I have been filming the islands of the Setouchi Inland Sea on my YouTube channel "Setouchi Relaxation Films" (currently on hiatus)
It's been several years since I started photographing the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea.
I've simply been quietly recording the moments and places that I found beautiful, but unexpectedly, I've been receiving a series of requests from domestic and international television programs asking to use my footage.
this wasn't so much due to my own efforts, but rather because "the inherent charm of the Seto Inland Sea itself reached me across the sea." I I believe
will carefully record this event for my future self.
Requests for domestic use—started with Akira Ikegami's TV show
The first request was from the popular Japanese TV Asahi program "Ikegami Akira's News: So That's How It Is!!"
- Special episode featuring what foreigners think are the best things about Japan (aired January 28, 2023)
Footage used: Naoshima - The Unknown Facts About Japan: Prefectures Special (Aired May 4, 2024)
Footage used: Naoshima
I was so happy when the scenery of Naoshima that I had photographed was shown on a major TV program.
It was at that moment that I realized, "Naoshima really is popular worldwide."
Contact from Korean media
Then in 2025, we received a call from a Korean production company
- MBC's "Rookie Coach Kim Yeon-koung"
requested use of footage of the Seto Ohashi Bridge.
moreover,
- in E-Channel's " From One to Ten" (aired January 5, 2026)
Footage used
We were contacted because, due to the structure of the program, footage of the Seto Ohashi Bridge and Naoshima was required in each segment
When a foreign TV station told me, "We were looking for footage of Naoshima, and your footage was perfect," I felt truly honored and my heart warmed
To be honest, I was surprised by the email I received from National Geographic
Then, at the end of 2025, I received an unexpected email.
from National Geographic production company.
- "SAMURAI SHARKS (working title)" (scheduled to air in June 2026)
Footage requested for use in
I never imagined that the day would come when a globally renowned program like "National Geographic" would take an interest in my work.
For a video producer, it's a dream come true.
Why was I chosen? My own answer
I'm not part of a professional film crew; I work alone. I
don't do anything special. On sunny days, I go to an island in the Seto Inland Sea, quietly fly my drone, and take pictures.
However, I think the reason why they still contacted me is probably as follows
- The scenery of the Seto Inland Sea itself has "world-class appeal"
- Rather than "introducing" tourist spots, he has carefully photographed the "atmosphere" of the place
- Seasons, light, and the ebb and flow of the tides—a collection of records of the changes in the Seto Inland Sea
In other words,more about "the power of the Seto Inland Sea" than "my skills .
I think I just happened to photograph some of it "carefully."
Is that why?
There is a YouTube channel that distributes aerial footage of the Seto Inland Sea similar to my channel, but the operator of that channel is exactly copying the composition of the videos I shoot
It doesn't feel good when people copy my composition, shooting style, and even the music I use. However,that the number of years I've loved the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea and the time I've dedicated to it are something no one can imitate. My achievements mentioned above should speak for themselves...
To all program producers around the world
We are always accepting inquiries regarding the use of footage of the Seto Inland Sea
Here is the YouTube channel I run
lastly
I believe the Seto Inland Sea is a "quiet cultural heritage" that we can be proud of to the world.
I would be very happy if this record catches the eye of someone somewhere and leads to a new work introducing the Seto Inland Sea.
This incident was a natural extension of my long-standing love for photographing the landscapes of the Seto Inland Sea.
I hope to continue capturing the beautiful moments of the Seto Inland Sea whenever I am ready.
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