
Our
Experience
We would like to introduce the projects that
Michiko Zentoh was involved in.

Our Experience
National Geographic, USA
Director & Producer (2019 to 2021)
Directing a 45- minute documentary project on the Japanese sweat culture in collaboration with a photographer & author of the cult book “Sweat”; Mr. Mikkel Aaland. Episode in Japan is one of the 9 of the series “Perfect Sweat”.
Producing and managing a 190,000 USD project shooting within Japan in the same time.
https://www.perfectsweatseries.com

Our Experience
Food Network, NY, U.S.A.
Field Coordinator& Reporter (October-December 2000)
Conducted research and supported the production as coordinator and reporter on gourmet and travel shows & books in Japan with a French chef/ best-selling author Anthony Bourdain. “A Cook’s Tour”

Our Experience
Travel Channel, NY, U.S.A.
Field Coordinator& Reporter (June-August 2005, December 2007-January 2008, February 2010, March-July 2014)
Conducted research and supported the production as coordinator and reporter on gourmet and travel shows & books in Japan with a French chef/ best-selling author Anthony Bourdain "No Reservations”.
“International Open House” (February 2010) depicts and introduces luxurious houses in Tokyo.
“Booze Traveler” (June 2015) showing the Japanese tradition and culture with the tie between Shintoism and rice cultivation through sake productions.

Our Experience
Canal+, France
Field Coordinator (January-May 2010)
Coordinating and managing locations for a cultural documentary program “TOQUE DE TOKYO” presented by the leading French actor / writer; Mr. Antoine De Caunes. About modern cultures in Tokyo such as Otaku, Anime, Gothic Lolita, Kawaii, Herbivore Male, etc.

Our Experience
History Channel, USA
Field Producer (April to May 2006- Present)
Conducted research and supported the production as a coordinator on a scientific show on off-shore Japanese oceanic area called “Dragon’s Triangle” Field Producer (October 2007)
“Tim Ferris – Ultimate Challenger” Nikko, Japan, (September-October 2008)
“Science Impossible” Tokyo, Japan, (September-November 2008)
“Warriors; Miyamoto Musashi” Tokyo, Kyushu, Japan (September-December 2008)

Our Experience
Jin Tatsumura Office, Japan
Cameraman, Assistant Director and Translator (2019-2021)
Assisting direction and production management in feature film shooting for “Gaia Symphony No. 9” Featuring Music and Jomon culture, shot in Hokkaido, Iriomote island of Okinawa, Kyoto, and Tokyo featuring a cognitive archaeologist Dr. Steven Mithen, a Nobel Prize awarded scientist Dr. Tasuku Honjo, and the world-renowned orchestra conductor Mr. Kenichiro Kobayashi.
Assistant Director (2009)
Assisting direction and production management in feature film shooting with Le Tour de France champion Mr. Greg LeMond. “Gaia Symphony No. 7”. Story was based on a road trip around sacred places in Japan, in search of the true meanings of Shintoism. Other interviewees include wholistic medicine Dr. Andrew Weil and the nature activist Dr. Takako Takano.

Our Experience
Discovery Channel & Travel Channel, U.S.A. (In English)
Reporter (October-December 2000, June-August 2005, December 2007-January 2008)
Co-reporter on globally known gourmet and travel shows & books in Japan with a French chef/ best-selling author Mr. Anthony Bourdain; “No Reservations”

Our Experience
New York Times TV, New York, U.S.A., Tokyo, Japan (In English)
Reporter (2000)
Co-Reporter for the 45-mins program; "Cook's Tour” for The Food Network.
Traveling around Japan, with focus in Tokyo, introducing fine cuisine, recipes, chefs, restaurants as well as fish markets and Japanese gastronomic culture in general.

Our Experience
Aichi 2005 Expo. Venezuela, Peru, and Japan
Coordinator (May to December 2004)
Conducted research and supported the production of six documentary programs on nature and children for the special programming of the Expo, choosing locations and people, coordinating logistics and planning the stories. Conducted two months - intensive shooting in remote regions of Peru and Venezuela as a global project coordinator. The projects were publicly screened on the large screen at the central park of the Aichi 2005 Expo.

