TOKYO, JAPAN // Aki began her filmmaking career at Tokyo’s Aoyama Gakuin University, where she made short films and music videos. Seeking her next challenge, she crossed the Pacific to join the renowned editorial house Cutters in LA. There, she edited the much-lauded Toyota Corolla ad featuring virtual pop sensation Hatsune Miku, and edited the Academy Award-nominated documentary “The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom,” directed by Lucy Walker—solidifying her reputation as a leading Asian documentary film editor on the west coast.
After coming back to Japan, Aki has been working as a director and editor of documentaries and commercials. She is passionate about dive deep into the subject to discover untold stories and emotions, then make it in the form of film.
In 2023, Aki directed the long form documentaries LASTING PEACE FOR EVERY CHILD featuring Japanese R&B legend Ai, as well as TOKITO, which chronicles the life journey of chef Yoshinori Ishii and the opening of his genre-defining new restaurant in Tachikawa.
Among Aki’s recent notable editing works is the first episode of the documentary series Encounters, a collaboration between Netflix and Steven Spielberg’s production company, Amblin Entertainment, which explores encounters with UFOs.
Aki, who’s been a dancer since childhood, leverages the natural rhythm of the imagery to create a dance-like flow in her edits. In her documentary work, she’s recognized for her ability to craft stories that reveal the raw essence of the subject while enhancing it with stunning cinematography.
Awards
Feature Doc “TOKITO” (2024) Directing
Official Selection for Warsaw International Film Festival
Official Selection for Palm Springs Film Festival
Short Doc “The Tsunami and the cherry Blossom” (2012) Editing
The 84th Academy Award Short Documentary nomination
Sundance Film Festival, Jury Awards Winner
Emmy Awards Best Documentary nomination
Commercial Flm: AIG “Tackle the Risk”(2017) Editing
AdStars Film craft – Editing category, Gold
Spikes Asia Film craft – Editing category, Silver