Cinematic Reality: Japan | Photography Journey from Tokyo to Osaka

Introducing Cinematic Reality, a short-film series highlighting my photography along with cinematic behind-the-scenes footage. I created this first episode from my month-long street photography trip to Japan back in mid-September to October 2023.
All video shot handheld on Sony A1 & Sony RX100VII.
Film cameras: Canon EOS 300 & Fuji GA645
Film stocks: Portra 400 & Cinestill 800T
Video edited and color graded with DaVinci Resolve.
Photos edited with Adobe Lightroom.
Check out my full Japan photo gallery on my website:
www.illkoncept.com/japan
Instagram: / illkoncept
Twitter: / illkoncept
0:00 Intro
0:55 Day
5:56 Metro
9:52 Night
22:36 Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
24:21 Osaka
30:03 Outro
Soundtrack:
Max LL - Opening
Max LL - Disruption (Opening)
Live Footage - The Westernization of Asia
Cultus - Tidal Pools II
Ryan Taubert - Son of a Gun
Saint Mesa - Auteur (Instrumental)
Cultus - Tomorrow Never Comes
Cultus - More Me, More Often
Ryan Taubert - Molehill Mountain
Ryan Taubert - I Am Not A Tyrant
Ryan Taubert - White Knight
#streetphotography #japan #tokyo #osaka #35mmfilm #film #youtubenewwave

[@badfiction5928]

that opening shot is a masterpiece

[@mikawa9229]

Hi, I am Japanese. I used to think that my life was just a boring everyday, but watching this dramatic movie made me feel a little better. Being a part of this scenery might not have been a bad life.

[@illectricsheep]

lol

[@jerfareza]

As someone who lives in Japan, the trick is to pretend that you're on a holiday everyday 😂 Then you'll find interesting things.

[@laflammiche]

It's life ... simply street life ...japanese street life ... colors colors and colors ... wonderful atmosphere. You just need wings.

[@SMGJohn]

Life is what you make it out to be.

[@benjiang9789]

I have been living in Hong Kong, a metropolis where East meets West. But I have the same feeling: Life is so boring. So, to cheer myself up, I love to visit Japan, just to look around, enjoy the landscape, and talk with the local people. And then, I feel refreshed.

[@jjhs1790]

I'm a 71yr old man and have been traveling by bycicle camping everywhere twenty more times throughout Japan since my 45. You are really talanted to catch the essence of what you see. In this chaotic world when you do something pushing the earth forward even a tiny step better a precious contribution.

[@derecktsang]

Keep on cycling n camping .Good luck n good health.

[@DasHellgast]

Fantastic! I fervently wish to bike through Japan just like you. Greetings from Spain, and congratulations on such a fulfilling life🚀

[@electricearth1101]

The choice to film Large Buildings, Neon Lights and Trains the whole time is Very original 😂😂 JK

[@CasueLMusic]

you are a true inspiration Sir

[@RhiannaShack-be9kn]

❤

[@davidignaz]

I am 5 minutes in and I cannot imagine how there can be another 25 minutes of this goodness😮‍💨

[@illkoncept]

It just gets better in my opinion lol. Night was the best time. Appreciate you taking the time to watch. Not all videos will be this long

[@Vinyled]

Hear, hear! 🙌

[@Vinyled]

@@illkoncept Length, please do! 😁🙏

[@mymonfort]

Amazing.

[@michaelengelen2938]

Wow-awesome footage. Great inspirations. Thanks for sharing

[@inveenhuizen]

Those three Ronalds McDonalds having diner was pure art.❤

[@6rain875]

at a burger king no less

[@Iamspi]

timestamp please?

[@danzelhill]

@@Iamspi 4:20

[@electricearth1101]

The choice to film Large Buildings, Neon Lights and Trains the whole time is Very original 😂😂 JK

[@viktorbarnabas]

@@electricearth1101 It doesn’t matter; those are just the ‘paint,’ if you will. He painted with them. It’s all about composition; the subject is irrelevant. Currently, 8 billion humans are living in the present with you, and 117 billion have ever lived on this planet. Anything and everything has been done. Just watch it go by and don’t forget to enjoy.