Our Experience
United Nations (UNDP), Praia, Cape Verde.
Director, Cameraman and Line producer (October-December 2010-)
Directed 3-minutes documentary program for promoting “voluntarism” in Cape Verde.
Upon researching, developed the project with UNV headquarter in Bonn, and conducted a project to be the most effective in the Cape Verdean community in collaboration with other organizations like Peace Corp or Red Cross. Responsibility includes budgeting, making story lines, casting, location hunting, and editing. The program was broadcasted on local national TV; TCV for one week, including International Volunteer Day; Dec. 5th.

Our Experience
Nippon Hoso Kyokai (NHK), Tokyo, JAPAN
Researcher, Field producer, and interviewer (January 1999 to present)
Multiple pecial reports including “Chinese presence in Africa” for the evening news show “Close-Up Gendai”
All pre-production and Production were conducted in Kenya.

Our Experience
KAYAK, Germany
Producer (September to November, 2018)
RProducing a 150,000 USD project shooting in Japan, for a commercial film. The responsibilities included putting ideas and sketches originally designed by German/U.S. directors into the real physical scenes in Japan.

Our Experience
Audemars Piguet, France
Line producer (2019)
Producing a commercial film depicting the architectural beauty of Tokyo.
Other Commercial Film Clients include:
Audemars Piguet, VISA Card, HOKA, Scandinavian Airways, KAYAK
and other major companies and agencies.
Other Commercial Film Clients include:
Audemars Piguet, VISA Card, HOKA, Scandinavian Airways, KAYAK
and other major companies and agencies.

Our Experience
SOTOKOTO Magazine, Tokyo, Japan
Photographer, Director, and Writer (December 2004 to Present)
Contributing photographic work and experience-based opinion writing for one of Japan’s leading magazines focusing on nature and environment. *Also played a role called “LOHAS-jenne” as a representative of readers and appeared in the magazine talking about a healthy and sustainable lifestyle as a woman living in Tokyo. - A Special monthly reports on cutting edge business in Africa on “Africa Business News” (2014-Present)

Our Experience
Richard Armitage
Interpreter (June 2006)
Interpretation at the lecture by the former US Deputy Secretary of State, took place in Tokyo.
Other major clients:
English:
Artist: Mr. Steven Seagal, Mr. Mirco CroCop, Mr. Dana Leong, Mr. Greg Lemond, Mr. Antoine De Caunes.
Government officials: Mr. Richard Armitage, Mr. Micky Cantor, Mr. Michael Green.
Professors: Dr. Joseph Stiglitz, Dr. Andrew Weil, Dr. Steven Mithen, Dr. Tasuku Honjo
Embassy of Japan in Kenya
Spanish:
Embassy of Venezuela in Japan, Embassy of Spain in Japans

Our Experience
TV Asahi Productions, Tokyo Japan
Director and interviewer (Jane to October 2006)
Conducted a news special program on Japan’s Prime Minister Koizumi’s 5-year governance.
Responsibilities include interviewing politicians and economists such as former Deputy Secretary of State Mr. Richard Armitage, former USTR Mr. Mickey Cantor and Nobel Prize Winner Prf. Joseph Stiglitz. For TV Asahi Corporation special news project by Anchor person Mr. Soichiro Tahara.

Our Experience
Japan Tourism Agency
Research, Writing, and Consulting (January 2022 - Present)
Developed an exclusive tour project for affluent travelers, focusing on the Southern Hokkaido region and the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan." Additionally, created brochures for presentation at a global high-net-worth individuals' convention held in Indonesia.

Our Experience
Deneb Stories
Host & Interviewer (November 2022)
Hosted a brand PR event aimed at enhancing the domestic recognition of the Four Seasons Hotel. Held in Tokyo.

Our Experience
Deneb Stories
Host & Interviewer (January 2022)
Hosted a promotional event that elevated Jomon culture as a global destination, "JOMON," through high-level branding in food, fashion, and dance. Held in Aoyama, Tokyo.

