create many more WAVEs.
一
Voice 04 | ★★★★★ 5.0 | First project
“I thought, I want this played at my own funeral.”
Our Association | Education support (Aichi)
During the project
He was positive about teaching the high school students to film. And even after completion, he corrected the name tags at the request of Katariba's PR team.
On the deliverables
I don't appear in it, but I feel he captured something like the proof of my life. I thought, I want this played at my own funeral.
How viewers respond
We heard from many people who were moved. It was shared widely on social media.
Overall
In our work supporting high school students and young people in Aichi, I feel we've gained an indispensable partner.
福
Voice 05 | ★★★★★ 5.0 | First project
“An impact that changed
the room in an instant.”
Rie Fukumoto | CEO, SPACE Inc. / Nagoya ULTLA
How it started
Introduced by an acquaintance
During the project
Thank you so much for everything. You moved the conversation forward very carefully, and your wholehearted way of approaching your work left a strong impression. We strive to take the same stance in education, so I felt a strong sense of empathy.
On the deliverables
John spoke at Impact Day of the Nagoya ULTLA Program, and I feel he had a striking impact that changed the atmosphere of the venue in an instant, not only for the children but for the adults too. Thank you for a wonderful opportunity of film and talk.
How viewers respond
Along with comments like “It gave me a chance to think deeply about life” and “It gave me courage,” I saw several people in the room moved to tears. I think it was truly a soul-stirring time. Thank you.
Overall
What stayed with me most is how sincerely you create through film, facing the question of what we can do so that diverse people can each live shining lives. I think it is truly wonderful work, using the power of film and music to reach into realms words cannot, and to move people's empathy even at a subconscious level. We too are taking on the challenge of how to pass on to children things that cannot be put into words but capture the essence. Grateful for this connection, we look forward to continuing to work together. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for a truly irreplaceable time.
村
Voice 06 | ★★★★★ 5.0 | 6+ projects
“No longer a work contact,
but a companion creating works together.”
村本 彩 | CEO, irodori Branding Inc.
irodori Branding Inc. offers branding support for individual entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized businesses, with the concept “Become someone who sells, just as you are.”
During the project
To express the feelings and worlds I want to convey that words alone can't capture, he always engages wholeheartedly, trying to grasp what's in my head and what I sense. It feels like we're companions creating one work together, and I'm so grateful for a relationship where we can speak frankly without compromising. I no longer feel he's just a work contact. As one person to another, I want us to keep inspiring each other in the world of expression, touching each other's sensibilities and values!
Six years together
We've worked together for more than six years now, since 2019. Starting with a concept video for our website, then YouTube intro videos, an original song, a documentary-style short film and more, I'm so grateful for all the days he took on new creative challenges with us!
特
Voice 07 | ★★★★★ 5.0 | First project
“It reached more people than usual,
and they learned about the Youth Climate Case.”
Kiko Network (NPO) | Climate policy advocacy, education and communication
During the project
At each stage of review during editing, he explained the edits and changes, which made it easy for us to make decisions.
On the deliverables
I felt each plaintiff in the Youth Climate Case was portrayed naturally, with their own feelings carefully depicted. The short video had a good pace and was easy to watch.
How viewers respond
We heard from people who said they really wanted to support the young people in the film.
Lawyers on the Youth Climate Case also said they thought many people would relate to it.
On social media, it reached far more people than our usual posts, and I think it achieved our goal of letting a broad audience know about the Youth Climate Case (80–90 percent of viewers were users who don't follow Kiko Network's account).
Overall
He handled our preliminary meetings and detailed requests, so we could entrust the reporting and editing to him with peace of mind.
林
Voice 08 | ★★★★★ 5.0 | First project
“Refugees' perspectives,
shared with society through a same-day documentary.”
林 将平 | Certified NPO WELgee
How it started
When we were thinking of making a brand film that carefully conveys the essence of our work and our perspective, someone we trust introduced us to John.
During the project
Even without sharing a concrete image of the deliverable (such as specific shots), he imagined and made a video close to our expectations. And he accommodated a very short deadline.
How viewers respond
Our staff rated it highly as a video that conveys what the event was about. We used it right away at another event that same week.
Overall
Very satisfied! Thank you for working so carefully within a limited budget and deadline! Just one point for improvement: the image files were very large, so compressing them before handing them over would make them easier to use! (The deadline was very short this time, so if you normally do this already, feel free to ignore this feedback!)
新
Voice 09 | ★★★★★ 5.0 | 2nd–3rd project
“A photo he took
became the cover of a Ministry of Agriculture booklet.”
新海智子 | Entrepreneur, branding for primary industries
During the project
That there's always a task of making things visible in words · that he kindly listened when I talked about private matters (my son) (laughs) · that although I met John as a photographer, he had broad expertise, not only in marketing but also in SEO and audience psychology · that he told me his weak points up front, and also how he covers them, which deepened my trust · that it's not a Q&A but a process of repeated dialogue to grasp the core, so I'm deeply convinced, and I think it will support my work going forward
On the deliverables
The key visual is a photo that conveys a world beyond what I imagined!
How viewers respond
The photos he took were used on the cover of a Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries booklet and on the ministry's social media for overseas audiences. My world came across at once, and it helped me meet the customers I wanted to meet and build trust.
Overall
Following the photo shoot, he's now making my website, and I find value not only in his “making deliverables” but also in how he helps the client grasp their own core.
松
Voice 10 | ★★★★★ 5.0 | First project
“I see customers watching it,
drink in hand.”
