From Guam to Tokyo: Building a Creative Life in Japan

From a Seaweed Boat to HBO: The Journey of Koshi Uehara

In this episode of Talking Sensu, we sit down with Koshi Uehara, a Japanese actor, known for his performance as Taro in HBO's Tokyo Vice. Koshi reveals the reality of his grind in LA, from working dangerous seaweed boats to fund his dream, to the 3 AM self-tapes in Melbourne that eventually caught the eye of Michael Mann. We talk about * why Koshi ignored the "normal" path to start acting at 27 * working on dangerous seaweed boats to fund his dream in LA * the "fake marriage" advice he received in Little Tokyo * his 3 AM self-tape in a Melbourne cafe that landed the HBO role * the gamble of flying to Tokyo for a "maybe" * the viral Canva commercial and the "cute" Yakuza concept * getting painted blue for a role in Megan Thee Stallion's "Mamushi" video CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 04:41 Starting an acting career  09:46 Moving to LA 20:33 Acting classes and influences 23:58 Melbourne and Tokyo Vice audition 31:51 The Tokyo Gamble 33:32 Set culture 38:25 Filming Tokyo Vice 46:00 Canva commercial 48:53 Mizuhara Sisters MV 51:30 Megan Thee Stallion Mamushi MV 53:42 Outro MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5zIjv2So9v/ [https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5zIjv2So9v/?hl=en] https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5wjtxKS9Ry/ [https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5wjtxKS9Ry/] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdxSbc0ap-s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdxSbc0ap-s] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLxa-jEgAgY [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLxa-jEgAgY] ABOUT TALKING SENSU Talking Sensu is a relaxed, long form podcast hosted by Hai & Jeremy and produced by Sensu Studio. We have conversations with filmmakers, photographers, actors, and other creative professionals working in Japan, focusing on personal journeys, creative work, and the realities of building a career in the creative industry. SOCIALS: Koshi Uehara: https://www.instagram.com/koshi_uehara [https://www.instagram.com/koshi_uehara/] Talking Sensu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingsensu [https://www.instagram.com/talkingsensu] Hosts  Hai: https://www.instagram.com/timpas15/ [https://www.instagram.com/timpas15/] Jeremy: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyhannigan/ [https://www.instagram.com/jeremyhannigan/], https://www.youtube.com/@jeremysnaps [https://www.youtube.com/@jeremysnaps] _______________________________________________________________________________________________ PRODUCED BY SENSU STUDIO Sensu Studio is a Tokyo-based creative production company specializing in video and photography that helps brands and organizations tell their stories, connect with audiences, and bring their vision to life through engaging content and rebranding projects. If you’re interested in working with us on future projects, check out our work at https://sensustudio.com/ [https://sensustudio.com/]. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensustudio [https://www.instagram.com/sensustudio] _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Subscribe for more conversations about creative life and work in Japan.

Inside the Camera Department: 1st AC vs. 2nd AC Roles | Erjol Muarem

In this episode of Talking Sensu, we sit down with Erjol, an Albanian-born filmmaker and 1st AC. Erjol shares his story from the quiet neighborhoods of Hakone to working "pirate" jobs at Tokyo Tower, eventually landing at Capsule Rentals where he handled $90,000 cinema cameras. We dive deep into the technical jump from vlogging to feature films, the logistics of 15-camera concert productions, and his debut documentary "Living Art." We talk about * the culture shock of moving from Albania and Korea to Japan * the “Pirate” era: Working at Tokyo One Piece Tower * how a chance meeting with a neighbor launched his film career * the technical differences between 1st and 2nd Assistant Cameras * essential advice for aspiring ACs entering the industry * managing 15+ cameras for massive 8K concert productions * directing “Living Art,” a documentary on bonsai master Daisuke Mariko CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 01:32 Why Japan? 05:02 Survival jobs 16:17 Vlogs and Photography 18:47 First time on set 20:57 Capsule Rental 27:40 First job as a 2nds AC 30:34 Stepping up to 1st AC 32:27 Difference between 1st and 2nd AC 38:45 Focus Pulling 47:28 Camera Chief: managing large-scale concerts 53:53 Documentary “Living Art” 01:04:19 Future projects 01:08:21 Outro WATCH “LIVING ART” HERE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbVTTiSdz68 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbVTTiSdz68] ABOUT TALKING SENSU Talking Sensu is a relaxed, long form podcast hosted by Hai & Jeremy and produced by Sensu Studio. We have conversations with filmmakers, photographers, actors, and other creative professionals working in Japan, focusing on personal journeys, creative work, and the realities of building a career in the creative industry. SOCIALS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/you_need_an_ac/ [https://www.instagram.com/you_need_an_ac/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ERJOL [https://www.youtube.com/@ERJOL] Talking Sensu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingsensu [https://www.instagram.com/talkingsensu] Hosts  Hai: https://www.instagram.com/timpas15/ [https://www.instagram.com/timpas15/] Jeremy: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyhannigan/ [https://www.instagram.com/jeremyhannigan/], https://www.youtube.com/@jeremysnaps [https://www.youtube.com/@jeremysnaps] _______________________________________________________________________________________________ PRODUCED BY SENSU STUDIO Sensu Studio is a Tokyo-based creative production company specializing in video and photography that helps brands and organizations tell their stories, connect with audiences, and bring their vision to life through engaging content and rebranding projects. If you’re interested in working with us on future projects, check out our work at https://sensustudio.com/ [https://sensustudio.com/]. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensustudio [https://www.instagram.com/sensustudio] _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Subscribe for more conversations about creative life and work in Japan.