Our Experience
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
Regional Cultural Branding (April 2020 - March 2021)
Collaborated with the Furusato Foundation on the "Aizu Bandai-san wa Takara no Yama: 'Treasure Hunt Bandai'" project in Bandai Town, Fukushima Prefecture. Worked on branding the town's natural resources and developing inbound tourism products.
4o

Our Experience
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Japanese Culture Consulting & Hosting (2018)
Provided a demonstration introducing the Japanese tea ceremony at a Japanese cultural event hosted by the Embassy of Japan in Kenya. Also supported the Emperor’s Birthday Reception.

Our Experience
W Bagadion Consulting, Colombia
Consulting (March 1, 2015 - Present)
Involved in the "Little Tokyo" construction project in Bogotá, Colombia. Provided introductions to anime production companies, vendors, and potential partners in Japan. Additionally, supported the application process for the Cool Japan Fund (www.cj-fund.co.jp).

Our Experience
Iga Ueno Tourism Association
Translation, Interpretation, & Hosting (2008–Present)
Promoting Iga Ueno's ninja culture. Organized PR events in Hawaii as a reporter, translator, and presenter. Delivered live demonstrations of ninja techniques and introduced the historical and folkloric aspects of ninja culture at venues such as Ala Moana Shopping Center, schools, and churches. Featured on local radio, television (KHON), newspapers, and magazines. Activities conducted in Mie Prefecture, Japan, and the State of Hawaii, USA.

Our Experience
Japan Foundation
Research & Writing (November 2006)
Visited four cities across three countries—Egypt, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates—to investigate and document cultural exchanges between Arab and Japanese youth. Prepared a detailed report based on the findings.

Our Experience
ANA & Japanese Culture Successor Association, Tokyo, JAPAN
Translator and Cultural Consulting/ Cultural Translations (May 2017 to Present)
Translating Japanese language to English subtitles and intensive cultural consulting on structure and explanations on a series of 12 documentaries about “Living Japanese Traditional SAMURAI culture” to be aired on All Nippon Airline (ANA). (PHOTO)

Our Experience
BBC
Research & Coordination (2021)
Contributed to the production of news programs covering the finals of various sports at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Our Experience
Office of Jin Tatsumura
Assistant Director, Filming, Interpretation, Coordination, & Subtitling (2009, 2019–2020)
Contributed to the production of the legendary 25-year film series Gaia Symphony directed by Jin Tatsumura.
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Episode 7: Collaborated with Tour de France champion Greg LeMond, visiting Kyoto's traditional bowmakers, the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes in Wakayama, and Asuka Village in Nara to explore and document the essence of Shinto spirituality.
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Episode 9: Worked with cognitive archaeologist Professor Steven Mithen, delving into Jomon culture by exploring Ainu traditions in Hokkaido, the Harvest Festival in Iriomote Island, and the Tenkawa Benzaiten Shrine in Wakayama.

Our Experience
HOKA, USA
Line Producer (2020)
Managed the production of a commercial for the HOKA ONE ONE brand, centered on the theme of racial diversity. Coordinated the filming of an ekiden relay race, including the use of specialized vehicles for on-the-move shooting.

Our Experience
Hit and Run Creative, USA
Coordination (2020)
Oversaw the production of a commercial themed around Japanese traditional culture bearers. Responsibilities included selecting traditional cultural techniques, casting, conducting interviews, and scouting locations.

Our Experience
VISA Card & Vega brothers, USA
Coordination & Appearance (2019)
Supported a travel program featuring popular American YouTuber brothers exploring Japanese cuisine. Introduced Japanese customs and etiquette as part of the show.

Our Experience
ITV, UK
Casting Direction (2019)
Directed staff casting for the Rugby World Cup 2019 held in Japan.

Our Experience
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), Sweden, Denmark, Norway
Line Producer (2019)
Managed the production of a commercial in Japan titled "Future Olympians." The project showcased a sports exchange program between high school students from Scandinavian countries and Japan.

