Hire the Best Cinematographers
in Japan

More than 3,000 reviews on G2
Rating is 4.5 out of 5.
4.5/5
of Upwork by G2 peer reviewers
Meg I.

Tokyo, Japan

$50/hr
5.0
26 jobs

Hello, I’m Meg, a Japanese-American filmmaker and photographer with experience in writing and directing award-winning short films, music videos, commercials, YouTube videos, and video content for social media. I love taking lifestyle and travel photography and have done lots of shoots for individuals as well as companies and events. I am deeply passionate about storytelling and I approach each project with a creative and optimistic mindset. I love bringing ideas to life and collaborating, and I am open to working with people of all backgrounds and experiences. Thank you, and hope to work with you.

  • Film
  • Film & Video
  • Videography
  • Story Concept
  • Story Development
  • Songwriting
  • Photo Editing
  • Photography
  • Film Direction
  • Screenwriting
  • Voice Acting
  • Storytelling
  • Video Editing
  • Lifestyle & Travel
  • Lifestyle Photography
Tetsuji M.

Chofu, Japan

$55/hr
5.0
1 jobs

Japanese Actor, Voice Actor & Filmmaker | Scriptwriting & Storytelling I am a professional actor, voice actor, and filmmaker with over 20 years of experience in theatre, film, and media. I hold a Ph.D. in Theatre and Media Studies and a Bachelor's degree in Religious Folklore Studies. My work as a filmmaker has received numerous awards and official selections both in Japan and internationally. I specialize in creating compelling stories, scripts, and performances that connect with audiences, and I can provide high-quality Japanese voice recordings for AI training, narration, or creative projects. Services I Offer: Voice & Narration: ・Professional Japanese voice acting for AI training, narration, or commercials Filmmaking: ・Directing, cinematography, and editing for short films, documentaries, and promotional videos Script & Story Development: ・Scriptwriting and story development for films, theatre, and multimedia projects Editing & Consulting: ・Editing and consulting for theatre scripts, essays, novels, and academic writing Creative & Media Consulting: ・Creative storytelling and media consulting to enhance audience engagement Achievements as a Filmmaker: ・2nd Prize, 24th Tateshina Highlands Film Festival – Short Film Competition, 2025 ・Honorable Mention, Tijuana Vertical Film Festival (TJVEFF), 2025 ・Special Award, Virtual Open District, 2021 I am committed to clear communication, punctual delivery, and producing work that meets your vision. Let’s bring your project to life!

  • Performing Arts
  • Acting
  • Voice Acting
  • Narration
  • Film Direction
  • Film Editing
  • Film Screenplay
  • Screenwriting
  • Video Editing
  • Creative Writing
  • Academic Writing
  • Content Writing
  • Japanese
  • Teaching Japanese
  • Workshop
Naotomo U.

Tokyo, Japan

$120/hr
5.0
25 jobs

Award-winning filmmaker and photographer with more than 20 years of experience across development, field production, post-production, directing, producing, and cinematography. I have filmed for Discovery Channel, the United Nations, BBC, CNN, Meta, Google, and many others. My work ranges from intimate, small-scale shoots to large productions with budgets exceeding 100,000 USD, including projects for American Airlines. I have covered health, science, sports, history, nature, and human-interest stories, and have worked in more than 60 countries on both international and domestic assignments.

  • Videography
  • Drone
  • Photography
  • Video Editing
  • Wedding Videography
  • Art Direction
  • Film Direction
  • Event Photography
  • Wedding & Event Video
  • Documentary
  • Documentary Video
  • Promotional Video
Akihiro F.

Kyoto, Japan

$25/hr
5.0
4 jobs

I’m a cinematographer and videographer based in Kyoto,Japan. If you are plannnig to make video in Japan, feel free to contact me. We also offer photography services. In addition, if you’re looking for someone to translate your captions into Japanese or produce video content in Japan, try me. ・Cinematic videos ・Wedding videos ・travel videos ・Drone filming ・Photography ・Translation services

  • Videography
  • Video Production
  • Japanese
  • Drone Videography
  • Wedding & Event Video
  • Video Editing & Production
  • Color Grading
  • DaVinci Resolve
  • Portrait Photography
Rafael Yuji M.