[@profdyang4044]

I spent the summer of 2023 here. This captures these two beautiful cities so well. Sheesh it's breathtaking so great work! I love Japan, Tokyo/ Osaka. I truly appreciate how the Japanese culture and lifestyle. Yes I get that no culture or country is perfect, so I don't want to romanticize Japan, but as an American, who's also lived and travel in other parts of the world, Tokyo is the ultimate city experience. IT has a little bit of everything you imagine a city would be. From the people, to the food, to the music, to the transit system, cleanliness, to the art and fashion to the intensity of the work life/family life balance, to the preservation of culture, to their traditions to the innovations. The philosophies people live out everyday that stood out to me was Shu-Ha-Ri and Onkochishin. Thank you Japan for the life experience that I will never forget. Arigatou Gozaimasu

[@IronChefPeter]

The things that are possible these days with consumer level equipment and good artistic eye is amazing

[@bobmocarsky7943]

This is as much a fine art piece as I have ever seen on video … Japan is the perfect out-of-this-world subject to photograph, the music is so evocative … just WOW!

[@illkoncept]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@-VOUW-]

So grateful to the algorithm for suggesting this piece of art. Absolutely loving it. Beautiful stills and video, and the music to top it off 😮‍💨. Cool you captured the food spot from Perfect Days!

[@stevethea5250]

timestamp

[@-VOUW-]

@@stevethea5250 at the end of day 1, so from 4:33 onwards.

[@electricearth1101]

The choice to film Large Buildings, Neon Lights and Trains the whole time is Very original 😂😂 JK

[@peterlewald492]

I lived in Tokyo near Shinjuku for nearly three years in the late 80th. This videos makes me feel homesick so much. Very well done. A masterpiece.

[@z.833]

Shinjuku, expecially Okubo was dope back in the 80s. Dangerous and nasty (and so cheap). I liked that chaos. Too touristy nowadays.

[@mitchellm90]

​@@z.833 680 Club!

[@Tz3952ii]

So you experienced City Pop in real life. Although most great j pop songs never appeared on TV son you wouldn't know them unless you're into music and followed what locals did. Even today we get to hear only media pressed kid's music never from the real Tokyo music scene.

[@Tz3952ii]

@@z.833 Yea lots of crimes and out of society immigrants as well

[@jlf2221]

Extraordinary Eyes and a true Master of the camera! A phenomenal work of art!

[@juanraigosa139]

Japan is beautiful 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥😎👍

[@stormer7502]

for some reason this gives me the same feeling I get when I see old very old videos and photographs. something about the crowds of people each living their own lives and the mundanity of it all is somehow fascinating

[@amephone]

Tokyoites who are exhausted by daily life are often said to have the eyes of a dead fish. Photographed from inside the train (what a beautiful side trip!) the people looked so calm and relaxed. They are good, gentle fish that move slowly through large amounts of information. I was born in Tokyo. Thank you for your pure gaze. I was very moved by the scene where the camera slowly moves from the exterior of a retro game center in Osaka to inside. The space that had been frozen seemed to come back to life. And it was very encouraging to read so many comments praising this intelligent and positive work. ARIGATO!!

[@cipherjoe9]

Straight back to the late 70’s

[@10vogels]

I watched this again and again

[@maxcuccarese]

I don't usually comment on videos, but this is a masterpiece that deserves a lot. I could watch it for hours. Congratulations and thank you so much for publishing it, I hope you can publish many more.

[@electricearth1101]

The choice to film Large Buildings, Neon Lights and Trains the whole time is Very original 😂😂 JK

[@Toldale15]

This is everything I want from KZbin! Makes me want to go back to Japan so badly! The night stuff is just perfect! Thanks for the upload. More please!

[@electricearth1101]

The choice to film Large Buildings, Neon Lights and Trains the whole time is Very original 😂😂 JK

[@kandou8]

Your work is truly amazing. It's like a moment is brought to life. For example, the woman reflected through the window at night may have experienced happy or sad things in that place. And it becomes a foreshadowing of the future. I'm grateful to have come across this wonderful work. Thank you very much. From Japan with love❤

[@Trapeznaci]

I'm obsessed with Japan and this incredible video just make my "I want to go there " feeling so stronger

[@futonlove6347]

We welcome you.

[@Trapeznaci]

@futonlove6347 thank you 🙏

[@aisle_of_view]

The rainy evening scenes remind me of Bladerunner

[@jojoguingona3028]

Exactly my thoughts! The original Bladerunner!

[@gustavosaliola]

I'm on the first third of the video and came to conclusion that no matter what camera you use, the quality of your framing, the things that you see trough the lenses and the desicions that you make when editing and color grading are gonna be always beautiful. The gear is just gear. Kudos to your craft and good taste. Salute from Argentina.

