Takeshi Yagi

Takeshi Yagi is a Japanese film director, special effects director, and producer, and one of Japan’s leading figures in tokusatsu filmmaking. Across film and television, he has pursued distinctive approaches to storytelling and visual expression, directing both dramatic scenes and special effects.

His major works include Superior 8 Ultra Brothers, which held the Ultraman theatrical box-office record for 14 years, as well as Ultraman Max and Ultraseven X. He is also a co-author of the fantasy novel Night Train, and continues to develop original film projects, including a feature-length project based on his short film AKARI.

Alongside his filmmaking and writing, Yagi also works to share the art, history, techniques, and cultural legacy of Japanese tokusatsu with filmmakers and audiences around the world through education, research, and cultural exchange.

ABOUT TOKUSATSU

Originally a term for special effects techniques, tokusatsu evolved into a distinct genre and has become an integral part of Japanese culture. For Yagi, it is an art form that transcends technique, encompassing philosophy, artistic vision, and a deeper spiritual dimension.

AKARI

Short Film · Director / Producer / Co-writer / Special Effects Director

An original short film directed by Takeshi Yagi, who also served as its producer, co-writer, and special effects director.

Created through an international collaboration between Japanese and American filmmakers, AKARI combines the physical techniques of Japanese tokusatsu with a contemporary international production approach.

Following its earlier presentation at Tokyo Comic Con in 2022, AKARI had its international premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival in 2023.

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TOKUSATSU FILMMAKING MASTERCLASS

Streaming Masterclass · 2026

An international filmmaking course in which Yagi shares the techniques, creative philosophy, and practical methods of Japanese tokusatsu developed through decades of professional production.

Created with American producers and crew, the masterclass explores not only how tokusatsu is made, but also its history, cultural meaning, visual philosophy, and distinctive approach to storytelling.

The production of AKARI serves as a practical demonstration of how these ideas can be applied in an actual film production.

Now distributed internationally through Galxy.

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TOTAL WAR: SHOGUN 2 – COMPLETE EDITION

Announce Trailer · 2026 · Director

A cinematic announcement trailer directed by Takeshi Yagi for Total War: SHOGUN 2 – Complete Edition.

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