Our Experience
VR Interactive Film "Game"
Production Assistant (2019)
Assisted in the production of an interactive VR film directed by Dorian Stone. Filmed in the Aokigahara Forest near Mount Fuji.

Our Experience
Amka Film, Switzerland
Research & Coordination (2018–2019)
Conducted research and coordination for a 60-minute film documenting the vibrant lives of residents on Ikeshima, Nagasaki Prefecture—a once-thriving coal mining island now transformed into a near-ruin due to rapid depopulation. Supported a two-week, on-location shoot.

Our Experience
National Geographic, USA
Producer & Director (2021)
Produced and directed the 45-minute documentary "Perfect Sweat - Japan" with a budget of $190,000.
Learn more here.

Our Experience
KAYAK, Germany
Line Producer & Production (2018)
Managed the production of commercials with a budget of $150,000.

Our Experience
Apple TV+, USA
Coordination (2018)
Coordinated the production of the award-winning documentary "Healthy Long Life," focusing on health and longevity.

Our Experience
Dana Lyons & TEKTONIK Arts, Inc., USA
Associate Producer (2018–2019)
Produced the music video "Into The Light" in collaboration with Grammy Award-winning electric cellist Dana Lyons. The project featured a fusion of Shinto and Buddhist traditions, including recitations of the Ōharae Kotoba, traditional Gagaku music, and cello performance at Yakuichi-Oji Shrine in Nagano Prefecture.
The video has garnered over 300,000 views on YouTube.
Watch here.

Our Experience
NHK
Research, Interviews, and Coordination (1998–Present)
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"How People Live on Earth" (1999–2000): Assistant Director for a 60-minute documentary featuring month-long immersive shoots in Canada, Australia, and Western Samoa.
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"Inspired by Hemingway" (2004): Assisted production and served as a Spanish interpreter for a 180-minute documentary covering the "Hemingway Cup" in Havana, Cuba, with on-board coverage of participants.
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"Aging Population and Declining Birthrate" (November 2007–August 2008): Conducted research and coordination for a 60-minute co-production with Australia on demographic challenges in Japan.
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"Close-Up Gendai" – China in Africa (March–May 2018): Conducted research, coordination, and interviews for a segment focused on China's influence in Africa, filmed in Kenya.

Our Experience
Discovery & Travel Channel, USA
Discovery & Travel Channel, USA
Field Producer, Coordination, & Reporter
(October–December 2000, June–August 2005, December 2007–January 2008, February 2010, March–July 2014)
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"A Cook's Tour" and "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations": Worked with renowned chef, author, and host Anthony Bourdain on four documentary episodes exploring Japanese cuisine and culture.
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"International Open House" (February 2010): Introduced dazzling luxury homes from around the world, featuring Tokyo.
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"Booze Traveler" (June 2015): Highlighted Japan's alcohol culture, focusing on sake, its origins, and cultural significance, with coverage in Tokyo and Osaka.

Our Experience
PBS, USA
Field Producer (May–June 2013)
Produced a 60-minute documentary in Kenya focusing on elephant poaching and conservation efforts. The program explored the social context, balancing economic development and tourism.

Our Experience
National Geographic & HSBC (The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation)
Field Producer (January–March 2010)
Coordinated a commercial photoshoot titled "East Meets West, Old Meets New" by renowned photographer Michael Yamashita, themed around "traditions in the 21st century."
More about Michael Yamashita.

Our Experience
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Cabo Verde
Director, Cinematographer, Producer (October–December 2010)
Produced an awareness video on the theme of "International Volunteer Day" as part of a UNDP initiative in Cabo Verde, West Africa. The video was broadcast on the national television channel, TCV.
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Our Experience
Oceanic Preservation Society (OPS), USA
Coordination (October–December 2006)
Coordinated research and filming on Japan's whaling practices, examining the issue from various perspectives, including tradition, history, cultural anthropology, and diplomacy. Filming locations included Kyoto, Osaka, and Wakayama.
This footage was later edited into the Oscar-winning film "The Cove."
Learn more about OPS | IMDb: The Cove

Our Experience
Jump Cut Production, Switzerland
Field Producer (April–November 2009)
Contributed to the production of the feature film "All The Remains," a road movie intertwining the lives of two young American siblings and a middle-aged Japanese man at a crossroads in his life. The film won a Best Supporting Actress award. Filmed in Tokyo, Toyota City, Toba, Yunomine, and Kushimoto.