[@NikoNemo]

Beautiful, well done!!! Music and that Cyberpunk vibe... What a ride...

[@shaddring]

So good, a step above the others doing street photography videos and photos. Keep up the amazing work

[@alteregothehi-qs5774]

I am absolutely amazed by this piece of art. Preparing myself for a video and photo trip to Tokyo 🇯🇵 I am totally flashed by not only your camera work (both still and motion) but also by your cutting and arranging. (as a musician) I was also blown away by your choice of music: what great music is this!! All the best from 🇨🇭

[@maryuno1]

As a Japanese, I honestly do not like Tokyo. People and buildings are cluttered and crowded, and there is too much unnecessary information such as advertisements and announcements. Compared to the traditional and well-designed cityscapes of Europe, Japanese cities look really bad. But in your video, Tokyo itself is like an organism, and I could feel the vividness that people are living right here. It made me think again that this might be a good thing. Thank you.

[@cajarana76]

You have to try sometimes different angles to look at the same thing.

[@onocoffee]

It's so interesting you say this because I find the cityscape of Tokyo to be wildly fascinating. The blend of modern and old. The lighting and neon. I think Tokyo looks awesome. It's places like Copenhagen that I find to be drab and rather boring.

[@ChrisEchoes]

Another comment I would like to make: absolutely excellent choice of music and how your editing complimented both the images AND the music.

[@FootInjury]

I cannot imagine how there can be another 25 minutes of this goodness

[@trischulte]

One of the best cinematic pieces on Japan. Love the compositions, music, edits, and stills!

[@gunnergunnarsson3534]

Really put things into perspective on what we CHOOSE to observe in our daily surroundings. There are snippets of beauty in what you choose to observe. But it doesn't have to be in another country, we often forget that these kind of scenarios can happen in our own town or city.

[@illkoncept]

100% agree to this! I will definitely be making videos showing these things in more familiar places as well.

[@MohamedHenedy]

Playing this masterpiece all the time while working

[@anchovski1788]

Two of my passions: night street photo and Japan - combined in this pure masterpiece.

[@kirby7379]

Tokyo is my favorite city for many reasons, and you’ve captured the visual spell it casts. I’m just blown away. I feel a longing and transcendence. Thank you for sharing your gifts.

[@psrayxp]

What most people think is an ordinary day-to-day life is full of stories under your lens. I watched it several times. It was so touching~

[@yourone]

Monumental work dude! You fulfilled the idea that I had a glimpse of when I was watching cinematic reels on instagram, which is what if it would be long video with beautiful shots, immersive and meditative. It is truly inspiring, thank you!

[@crujones5319]

Three Ronald McDonalds eating at Burger King = Priceless. This video is mesmerizing, love it.

[@to-omouzyan]

日本人として普段のありふれた日常も捉え方によってこうも神秘的に見えるものなのかと思いました。素晴らしい作品でした。

[@DavidHunter]

This is exceptional. Incredibly well made. The art the skill the vision the editing the music choices. Thank you.

[@barumin1535]

whoever you are, your vision is damn good. magical video, love it

[@bbdop]

Excellent! Wonderful colors, great editing, sound design... Superb!

[@calvinsbnb76]

One of the best things I've ever seen on KZbin! Seminal integration of photo and video. And you really capture the atmosphere and personality of Tokyo! Shooting the photos on film shows a keen insight, and the photos are better for it! Better still, by integrating them with the video you create something that is greater than the sum of its parts, no matter the strength of any particular part -- which I think points the way forward for photography. One note: Where Tokyo is refined, understated and reserved, Osaka is outgoing, open, optimistic and demonstrative. In your treatment of it here, including the music, much of it looks the same as Tokyo; it would be more effective, in my view, to better differentiate the two places; also, easy to do, given the marked difference between them.

[@matsefcik]

I can write up a 5 page essay on everything I loved about this but I'll keep it brief. Absolutely crushed this dude. Both the filming and the photos. I'm gonna be coming back to this one a lot

[@illkoncept]

Thanks so much man! Excited for your next videos as well

[@japanomadmedia]

Been living in Tokyo for 13 year and I still watched the whole video. You managed to capture the character of the city so well. You deserve much more views. Music choice is also on point.