Komae, Japan

$180/hr
5.0
2 jobs

I’m a cinematographer based in Tokyo, Japan. With a broad range of experience in advertisements, TV commercials, documentaries etc.

  • Cinematography
  • Camera Operation
  • Film Production
  • Film & Video
  • Video Ad Campaign
  • Japanese
  • Brazilian Portuguese Accent
  • Video Advertising
  • Advertisement
  • TV Advertising
Shoichi H.

Tokyo, Japan

$80/hr
5.0
6 jobs

Video Director | Videographer | Drone Operator | Photographer | Storytelling Specialist (Japan & Global) About Me: Creative Video Director and Videographer with 8+ years of experience in producing compelling visual narratives across TV programs, documentaries, and global commercial campaigns. I specialize in blending cinematic storytelling with a global perspective, collaborating with international clients to deliver impactful content that resonates across cultures. With a licensed drone operation skill, I bring unique aerial perspectives that add dynamic layers to visual storytelling. Whether it’s crafting a brand’s identity through a documentary lens, directing high-impact commercials, or capturing breathtaking aerial visuals, I’m passionate about delivering stories that inspire, engage, and leave a lasting impression. Key Strengths: • 🎥 End-to-End Video Production: From planning and filming to seamless post-production editing. • 📝 Storytelling Expertise: Turning concepts into emotionally resonant visual narratives. • 🚁 Certified Drone Operator: Dynamic aerial visuals that enhance storytelling depth. • 🌍 Global Communication: Effective collaboration in Japanese (Native) and English (Conversational) environments. • 📊 Project Management: Efficient workflow and deadline-driven execution. * Project Management Experience Highlights: • 🎬 TV Programs: Experienced TV program's contents for nationally broadcasted shows. • 📽️ Documentaries: Produced compelling narratives for brands and contemporary artists. • 🏢 Corporate Branding Videos: Delivered impactful storytelling-driven content for global brands. • 🌏 International Projects: Collaborated with international teams, adapting creative styles to diverse cultural contexts. Instagram: sho1_laugh87 HP: shoichihanaue.com Linkedin: Shoichi Hanaue

  • Videography
  • Drone Videography
  • Wedding Videography
  • Video Camera
  • Video Commercial
  • Video Editing
  • Photography

How it works

Post a job for free Post a job

Tell us what you need. Create your own job post or generate one with AI then filter talent matches.

Hire top talent fast

Consult, interview, and hire quickly, so you can meet the freelancers you're excited about.

Collaborate easily

Use Upwork to chat or video call, share files, and track project progress right from the app.

Payment simplified

Manage payments in one place with flexible billing options. Only pay for approved work, hourly or by milestone.

Don't just take our word for it

How do I hire a Cinematographer in Japan on Upwork?

You can hire a Cinematographer in Japan on Upwork in four simple steps:

  • Create a job post tailored to your Cinematographer project scope. We'll walk you through the process step by step.
  • Browse top Cinematographer talent on Upwork and invite them to your project.
  • Once the proposals start flowing in, create a shortlist of top Cinematographer profiles and interview.
  • Hire the right Cinematographer for your project from Upwork, the world's largest work marketplace.

At Upwork, we believe talent staffing should be easy.

How much does it cost to hire a Cinematographer?

Rates charged by Cinematographers on Upwork can vary with a number of factors including experience, location, and market conditions. See hourly rates for in-demand skills on Upwork.

Why hire a Cinematographer in Japan on Upwork?

As the world's work marketplace, we connect highly-skilled freelance Cinematographers and businesses and help them build trusted, long-term relationships so they can achieve more together. Let us help you build the dream Cinematographer team you need to succeed.

Can I hire a Cinematographer in Japan within 24 hours on Upwork?

Depending on availability and the quality of your job post, it's entirely possible to sign up for Upwork and receive Cinematographer proposals within 24 hours of posting a job description.