Cameras, microphones, and tripods are the most important pieces of equipment for filming in any country. However, in Japan, there are some unique customs and unwritten rules, so there are useful things to have for filming. In this article, we will introduce you to some of them.
Business Cards
Since you use business cards in your country as well, we believe that you have your own. In Japan when you meet someone for the first time for business, we always exchange them, so these cards may be much more important and common in Japan. We even have a proper manner to hand your card.
The basic rule is to hold your business card with both hands in a direction that is easy for the other person to see, and to hold it out even lower than the other person to give the impression of being more humble and polite. So sometimes people may compete who hands the card lower than the other.
When you are in Japan for filming, you will have many occasions to exchange business cards, so it is advisable to come prepared with plenty of them.
Armbands
In Japan, in addition to bibs and accreditation cards, armbands are often used to distinguish members of the press from the general public.
For example, when you are filming at Narita Airport, you are required to wear an armband. If you ask in advance, there are services that will lend you an airport-owned armband.
Having an armband with the name or logo of a company such as NHK, BBC, or CNN on it will give you more credibility, so it might be a good idea to prepare them. Even armbands that simply say "Press" can be effective. CueRio can also provide them for your filming.
Stepladder
You may use a stepladder when you want to shoot from a high position. In fact, in Japan, this tool, especially a low one, is sometimes used to keep a position of the camera. It's like a marker to say 'we're going to use this position' at a filming location where a lot of press is such as sporting events or major incidents. At CueRio we have stepladders available, so if you need one, please let us know.
Kairo (Hand warmer) and Body Sheets
Japan has four very different seasons, with hot and humid summers and very cold winters in some areas. There are some products that are useful in such an environment. Kairo (hand warmer) and Body Sheets.
Kairo is a substance that gives off heat by friction, and there are two types; the one you can put in your pocket and the other one that you can stick on your clothes. Both can warm up a cold body very well.
Body Sheets are wet wipes that contain menthol, so they can help to soothe and cleanse the body after sweating.
Both of these products can be bought in drugstores and convenience stores for a few hundred yen and are highly recommended. If you like them, you can buy them and bring them back to your country.
These are just a few of the things we have found to be useful when shooting in Japan. All of these items are available from CueRio and we would be happy to introduce them to you in advance if you need them. We hope to introduce more useful items in the future.
If you have time please read our previous articles about Tips for filming in Japan.
Tips for filming in Japan 1; Japan’s unique rules and culture
Tips for filming in Japan 2; Filming Permission in Japan