[@capturedbyconnor]

The music and colours are a perfect match on this, you've done an epic job well done.

[@Big_Country_67]

4:21 to just stumble on this and be able to take a photo is incredible. Great work on the video and of course the amazing photography. Please keep it up ❤

[@monogramadikt5971]

when i finally decide to clock out of this paradigm im doing it in japan, its always felt more like my real home then where i was born and raised. being geographically seperated by distance is like being in a weird long distance relationship where the attraction never fades because you dont have to acknowledge all the less perfect aspects of living daily life there.. sigh, one day soon ill be back in your arms again my beautiful tokyo ;) lol

[@user-2fkheS6COV1UKE6]

Some locations in the world looks like a Hollywood movie on any camera. Great work!

[@SolSearcher]

my brother just moved to Osaka. Took that train from Tokyo to his new home there. This was a wonderful way to see the trip he took. Very well done. Captivating.

[@Oriell]

This is absolutely beautiful.

[@Ksusha98]

Mike, i've been following you from the Milwaukee/ Chicago days. LOVE this incredible video. Blade runner feels esp with the music. Pure eye candy. Thank you for making this beauty! A True artist.

[@illkoncept]

Thank you so much for sticking around all this time. Fall 2024 will be the 10 year mark doing photography. What a journey it's been. The video definitely feels Bladerunner-esque in those rainy scenes with the music. Appreciate the kind words!

[@jonez110]

That's very sick, maaan! Can't believe how good this is. Set's new bars!

[@paulhart6830]

Cinematically, acoustically, and geographically outstanding. I’ve always enjoyed watching Rambalac (search for his channel) walk through Tokyo, but this takes that experience into another dimension. Incredible.

[@easebeats]

This is a masterpiece Mike! Kept me intrigued and even after 30 some minutes I didn’t want it to end!

[@illkoncept]

Love to hear that dude

[@estienne1948]

I live in Tokyo ten years ago and I recognized so many places and atmospheres. Thank you for that. Amazing work, beautiful photos and videos. Excellent music choice also. Slow and beautiful editing. Congratulations.

[@user-ey3dp8oo2j]

40年前、東京に住んでいた頃に電車から家々を眺めて、何故だか切なさを感じていました。

[@DanielHunt]

Absolutely masterful, so many beautiful photos and sequences in one video! I feel like I've just gone through five photography exhibitions. The film grades are stunning.

[@joseguimaraes1094]

Absolutely amazing! The colors, the images, the movement, the purity, the narrative, the soundtrack! A true work of art. Thanks for sharing!

[@user-lu9gs3qm4p]

最高です😭 素晴らしい作品をありがとうございます！！ あっという間の30分でした

[@nickchenstudio1]

This is PURE ART! Please show us more!

[@syu9281]

Everything is brilliant, photography, cinematography, music! Love it.

[@menace46]

Fantastic! Such beautiful colours and scenes. The soundtrack is perfect too.

[@koaa1565]

Meticulous. Mesmerizing. Thank you very much for framing, editing, and uploading your art. As a Tokyo-loving Tokyorities, this is so breathtaking and it hits me hard realizing I am breathing life in this saturated cultural chaos.

[@Michele_Berardi]

Greatest work I've seen in a while

[@rolandmarckwort]

Amazing work!!

[@hi8wobble]

Astonishing work. You’re inspiring me to get back to making art. Thanks for sharing!

[@user-ls3db6pz4w]

I had to turn the light off for a while but I couldn't just pause my video or take my eyes off of it. It's magical

[@jaegermeister1968]

a true masterpiece in image, sound and editing.

[@benf8599]

Absolutely love the music/soundscape in this.

[@electronictiger]

This is gorgeous! I also very much appreciate your music selection and subtle use of environment sounds. Very well done indeed. More please!

[@MrAlexGodat]

Love the photos, and I'm awe struck at the opening and closing shots for the video. Makes me want to go right now!

[@illkoncept]

Glad you stuck around for that last shot. It's pretty mesmerizing to me, too. I could film out those windows for hours...and I guess I did lol

[@tomasmicak9041]

Amazing, you perfectly captured vibe of Japan.

[@markkorjagin6927]

What an amazing piece of art; thank you for creating and sharing it with us.

[@Fuegoshotz]

Holy fcking sht bro... you made me tear up. I dream of making videos like this and I'm literally watching it happen before my eyes. This is pure creativity at its finest. WOW, just WOW!!

