Creative agency Ear to the Ground has partnered with production company Anattic to produce a short documentary delving into alternative football culture in Tokyo, Japan.
Directed by Anattic founder James Copson, produced by Ear to the Ground’s Jack Ward and shot by DoP James Stier, the doc captures Tokyo’s distinctive fusion of football and creative expression.
The film spotlights footballer and community leader Kei Chisaka, offering a unique perspective on the intersections of fashion, creativity, and community within the city’s football scene.
The documentary was developed with insights from Ear to the Ground’s Fan Intelligence network, a global collective of 11,000 collaborators who tap into the subcultures driving change in sports, gaming, and culture. This network has allowed the agency to authentically connect with the creative football community in cities all over the world.
Producer and strategy director at Ear to the Ground, Jack Ward, said: “Working with a community leader like Kei was pivotal in shaping the authenticity of the film. His deep connection to Tokyo’s football culture allowed us to capture the blend of creativity and community that defines the scene”
Director and Anattic founder James Copson added: “The film explores the creative culture that goes hand in hand with the football community in Tokyo. Kei takes us on a journey through the city and invites us into its thriving football scene.”
The doc is the latest stage in Anattic’s efforts to expand in the Jaoanes market, which began with a successful Japan trade mission in 2022, supported by the Northern Powerhouse. Anattic has now established itself in Tokyo, in the heart of Shibuya and secured its first two projects in Japan, filming with Japan’s first female Super Formula racing driver Juju Noda and this second project with pastime Adidas Allstar football player Kei Kusaka. The expansion is part of a global ambition to create the best still and moving image across advertising, campaigns and experiential content.
Anattic’s Tokyo based Producer Karin Sugiura says: “The blend of East meets West will open new doors, expand creative thinking and promote international learning and friendships. The potential for creativity and projects is really exciting.”
Complementing the move, acclaimed Tokyo director Takafumi Tsuchiya (TAKCOM) joins the Anattic roster. TAKCOM has directed commercials for the likes of Toyota, Audi, Mitsubishi, Nikon and Shinkansen + many more as well as high end drama and features.