Our Experience
Canal+, France
Coordination (January–May 2010)
Coordinated the production of "TOQUE DE TOKYO," a documentary featuring renowned French host and comedian Antoine de Caunes. The program explored various aspects of Japanese pop culture, including otaku, anime, Gothic Lolita fashion, kawaii culture, herbivore men, yuru-chara mascots, and body modification fashion.

Our Experience
United Nations University Media Studio
Field Producer & Coordination (November 2007)
Collaborated with the World Health Organization (WHO) on the production of a documentary program.
4o

Our Experience
SKY TV, Italy
Coordination (November 2007)
Coordinated an interview program featuring Jackie Chan in Tokyo.

Our Experience
The World Bank
Producer & Director (October 2007)
Produced and directed a project for the World Bank.

Our Experience
National Geographic, Japan
Coordination (October 2007)
Coordinated research for American author Howard Norman’s work on "Matsuo Basho and The Narrow Road to the Deep North."

Our Experience
European Producers Club, France
Coordination & Consulting (October 2007)
Arranged networking opportunities within Japan for European film producers during the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Our Experience
Virgin Earth, Japan
Producer (April 2007–2010)
Served as an in-house producer, overseeing various production projects.

Our Experience
CBS, USA
CBS, USA
Associate Producer (April–August 2007)
Contributed to the Japanese segment of the globally renowned reality quiz show "The Amazing Race," coordinating and supporting production during filming in Japan.

Our Experience
TV Asahi Video (Vivia)
Director & Interviewer (2006)
Directed and conducted interviews for the special program "The Koizumi Administration: 2000 Days," which analyzed the five-year tenure of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. Interviewed prominent figures, including former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, former U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor, and Nobel Prize-winning economist Professor Joseph Stiglitz.

Our Experience
SONY Corporation
Director (2005–2006)
Directed and produced documentaries for the online media platform World Event Village. Filming and production were conducted in locations such as Tokyo, Niigata, and South Africa.

Our Experience
DR (Danish Broadcasting Corporation), Denmark
Coordination (2004)
Conducted research and provided production support in Japan for news reports on the 2005 FIFA World Cup.

Our Experience
2005 Aichi Expo – Venezuela, Peru, Japan
Planning & Coordination (May–December 2004)
Served as Global Project Coordinator for special programs at the Expo. Conducted two months of intensive filming in remote regions of Peru and Venezuela. Responsibilities included research, location scouting, casting, logistics, and story planning for six documentaries themed around nature and children. The documentaries were showcased on large screens in the central park of the Aichi Expo.

Our Experience
Asahi Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Venezuela
Planning & Coordination (February–March 2003, May–December 2004)
Developed, cast, and coordinated a special documentary program for a major Japanese broadcaster, focusing on fishing and nature. Conducted two weeks of intensive filming in the remote Amazon region of Venezuela.

Our Experience
New York Times TV (New York, USA; Tokyo, Japan)
Reporter & Coordination (December 2000, May 2002)
Contributed to the production of culinary and cultural documentary programs "My Country, My Kitchen with Roy Yamaguchi" and "A Cook's Tour" featuring Anthony Bourdain. Assisted with reporting and coordination during filming.

Our Experience
CBS Broadcasting (New York, USA; Nagano, Japan)
Assistant Director, Reporter, Interpreter, Coordinator, Researcher (February 1998)
Covered the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano for CBS headquarters and affiliate stations. Provided daily news, documentaries, and reports focusing on the games and local culture.

Our Experience
Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) (English/Japanese)
Research, Field Producer, Interviewer (January 1999–Present)
Contributed to the production of the news program "Close-Up Gendai" for the feature "Africa Becoming 'Sinified': Xi Jinping's 'Belt and Road' Today." Conducted two weeks of research and filming in Nairobi, Kenya.