[@user-ut8se8lh4t]

素敵に写真取ってくれてありがとう❤ あなたに良い一日が訪れますように✨

[@hike_and_bike]

The image and music create an amazing atmosphere. A beautiful, mysterious and magical movie.

[@gumuberu2950]

This is the most wonderful Video I have ever seen about Japan. I love Japan and its people and I have been there twice. This Video is the essence of my experience. Its gorgeous!

[@suukoro7]

日常を映画みたいに切り取っていて素敵なセンスですね👏日本への愛を感じます。また自作が見たいです

[@illkoncept]

このビデオを通して私の愛が輝くことができて嬉しいです。すぐに戻りたいと思います！そこが大好きです

[@vitalis]

Such an underrated channel! Awesome photography. Instant sub!

[@richardhedd3080]

I'm blown away!! So beautiful. So much work went into this!! Total respect!!

[@VanaPica]

Simply art!

[@bubaks2]

Instantly subscribed. The videography. The music. Simply artistic.

[@tsouk9903]

Nah I had to pause the video to type this. I've been following you on IG for quite some time now and you're my favorite photographer. I'm not one myself, but I admire the art of photography and you use your camera exactly as cameras are meant to be used (according to my opinion at least). You manage to give life to a picture by flawlessly capturing colors, textures, shading and little details that make one feel like they're inside that little world themselves, unlike the usual, flat pictures. And when it comes to your portraits and pictures of people, I just love how each one of these pictures cancels out the "main character" culture and subtly remind to the viewer that what makes one a "main character" is the combination of many people. Each person's story is what makes somebody else so special. TL;DR: You're really good at what you're doing, keep doing it.

[@illkoncept]

I love that. Thanks so much for the thoughtful comment. Means a lot

[@rascura]

Just perfect. Awesome shots, nice photography and beautifully edited! I hope that i can travel there as well someday!

[@lat1502]

Truly amazing.

[@johnking9852]

Have never watched anything like this before. 31 minutes of photographic inspiration. Will have to get the OM1 filmed up & shooting. The music & editing is brilliant & thank you for sharing.

[@gaichu-jc4hi]

i often walk around in Shinjuku talking pictures with my phone like "wow this is kinda cool" but this real professional art is on a completely different level! you made an art out of nothing!

[@metricmoo]

This is ai generated

[@elsonwu9128]

I really like the vibe you made, all vibe in this video appeared slowly and quietly to help audiences traveling around the city in different angles!

[@user-ne9bx3fo7p]

Wow!!!❤❤❤

[@danielremian]

holy shit that intro made me say "jesus christ" out loud, like...damn, so good! Perfect editing and choice of music 👌🏻

[@illkoncept]

Ahhh so happy to hear that. Glad you liked everything

[@Itchban]

Hey Mike. I can see all the time and care you put into this. Great job.

[@illkoncept]

Appreciate you dude. Always an inspiration

[@Itchban]

@@illkoncept likewise man! Keen to see more films from you!!

[@user-nw1vn4rm7f]

amazing! thank you for this masterpiece ❤

[@jordanseeless]

This was awesome. The perspectives, colours and transitions are incredible. Amazing work, can't wait for the next one!

[@Ksyntaylor]

Dude just from the first shot alone I knew this was gonna be a banger😮‍💨🔥

[@illkoncept]

Appreciate that! I just love those trains that run parallel...made for a great intro

[@ucoco4770]

この映像で製作者が感じた東京を 擬似体験できる。 日頃見慣れている東京とは 別次元のもので楽しい。 上京した当初のように ニュートラルな気持ちに戻りたくなった。 ありがとう。

[@marcotine7119]

Thanks for this rapturous journey and for the inspiration. It's incredible how it lingers in the viewer's mind.

[@tokyobicycle]

Definitely the best cinematic experience of Tokyo on KZbin that I've found. Truly inspiring!

[@michaelbird27]

My favorite part is from 25:14-25:40. The reflection of the lights in Osaka near the Glico sign? What a great spot. Last time I was there was in 2013. If you didn't get the takoyaki, you missed out. Great photography regardless!

[@SunsshineYou]

It is pure art! I hope to see more videos in that style from you. To feel inspiration from small everyday life details, to catch them and be able to convey is something rare.

[@dan.hampton]

A masterpiece. Truly mesmerising 🫨

[@JQ24]

I love all the videos and photos taken. Very artful and inspiring!