Need to Know: Crafting Japanese Entertainment

This week, we feature Jeffrey Rowe, a Canadian actor, voice actor, and producer. He splits his time between Okinawa, Tokyo, and Vancouver. Rowe has appeared in nearly 50 films and TV projects, including the NHK Taiga dramas Ryomaden and Seiten wo Tsuke, Prime Video’s The Silent Service, and numerous Japanese documentaries where he served as narrator. As the founder of Mirus Pictures, he produced Rules of Living, All the Songs We Never Sang, and BLT Sandwich Cafe, which was the first American-style sitcom in Japanese TV history.

In this entertainment industry-focused version of Japan Expert Insights, Michael William Foster and co-host Maya Matsuoka will explore the multifaceted world of Japanese entertainment, culture, and industry trends. We’ll feature in-depth discussions every other week with leading experts who offer valuable perspectives on the latest developments and timeless aspects of Japan’s entertainment landscape.

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About the Author: boojazz

At the age of fifteen, Michael began his professional career by drawing children’s menus for a chain of restaurants in the Southwest. His experience in graphics, marketing, illustration and video production fill an essential need in advertising agencies, printing companies, and design firms. In the early 2010's Michael blogged for The Huffington Post and Psychology Today on the topic of Digital Reinvention. Some of the clients Michael has worked with include: Microsoft, US – Japan Business Council, RAINN (co-founded by Tori Amos and Sarah McLaughlin), Chicagoland Speedway, Richard Shay Photography, The British Embassy in the United States, Ben Hollis Worldwide, Aphex, & PepsiCo. His previous television work has gained the interest of major studios such as Dreamworks SKG.