Indie Filmmaking in Tokyo: How to Plan a Shoot When the Weather Hates You

We wanted to make something beautiful: a short film capturing the unique, moody atmosphere of Japan’s rainy season. Instead, we got a typhoon. In this episode of Talking Sensu, we're pulling back the curtain on the "June in Japan" origin story. We explore the brutal reality of planning a shoot around Japan’s "5th Season," where cultural expectations of perfect weather collide with typhoons, and technical limitations of 8-bit footage clash with artistic vision. We talk about * why we chose the rainy season for a spec project * our pre-production procedure * shooting in a Typhoon * the 8-Bit Nightmare * the experience of recording with a non-professional * reshooting narration CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 01:44 June in Japan origin 08:32 Creating scripts, storyboards, treatments 13:50 Typhoon production chaos 18:02 Covid restrictions 20:59 Challenge of 8-bit footage 23:22 Filming during the rain 26:50 Getting additional footage 34:26 Narration recording 40:34 Reflection 43:32 Outro WATCH ‘‘JUNE IN JAPAN’’ HERE https://sensustudio.com/june-in-japan [https://sensustudio.com/june-in-japan] ABOUT TALKING SENSU Talking Sensu is a relaxed, long form podcast hosted by Hai & Jeremy and produced by Sensu Studio. We have conversations with filmmakers, photographers, actors, and other creative professionals working in Japan, focusing on personal journeys, creative work, and the realities of building a career in the creative industry. SOCIALS: Instagram: Youtube: Talking Sensu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingsensu [https://www.instagram.com/talkingsensu] Hosts  Hai: https://www.instagram.com/timpas15/ [https://www.instagram.com/timpas15/] Jeremy: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyhannigan/ [https://www.instagram.com/jeremyhannigan/] _______________________________________________________________________________________________ PRODUCED BY SENSU STUDIO Sensu Studio is a Tokyo-based creative production company specializing in video and photography that helps brands and organizations tell their stories, connect with audiences, and bring their vision to life through engaging content and rebranding projects. If you’re interested in working with us on future projects, check out our work at https://sensustudio.com/ [https://sensustudio.com/]. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensustudio [https://www.instagram.com/sensustudio] _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Subscribe for more conversations about creative life and work in Japan.

