International sales, Nikkatsu
- Studied sociology at International Christian University, Tokyo, graduating in 2021
- Joined the sales team of Nikkatsu in 2021
Yamamoto joined Nikkatsu direct from university in 2021, but being hired in the midst of the pandemic meant her first two years as a member of the international sales team were decidedly desk-bound. Once finally able to travel abroad in 2023, she realised the importance of meeting buyers face-to-face.
“For industry veterans, that might seem obvious,” says Yamamoto. “But starting in a time of isolation and uncertainty, that was a great lesson.”
Last year, the young executive led worldwide festival sales for Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Cloud, which premiered at Venice before going on to play Toronto, Busan and a long string of festivals around the world. “The film achieved solid results from a business perspective but what stayed with me most was the emotional impact of seeing the film reach audiences around the world, and witnessing that reaction in person,” says Yamamoto.
Looking to the future of Japanese film abroad, Yamamoto says that while arthouse films and animation have done well, one remaining challenge is “bringing more mainstream Japanese live-action films to global audiences”.
Taking guidance from Nikkatsu veterans Emico Kawai and Taku Kato, Yamamoto has ambitions for a more central role in leading international sales at the company. She adds: “While I still have much to learn, I want to turn my relative youth into an asset by travelling and experiencing different markets first, while continuing to broaden my perspective.”
Contact: Umi Yamamoto
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