Video Shoot in Ueno Park

[UnicornHunter]

I'll be visiting Tokyo in the fall and am planning to do a (pro) video shoot at Ueno park. On the Ueno website, it states I need to contact them to get an application for permission for this (as there are rules and fees). I sent an email last week requesting the application but I have not received a response yet. Is it because I not from Japan or I need to wait longer for a response?

 

[Karen]

This is within my realm
If I am not mistaken, Ueno Park management falls under tokyo metro government.
Did you fill out their master location form? (here)
They can provide the liaison you need for whomever is responsible for the park management.

You can submit the above form in English, while other direct communication could require Japanese.

 

[UnicornHunter]

Thanks so much! I will look at that form. Under the main park website under the photoshoot section, it just said to contact them first to acquire the forms. I didn't see where it said to fill out a form to get the forms.

 

[UnicornHunter]

This form is very helpful. Thanks!

 

[Karen]

Thanks so much! I will look at that form. Under the main park website under the photoshoot section, it just said to contact them first to acquire the forms. I didn't see where it said to fill out a form to get the forms.

Welcome to Japan.

This form is very helpful. Thanks!

This is where we direct all production inquiries from groups that aren't already with us.
It does not always go smoothly, because, well, Japan. 🙄

Good luck

 

[UnicornHunter]

LoL, could you define "aren't already with us" and "not smoothly"? I'm not doing anything major mind you. Just a local talent, my camera and not much else...

 

[Karen]

LoL, could you define "aren't already with us" and "not smoothly"? I'm not doing anything major mind you. Just a local talent, my camera and not much else...

I was referring to the production co. I work for.
If you're doing a one-man camera thing, I don't think you even need formal permission.
When you asked, I assumed you were asking because it's a larger production.
(ex. more than one camera, production support team, location vans & security)

 

[UnicornHunter]

This will be a music video. They were very clear on their website that permission is needed. I will have some support, mainly to keep people out of the shot. I don't want to risk getting in trouble, especially with the talent being there.

 

[Karen]

This will be a music video. They were very clear on their website that permission is needed. I will have some support, mainly to keep people out of the shot. I don't want to risk getting in trouble, especially with the talent being there.

Then yes, you would need all that goes with getting formal permission.

 

[UnicornHunter]

Thank you so much Karen! I did the form you sent. Now just waiting for a response.

 

[Airnest]

I thought you would be doing some outdoor sex scenes in Ueno Park when I read the title. 🤣🤣🤣

 

[Keihan]

LoL, could you define "aren't already with us" and "not smoothly"? I'm not doing anything major mind you. Just a local talent, my camera and not much else...

If the process is too lengthy, complicated or impossible, it might not hurt just to wing it? When I used to jog Ueno Park all the time I'd see people getting up to all sorts of stupid shit--far more offensive than just a small photo shoot--and nobody ever bothered them. And hell, back when I lived in Osaka and walked Osaka-Jo Koen all the time, I saw tons of disgusting shit going on and nobody ever seemed to care. Aside from all the horny teens fucking in the bushes or bleachers at night I saw multiple porn shoots going on in broad daylight--mostly omorashi/desperation type stuff--and nary a visit from the blue folks on bicycles. Granted, the guys filming were definitely yak-associated, and this was, again, Osaka, but something tells me those guys probably didn't fill out the proper paperwork. If nobody is gonna bitch about a topless lady pissing her panties or girls dressed up in school uniforms popping a squat and pissing/shitting along the park walkways, something tells me you could probably get away with a quick photo snaps of clothed, law-abiding people.

 

[Airnest]

If the process is too lengthy, complicated or impossible, it might not hurt just to wing it? When I used to jog Ueno Park all the time I'd see people getting up to all sorts of stupid shit--far more offensive than just a small photo shoot--and nobody ever bothered them. And hell, back when I lived in Osaka and walked Osaka-Jo Koen all the time, I saw tons of disgusting shit going on and nobody ever seemed to care. Aside from all the horny teens fucking in the bushes or bleachers at night I saw multiple porn shoots going on in broad daylight--mostly omorashi/desperation type stuff--and nary a visit from the blue folks on bicycles. Granted, the guys filming were definitely yak-associated, and this was, again, Osaka, but something tells me those guys probably didn't fill out the proper paperwork. If nobody is gonna bitch about a topless lady pissing her panties or girls dressed up in school uniforms popping a squat and pissing/shitting along the park walkways, something tells me you could probably get away with a quick photo snaps of clothed, law-abiding people.

