Kazuhiko Kato Japanese Localization Director/Film Director
Field of Expertise
Nature-related themes, the Earth, the universe, art, civilizations, science, military affairs, environmental issues, cars, festivals and celebrations
A Word or Two from the Director
A few decades ago, I travelled around Japan from Aomori to the north all the way down to Okinawa’s Taketomi Island to the south, documenting local folklore arts. My initial assumption was that being a country of such small geographical area, there would not be many cultural differences between local regions. How wrong I was!
Each place I visited had a unique culture which had been handed down for generations, reflecting the people’s hopes and wishes.
There is an outpour of enthusiasm towards the local festivals and folklore arts which mark the seasons in these local areas.
This was something I never would have known if I had not travelled out of Tokyo.
The best thing about documentary films is that you always encounter the unexpected.
Another appeal is the fact that you will never be able to shoot the same footage again if you miss the opportunity.
The main purpose of documentaries is not to convey knowledge or information. It is to get viewers to contemplate something and put the idea into action. That is my wish when creating the Japanese version of documentaries.
My goal is to have respect for all living things and the Earth, and fulfill my duties with integrity and boldness to create documentaries which will reach many people’s hearts.
Takashi Maejima Japanese Localization Director
Field of Expertise
Dramas, the universe, ancient civilizations, history, social thoughts, European soccer, shogi (Japanese chess)
A Word or Two from the Director
I’ve worked as a narrator/voice actor for approximately 15 years.
My position has changed from cast member to director, but my commitment towards delivering the ‘soul’ of the story remains the same.
Tomoko Uesugi Japanese Localization Director
Field of Expertise
Military affairs, current affairs, brain science, lifestyle/culture, nature, history
A Word or Two from the Director
I have always loved watching foreign films.
In my previous job, I was responsible for creating Japanese voiceovers for various movies, drama series, documentaries, and video games. After a lucky break, I landed my current position here at Wonderful Life.
When I was a student, I did an exchange program in Andalusia in Southern Spain. After that, my love for languages led me to pursue further studies in French, Arabic, and Hebrew.
It is challenging to accurately convey the content of films from different countries and cultures to the Japanese audience, but I find it deeply gratifying.
I am interested in military-related documentaries, and always keep up to date on everything from current world affairs to historical issues.
When it comes to themes like wildlife, it is crucial to have a well-written narration script, so I have been devoting myself to improving my Japanese expression skills.
I grew up in Tokyo, but my love for hot climates comes from my Oita and Okinawan roots.
Yoko Sugita Translator/Japanese Localization Director
Field of Expertise
History, politics, and cultures of Spanish-speaking regions, Brazilian music, reptiles, alcohol, food, history, the environment, “Sangokushi”, Hell (the western interpretation)
A Word or Two from the Director
Having majored in Spanish in university, it was my goal to get a job which utilizes my Spanish language skills. I was drawn to the countries of Latin America after joining a Brazilian music group in university. My first overseas trip was to Mexico, and then I did an exchange program in Cuba, a graduation trip to Peru and Bolivia, and a honeymoon in Argentina and Brazil. I travelled halfway around the world for all my life’s milestones.
I have an especially strong attachment to Cuba, where I stayed for close to a year. I was fortunate enough to be able to experience working as a translator and Japanese localization director of some Latin drama series and movies there, as well as helping coordinate a film festival which presents the latest movies from Spain and Latin America.
In terms of documentaries, I love ones depicting the spectacular scenes of nature, as well as those focusing on environmental issues, and various dramas about us humans.
It brings me irreplaceable joy to be part of a process which sheds light on issues that ‘have happened’, ‘are happening now’, and ‘may happen in the future’, as well as valuable cultural heritage and new initiatives happening all over the world.
My motto is “Burning bridges”. When it comes to the crunch, I will cut off the retreat and make the leap.
Kazuko Takabatake Japanese Localization Director
Field of Expertise
Animals (especially felines), the Earth/universe, weather, history/travelogues, Making things, art, gardening
A Word or Two from the Director
I was about 7 or 8, living in Mexico when I first encountered differences in language, culture, and skin color. Since then, this perception of “differences” has evolved into a keen interest in nations, history, nationalism, borders, and discrimination.
I think it is because of these experiences that I went on to major in cross-cultural communication and worked as a translator before landing my current position as Japanese localization director.
The Japanese-dubbed version of documentaries has the power to connect people.
They nurture our imagination, and help us empathize and connect with foreign cultures, people, creatures, and unknown realms.
It would bring me great joy if my work reaches viewers’ hearts, and plays a part in overcoming various “differences” we have.
Personally, I adore cats, and have lived with a total of seven cats so far. I don’t know if it’s because I was responsible for the production of the “Big Cats” series, but I have a soft spot for large felines as well. My dream is to work with more cat-related programs.