From Guam to Tokyo: Building a Creative Life in Japan

In this episode of Talking Sensu, we sit down with Steven LeFever to talk about building a creative life in Japan. It’s a conversation about craft, culture, and commitment. From Guam, to Los Angeles, to navigating the realities of acting in Japan, Steven shares his journey through film sets, imposter syndrome, and the moment he realized acting alone wasn’t enough to sustain a career. We discuss what it really takes to survive in Japan’s creative industry, the importance of identity in storytelling, and why playing the long game matters more than chasing quick success. If you're a creative, filmmaker, actor, or anyone trying to build a creative life in Japan, this episode is for you. We talk about * growing up in Guam and cultural identity * moving to Japan and starting in the film industry * the realities of acting in Tokyo * why acting alone wasn’t sustainable * learning sound recording on the job * imposter syndrome on set * writing for over 20 years * building a sustainable career in Japan * balancing family and creative work CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro 01:51 Why Japan? 04:02 Becoming an actor in Tokyo 12:38 Growing up in Guam 15:13 Directing the first short film 24:22 Learning sound on set 32:31 Favourite actors and films 37:43 Discovering motion capture 46:14 Voice acting and video games 54:00 Acting in Japanese productions 58:02 Writing your own scripts 01:01:58 Upcoming projects 01:04:25 Outro MENTIONED BY STEVEN IN THE VIDEO: Short Films * Håyi Gaitano Este: or [What Does God Smell Like]: https://vimeo.com/170149857 [https://vimeo.com/170149857] * GAIKOKUJIN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVuHEAPjC9U [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVuHEAPjC9U] Book * Mariana Sky: https://a.co/d/09ifpSOK [https://a.co/d/09ifpSOK] Voice Acting * Dreams of Another: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAdoJXfLzgE [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAdoJXfLzgE] * Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8MDQRe5b7s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8MDQRe5b7s] ABOUT TALKING SENSU: Talking Sensu is a relaxed, long-form podcast hosted by Hai and Jeremy and produced by Sensu Studio. We have conversations with filmmakers, photographers, actors and other creative professionals working in Japan, focusing on personal journeys, creative work and the realities of building a career in the creative industry. SOCIALS: Steven LeFever * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesteze/ [https://www.instagram.com/lesteze/] Talking Sensu * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingsensu [https://www.instagram.com/talkingsensu] Hosts  * Hai: https://www.instagram.com/timpas15/ [https://www.instagram.com/timpas15/] * Jeremy: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyhannigan/ [https://www.instagram.com/jeremyhannigan/] _______________________________________________________________ PRODUCED BY SENSU STUDIO Sensu Studio is a Tokyo-based creative production company specializing in video and photography that helps brands and organizations tell their stories, connect with audiences, and bring their vision to life through engaging content and rebranding projects. If you’re interested in working with us on future projects, check out our work at https://sensustudio.com/ [https://sensustudio.com/]. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensustudio [https://www.instagram.com/sensustudio] Subscribe for more conversations about creative life and work in Japan.

The Reality of Making Your First Short Film

In this episode, we talk about Hai’s first short film, Dating Game. Dating Game explores modern dating through the perspective of a foreign woman living in Japan, where cultural differences, language barriers, and stereotypes add another layer of complexity to already fragile connections in the age of smartphones and dating apps. Hai explains why he wanted to try narrative work in the first place, and what it was like to produce and direct a short film for the first time. He talks honestly about the mistakes he made, the things he underestimated, working with actors, managing a set, and what surprised him most during the process. If you’re a filmmaker, creative, or someone thinking about making your first narrative project, we hope this episode is helpful. We talk about * Why Hai decided to make his first narrative short film, Dating Game * Producing a short film independently and funding it personally * Learning screenwriting through books, friends, and research * Making the film with a limited budget and relying on friends * Mistakes and things that were underestimated * Working with actors and directing performance * Lessons learned and what he’d do differently next time Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:59 Why Hai made a short film 15:50 From idea to production 31:43 Mistakes and lessons 37:53 Guerrilla shooting and limited control 44:16 Creating the dating app 51:54 Film festivals 01:00:07 Outro Watch ‘‘Dating Game’’ here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkEMon9FmJc [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkEMon9FmJc] About Talking Sensu Talking Sensu is a relaxed, long-form podcast hosted by Hai and Jeremy and produced by Sensu Studio. We have conversations with filmmakers, photographers, actors and other creative professionals working in Japan, focusing on personal journeys, creative work and the realities of building a career in the creative industry. Social Talking Sensu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingsensu [https://www.instagram.com/talkingsensu] Hosts Hai: https://www.instagram.com/timpas15/ [https://www.instagram.com/timpas15/] Jeremy: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyhannigan/ [https://www.instagram.com/jeremyhannigan/] Produced by Sensu Studio Sensu Studio is a Tokyo-based creative production company specializing in video and photography that helps brands and organizations tell their stories, connect with audiences, and bring their vision to life through engaging content and rebranding projects. If you’re interested in working with us on future projects, check out our work at https://sensustudio.com/ [https://sensustudio.com/]. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensustudio [https://www.instagram.com/sensustudio] Subscribe for more conversations about creative life and work in Japan.