Matsuzakaya Nagoya | Department store, PR for a renovated floor
During the project
He made a promotional video for our renovated floor. Since the image of the whole floor was being renewed on a large scale, we absolutely did not want to compromise on the video either. We met many times to talk about what kind of video we wanted, and he listened carefully. When he delivered a draft, we made some selfish requests for changes (laughs), but he gladly accommodated them, and I feel it turned out to be a great piece.
On the deliverables
We're very satisfied with the heartwarming promotional video he made.
How viewers respond
It loops in the rest space, and I see customers watching it, drink in hand.
Overall
Thank you for everything over the long process, from planning to filming, editing and delivery. It was a pleasure working with you.
鈴
Voice 11 | ★★★★★ 5.0 | 2nd–3rd project
“My family apparently said,
‘You should sit up straight to watch this.’”
Miwa Suzuki | Proprietress, Japanese restaurant Kisouan
During the project
He dug deeper into what we had asked for and came back with an even better proposal. I could feel his drive to make something good, including his own resolve, and it deepened our determination too. It was wonderful.
On the deliverables
I could feel so many feelings in the video, and it made me proud of my work all over again.
How viewers respond
My family apparently said you should sit up straight to watch it.
小
Voice 12 | ★★★★★ 5.0 | 2nd–3rd project
“The film's power to captivate is the real thing.”
小堀美沙紀 | DRESSCHANGE (fashion show)
During the project
He made proposals after picking up on my feelings and branding from my social media and elsewhere, and I felt his care and his ability to stay close to me.
He also made proposals for what comes next, which I thought was wonderful.
On the deliverables
By picking up on the world I had in mind and creating a world only a professional can create, he raised the value of the show and the brand even further.
And the after movie wasn't just made short; he brought a documentary feel to it within that short time, and I heard from many people around me who were moved.
I know I caused you a lot of trouble, but thank you so much for staying as close to the client as possible and delivering 120 percent.
How viewers respond
People told me, “The film's power to captivate is the real thing!” (laughs)
Of course, we make the show professional as a whole, but I believe even one piece of work like a film raises the show's brand value and satisfaction.
I'm grateful for production that lifts up the best of this show together with us.
Overall
Following last time, thank you for creating such a lovely work. I was happy you gave what we wanted to convey a form that conveys it even better.
I was moved by his ability to pick up on nuances and turn them into visuals, even when we couldn't put things clearly into words.
As we keep growing, we hope to count on your help again.
S
Voice 13 | ★★★★★ 5.0 | 2nd–3rd project
“A lovely video that conveys the children's excitement.”
SOZOW Inc. | Inquiry-based programs for children
During the project
That he made an effort to understand our vision and the value we offer customers.
On the deliverables
The video of our in-person event became a lovely video that conveys the children's excitement. And the animation in the opening video for our online streams captured our idea of “unleashing curiosity” perfectly; we've used it ever since.
Overall
He carefully picks up on the world and vision the client wants to realize, and I find his process and way of working very sincere!
W
Voice 14 | ★★★★★ 5.0 | 2nd–3rd project
“Every time, we're moved by work that exceeds our expectations.”
Wizlex Inc. | IT solutions
During the project
We were impressed by how kindly he listened and how flexibly he responded to our proposals.
How viewers respond
It draws people's interest, and it sparks good conversation in sales meetings, making them easier
.
Overall
Overall, besides John's kindness and flexibility in listening closely, we're moved every time by work that exceeds our expectations. We want to keep working together.
浅
Voice 15 | ★★★★★ 5.0 | First project
“High quality we could never have come up with ourselves.”
Asano | San-Ace Co., Ltd. (dDDD®)
During the project
Responses to our questions were quick, careful and easy to understand, and the project went smoothly.
On the deliverables
They created something of a quality we could never have come up with ourselves, and our brand image improved. We're very satisfied.
How viewers respond
The quality is very highly rated.
Overall
From beginning to end, with attentive communication on a tight schedule, they completed the project very smoothly, and we're grateful.
If anything else comes up, we'd like to work with them again.
伊
Voice 16 | ★★★★★ 5.0 | First project
“Exactly what we imagined. Very satisfied.”
Izuyoshi Co., Ltd. | ZIZAIZ brand
During the project
He interviewed us carefully, which put us at ease.
On the deliverables
Because we communicated well beforehand, the deliverables were exactly what we imagined, and we were very satisfied.
Overall
Thanks to the interviews beforehand and several meetings, he completed deliverables that matched what we hoped for.
A
Voice 17 | ★★★★☆ 4.0 | 2nd–3rd project
“A project I could never have done alone,
completed.”
Aris Hasegawa | Influencer
During the project
Everyone was positioned to use their individual strengths and supported each other, and I loved how multifaceted the support was.
How viewers respond
The Body Love project got a great response when we showed it at the screening! I think it had a really big impact on our fans' mindset. I'm satisfied that we completed a project I could never have done alone. It also inspired me: I want to do more of this, and bring more people in!
I haven't done anything yet with the film and talk from Okinawa, and I haven't decided what to do with them. As experiences, all the projects in Tokyo, Okinawa and Thailand have been precious, but my challenge is to focus more on getting that work out there. Going forward, as an Aris who cares more about results, I'd be grateful if we could talk about many things.
Overall
I imagine each client relationship has its own temperature, but working with Aris, I often felt the team was being very flexible, and thanks to that, I think they were able to capture our sensitivity and our real faces. I'm grateful for the whole team's attitude and generosity. At times, though, there were moments of “what are we doing right now?” when I felt the project was hard to move forward. If we could communicate more about that as a team, I think we could be more efficient and more creative, and bring out each other's hidden strengths and potential to the fullest! Thank you, always!
