Local drone filming support for international productions

We provide professional drone filming services in Japan for overseas broadcasters, production companies, documentary teams, and commercial projects.

From aerial filming and local crew support to permit applications and on-site operations, we handle the practical side of drone production in Japan so your shoot can move safely and efficiently.

Wildlife filming, boat-based operations, permit support, FPV, and specialty drone work in Japan.

◆Services

What We Do

We support drone filming projects throughout Japan as a local production partner.

Our work covers not only flight operations, but also pre-production planning, legal coordination, permit support, and filming execution.

Our services include:

• Drone filming in Japan
• Local filming support for overseas crews
• Aerial footage acquisition on request
• Permit and approval application support
• Boat-based and remote-environment drone operations
• FPV filming and specialty drone shots
• Support for long-term documentary assignments

◆Why Us

Why Work With Us

Extensive experience in wildlife filming

We have substantial experience in aerial wildlife filming in Japan.

Our work includes filming assignments related to NHK programs such as “Darwin’s Amazing Animals” and “WILDLIFE.”

We have worked on more than 20 mid- to long-term field documentary assignments, particularly involving cetaceans and bird species.

Filming wildlife requires more than basic drone operation. It demands safe decision-making in unpredictable environments, accurate subject tracking, and camera work that is usable for broadcast and documentary production. This is one of our core strengths.

Strong in moving subjects, long-lens work, and boat-based operations

We are experienced in filming moving subjects with smooth tracking shots, operating with long-lens camera work, and launching and recovering drones from boats.

These are not standard conditions. They require technical flight control, situational awareness, and field experience under pressure.

Proven two-operator workflow

We have extensive experience working in a two-operator setup, with separate pilot and camera operator roles.

This allows for better subject tracking, more precise framing, and safer flight management, especially in documentary, broadcast, and high-end production environments.

Permit support handled in-house

For flights that require special approval under Japanese aviation rules, including operations such as flights above 150 meters, we handle the permit process in-house.

Because we do not rely on third-party intermediaries for this process, we can provide a more direct and efficient workflow from planning through execution.

◆Legal and Permit Support

Drone Operations in Japan Require Careful Legal Compliance

Operating drones in Japan requires compliance with multiple layers of regulation.

Depending on the location and flight conditions, this may involve aviation rules, radio regulations, road-use coordination, local government restrictions, and site-specific permissions.

Japanese drone regulations can be strict, and approval timelines may vary depending on the flight profile and location.

In addition, drone equipment used in Japan must comply with Japanese technical and legal requirements.

In some cases, drones purchased overseas cannot be used in Japan as-is, even if they are made by major manufacturers such as DJI.

For international productions, working with a local operator who understands both the regulatory process and field execution is the most practical approach.

We support not only the filming itself, but also pre-shoot checks, permit planning, and operational coordination in Japan.

Equipment and Capabilities

Equipment

We select the most suitable drone setup based on the creative and operational requirements of each project.

Available equipment and capabilities:

• DJI Inspire 3
• RAW recording
• Two-operator configuration
• FPV drone filming in Acro mode
• Suspended VR camera operation
• Transport or mounting of specialty equipment

We can support a wide range of production needs, from cinematic landscape work to dynamic subject tracking and specialty payload operations.

◆Selected Experience

Selected Experience

• Filming assignments related to NHK wildlife and natural history productions
• Work associated with “Darwin’s Amazing Animals”
• Work associated with “WILDLIFE”
• 20+ mid- to long-term documentary field assignments
• Wildlife filming involving cetaceans and birds
• Boat-based drone operations
• Aerial tracking of moving subjects
• Long-lens aerial camera operation
• Broadcast-oriented filming using two-operator drone workflow

Due to confidentiality and production agreements, only limited project information can be published on the website.

Additional details may be shared upon request where appropriate.

◆Communication

Communication

Our primary working language on site is Japanese.

For English communication, interpreter or translation support is required.

For international projects, please let us know in advance what level of language support will be needed during planning, coordination, and filming.

◆Contact

For inquiries regarding drone filming in Japan, local production support, permit coordination, or specialty drone operations, please contact us by email.

Even if your project is still at the planning stage, we can review the basic conditions and advise on feasibility.

Email: g.okamura@aerialdesign.art

Helpful information to include in your inquiry:

• Project overview
• Filming location
• Preferred shooting dates
• Subject matter
• Required shots or filming style
• Flight conditions or special requirements
• Preferred drone or camera setup
• Whether interpreter / translation support is needed

Note: We can accept email inquiries in languages other than Japanese. On-site communication in English may require interpreter support.