A new documentary by Ear to the Ground and Anattic takes a deep dive into Tokyo’s vibrant, alternative football culture.
- Directed by James Copson and produced by Jack Ward, the film captures a unique fusion of football and creativity.
- Footballer Kei Chisaka guides viewers through Tokyo’s cultural landscape, highlighting the community’s intersection with fashion and art.
- The documentary draws on insights from a global network, enhancing authenticity and cultural connection.
- Anattic’s expansion in Japan underscores its commitment to global creative projects and cross-cultural collaboration.
The documentary created by Ear to the Ground, in collaboration with production company Anattic, provides an insightful exploration of the alternative football culture in Tokyo. This short film is directed by Anattic’s James Copson and produced by Jack Ward of Ear to the Ground, with James Stier serving as director of photography. Their combined efforts have culminated in a cinematic portrayal of Tokyo’s distinct blend of football and creative self-expression.
Viewers are introduced to Kei Chisaka, a prominent footballer and community leader, who offers a gateway into the city’s vibrant football culture, where the sport intertwines with fashion, art, and community initiatives. By following Chisaka, audiences gain an intimate perspective on how Tokyo’s football scene functions as a hub of creativity and community engagement.
To enhance the film’s authenticity, insights were drawn from Ear to the Ground’s Fan Intelligence network, comprising over 11,000 global collaborators. This network allows the agency to connect deeply with the creative football community, not only in Tokyo but across various cities worldwide. The strategic approach ensures that the documentary resonates with genuine cultural insights and nuances.
Jack Ward, Ear to the Ground’s producer and strategy director, emphasised the role of Kei Chisaka in ensuring the film’s authentic representation of Tokyo’s football culture. By collaborating with Chisaka, the filmmakers could capture the intricate blend of creativity and community that characterises the local scene. “Working with a community leader like Kei was pivotal in shaping the authenticity of the film,” Ward stated.
Anattic’s efforts to expand in the Japanese market are highlighted through this project, following its successful Japan trade mission in 2022. With a base established in Shibuya, Tokyo, Anattic continues to solidify its presence in Japan, evidenced by projects involving Japan’s first female Super Formula racing driver, Juju Noda, and now with footballer Kei Kusaka. The company sees this as a step towards their global ambition to innovate in advertising, campaigns, and experiential content.
Karin Sugiura, Anattic’s Tokyo-based producer, expressed excitement about the cultural synthesis of East and West, facilitated by recent projects. The integration of these diverse cultural influences is expected to open new avenues for creative exploration and foster international collaborations. This global outlook is further enhanced by the inclusion of renowned Tokyo director Takafumi Tsuchiya, known for his high-profile commercial and cinematic work, into Anattic’s roster.
The documentary serves as a compelling exploration of Tokyo’s alternative football culture, highlighting the city’s unique creative blend and cross-cultural dynamics.
