Imtiaz Ali’s Window Seat Films & reputed Japanese entertainment conglomerate, Shochiku join hands to produce - 'Love in Tokyo'

NEW DELHI, January 12th, 2017: It’s time for some love beyond borders of languages and landscapes. Imtiaz Ali, this generation’s master filmmaker of love stories, will collaborate with Shochiku, the most reputed Japanese entertainment conglomerate, for a very special Hindi film. 

Titled Love in Tokyo, the film borrows only its title from the 1960s classic and is not a remake. To be directed by Arif Ali, it will be a contemporary take on love and relationships beyond the limits of language and will have its cast & crew drawn from both India and Japan. The film will be shot almost entirely in Japan and will be co-produced by Window Seat Films and Shochiku.

The project was announced today at a function to highlight the year of Japan India Friendly Exchanges in New Delhi in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Kenji Hiramatsu, Ambassador of Japan to India, Imtiaz, Arif and Shochiku representative, Takeya Ito.

Speaking about this first of its kind Indo-Japanese collaboration, Imtiaz said, “Asia is coming closer. There are too many similarities between me and someone in Tokyo - we wear similar clothes, have the same relationship issues and experience the same family concerns. One thing is different and that is language. A story that bridges this gap is challenging and exciting. I am excited and honoured to collaborate with Shochiku, perhaps the most prolific media house in Japan, on LOVE IN TOKYO.” 

Mitsuhito Hosoda, the Deputy CEO of Shochiku, elaborated on this venture as, “At Shochiku, we have quite a few first time efforts to our credit that have changed the map of cinema in Japan. We produced the first ever color motion picture in our country and have bridged enduring tradition with modern tastes by retaining interest in Kabuki theatre. In joining hands with Window Seat Films, we have begun yet another first time effort- of working closely with popular Hindi cinema. We view this as a huge opportunity and hope to lay the foundation for creative, quality films with this venture.”