A Japanese friend once came across a man walking a naked woman on a leash around Osaka Castle. I remembered his story when I saw your post. 🤣🤣🤣

 

[Keihan]

A Japanese friend once came across a man walking a naked woman on a leash around Osaka Castle. I remembered his story when I saw your post. 🤣🤣🤣

I kid you not, Osaka-Jo Koen was (and probably still is) a major hotspot for deviant porn shoots. You name it--omorashi, panchira, itazura, whatever---they film all sorts of fucked up shit at that park. That said, nothing, not even something a shit porn production can produce, rivals the disgusting shit you see during hanami. But I still have to admit, as much as I rail against Osaka and bitch about the people there, there's something comfortable about a place where I (or people who look like me) can just walk through any shotengai or side street, find an attractive storm drain, whip out the dick and start pissing in it and not a single person even flinches. Living in Osaka was the fucking slums, but drinking in Osaka is a whole different story.

 

[Airnest]

I kid you not, Osaka-Jo Koen was (and probably still is) a major hotspot for deviant porn shoots. You name it--omorashi, panchira, itazura, whatever---they film all sorts of fucked up shit at that park. That said, nothing, not even something a shit porn production can produce, rivals the disgusting shit you see during hanami. But I still have to admit, as much as I rail against Osaka and bitch about the people there, there's something comfortable about a place where I (or people who look like me) can just walk through any shotengai or side street, find an attractive storm drain, whip out the dick and start pissing in it and not a single person even flinches. Living in Osaka was the fucking slums, but drinking in Osaka is a whole different story.

I was surprised to see that shit in Namba. Just whipping it out to pee anywhere like a parking lot or the sidewalk and everyone else not giving a fuck. NGL, I do it too sometimes if no one is around. 🤣🤣🤣

 

[UnicornHunter]

If the process is too lengthy, complicated or impossible, it might not hurt just to wing it? something tells me you could probably get away with a quick photo snaps of clothed, law-abiding people.

It's gonna be a bit more involved than quick photos. The plan is a 4 hour shoot in an area that is partially gated. If I'm able to keep out tourists during the shoot that would be a bonus. I agree if I start getting shit from the park dept, I may just wing it but I hope I don't have to.

 

[UnicornHunter]

So I'm starting to get the impression that I will be in a run and gun, then run! Situation. I saw a 2009 japantoday article that is probably still accurate. "Tokyo Location Box received 2,333 domestic and 56 overseas requests. Only 146 domestic and a few foreign were granted." Even major movies resorted to guerrilla style tactics.

 

[UnicornHunter]

I just had a chat with an indie artist who recently did a video with a small production company on the streets of Shinjuku, like literally on a small median strip with traffic flying by. She said no permits were obtained.

 

[Maxblack]

All these polite Gaijin trying to follow the rules meanwhile locals just smash it. Remember: easier to apologize after than to ask for permission before. Just go film as if you have permission. Have one person appointed as The Whisperer. When a security guard or staff or whomever comes over to ask about your permit, everyone keeps filming as The Whisperer engages in polite, slowly, lengthy discussions…by the time it’s agreed you have no permit your shoot will be over.

 

[CharlieSimms]

Looking forward to the update.

 

[UnicornHunter]

Just finished the shoot. Had two coworkers as helpers, one who could translate to the talent. Of course the weather didn't cooperate as it was sunny and mild when I really preferred overcast. Totally messed up my shot plan as 50% of them couldn't be lit evenly with the sun and shadows. Also, I scouted the location on Sunday for B-roll footage (which was overcast). Hardly anyone during the time planned. Today, a shitload showed up ruining a few other shots. All in all I think I got enough to work with.

 

[Airnest]

Just finished the shoot. Had two coworkers as helpers, one who could translate to the talent. Of course the weather didn't cooperate as it was sunny and mild when I really preferred overcast. Totally messed up my shot plan as 50% of them couldn't be lit evenly with the sun and shadows. Also, I scouted the location on Sunday for B-roll footage (which was overcast). Hardly anyone during the time planned. Today, a shitload showed up ruining a few other shots. All in all I think I got enough to work with.

What was the video/shoot about again?

 

[ThaWeeknd]

I thought you would be doing some outdoor sex scenes in Ueno Park when I read the title. 🤣🤣🤣

This is what I was “hoping” for, in which case my girl and I have prepared our whole lives for such a moment...maybe next time. 😩😩

 

[Airnest]

This is what I was “hoping” for, in which case my girl and I have prepared our whole lives for such a moment...maybe next time. 😩😩

If you’re ever in Osaka, Osaka Castle park at night is a good place for it.

 

[UnicornHunter]

What was the video/shoot about again?

Music video with Jpop indie.