2026 VES Japan Board of Managers Election
OFFICIAL BALLOT
For the March 2026 – February 2028 Term
Official voting is now closed. Election winners will be announced soon.
Akiyama, Takahiko
Section Affiliation: Japan
Job Title or Description: Director (Film / Commercials)
VFX Supervisor
CEO, 4D Brain Inc.
Chief Creative Officer (CCO), GADGET Inc.
Visiting Professor, Taiken Gakuen
Candidate Statement:
My name is Takahiko Akiyama. I am a director and VFX supervisor, and currently serve as CEO of 4D Brain Inc., a digital content production company.
I joined the Visual Effects Society in 2009, and since around 2016, I have worked closely with the late Tim McGovern, former Global Outreach Chair, as a representative supporting outreach efforts in Japan. Over the years, I have helped more than a dozen Japanese professionals become VES members by writing recommendations and providing guidance, steadily growing the community through long-term, behind-the-scenes efforts.
In parallel, in 2012 I co-founded VFX-JAPAN, a non-profit CG/VFX industry organization in Japan modeled after the VES. I served as its representative director for four years, and today it has grown into an organization with more than 600 members. Through this experience, I have developed strong skills in community building, cross-cultural communication, and sustainable organizational growth.
I am deeply honored by the approval of the VES Japan Section. As a member of the Board of Managers, I hope to contribute by bridging the VES’s international strengths with the existing Japanese industry network, fostering education, outreach, and collaboration between global and local communities. I believe this connection can further amplify the Society’s mission to Create, Inspire, and Educate, while increasing the value and impact of VES membership in Japan.
Suzuki, Masaru
Section Affiliation: Japan
Job Title or Description: Previously, I worked as the head of the systems department, but now, at the same company, SHIROGUMI INC., I work as a Solution Expert. I am a bridge not only for internal issues but also for external relationships.
Candidate Statement:
[How I can contribute to the Section Board]
I can utilize the information organization and documentation skills I developed in the Systems Department to organize and share information about the current situation of the VES Section in Japan. I believe I can utilize my experience working in magazines, articles, and various industry organizations more than anyone else.
I also hope to actively incorporate ideas and innovations from VES headquarters and other sections to make the section more meaningful.
[Innovative ideas I can contribute to the Japan VES Section]
- Building a communication platform
I can help build a communication platform for the Japan VES Section and manage a directory to ensure that communications reach Japan section members.
- Sharing information
Activity records, in particular, are important for increasing the number of VES members in Japan. Although I have only been a VES member for a short time, I am already translating VES resources (such as the section handbook) and exchanging information with other members, focusing on information that Japanese members should share.
I also plan to utilize AI and other tools, even as a volunteer, to reduce the cost of taking minutes while still ensuring that information is shared with Japan section members.
Kojima, Kazuya
Section Affiliation: Japan
Job Title or Description: Associate Professor, Kindai University Japan
R&D Supervisor / Motion Capture System Technician/Engineer, Motion Media Lab.Inc
Candidate Statement:
From my position as a university faculty member, I will develop a new Visual Effects curriculum. I will hold workshops nationwide. Participants ranging from children to artists and engineers will join, forming local communities.
Ueki, Takayuki
Section Affiliation: Japan
Job Title or Description: VFX Supervisor / CG Artist (Feature Film Production)
Candidate Statement:
I am honored to submit my candidacy for the Board of Directors of the Visual Effects Society.
I am a VFX Supervisor and CG Artist at SHIROGUMI, Inc., with experience in large-scale feature film production and international collaboration. My recent work includes contributing to the VFX production of Godzilla Minus One (Godzilla-1.0), where I helped bridge creative vision, technical execution, and cross-disciplinary teamwork.
As visual effects production continues to globalize, I believe the VES plays a vital role in connecting artists and technologists across regions. To remain strong, the Society must continue to reflect perspectives from all major production hubs.
Japan’s VFX industry is rapidly evolving, yet remains underrepresented within the VES leadership structure. I see this as an opportunity to further strengthen the Society as a truly global organization.
If elected, I hope to support closer connections with the Japanese and broader Asian VFX communities, encourage international collaboration and mentorship, and contribute a practical, production-driven perspective to the Board.
I would be honored to serve the VES and its global membership.
Nobuta, Koichi
Section Affiliation: Japan
Job Title or Description: *シティーハンター /vfx producer 2023
*Yu yu hakusho / vfx producer 2023
*Final Fantasy XVI /cg producer / director 2023
*Ghost Book Obakezukan cg producer / director 2022
*Hagane no Renkinjutsushi: Kanketsu-hen – Saigo no Rensei /vfx producer / director 2022
*Hagane no Renkinjutsushi: Kanketsu-hen – Fukushusha Scar /vfx producer / director 2022
*Shin Ultraman / vfx producer / director 2022
*Stand by Me Doraemon 2 /cg producer / director 2020
*Doragon Bôru Sûpâ Burorî /cg line producer 2018
*Shin Gojira / Visual Effects 2016
Candidate Statement:
I am honored to run for the Section Board. My candidacy is built on two pillars: an extensive intergenerational network and multidisciplinary expertise spanning Commercials, Games, Film, and Animation.
1) Efficiency through Expertise and Networks To enhance Board efficiency, I will leverage my unique position as a bridge between younger creators and industry veterans. By integrating the fresh perspectives of the youth with the seasoned wisdom of seniors, I can streamline decision-making and foster technological advancement. My experience across diverse genres allows me to identify shared operational challenges and implement cross-functional solutions that benefit the entire Association.
2) Innovative Initiatives to Boost Value To increase our Association’s influence, I propose the following initiatives focused on “Creative Synergy”:
Cross-Genre Networking Events: I will host networking parties designed specifically to spark dialogue between members from different fields, such as CM, Gaming, and Film. By using my personal network to bring diverse talents together, we will create a melting pot of ideas that leads to new creative value.
Reverse Mentoring Sessions: A platform where younger members update seniors on emerging tech, while seniors provide career guidance.
Strategic Partnerships: I will utilize my industry connections to create opportunities for members to showcase their work to a broader audience, strengthening our Association’s social impact.
By refining our operations and fostering these vibrant exchanges, I am committed to ensuring our Association remains a leader in innovation. I would be honored to serve you.
Takemura, Hideki
Section Affiliation: Japan
Job Title or Description: Technical sales account at Born Digital
Candidate Statement:
I work as a Technical Sales representative at Born Digital in Japan. In my day-to-day role, I provide VFX studios with hardware and software solutions and technical support in response to their requests. I have also been involved in showcasing VFX case studies through the CGWORLD media platform.
1) Unique experience or skills
I have had over 20 years of experience in the VFX/CGI industry and have provided technical support to a wide range of VFX/CGI studios. Because of this background, I actively reach out to potential new members and encourage them to join VES. Since becoming a member of VES, I have successfully nominated two individuals who were accepted as members.
2) Contribution / community building
I will work to create opportunities within the local community where members can exchange ideas and connect at the same time. I will also introduce and promote the VES activity within other artist communities.
Matsunaga, Koji
Section Affiliation: Japan
Job Title or Description: VFX Supervisor
Candidate Statement:
With over 35 years in CG and 25 years specifically in VFX, I’ve seen our industry evolve through every major technical shift. Having been “in the trenches,” I deeply understand the challenges we face today. Now, I want to use that experience to help our community move forward together.
- Bridging Generations: Leveraging Experience and the VES Network
With a deep network of artists, studios, and vendors, I see myself as a “connector.” I aim to use these relationships to bridge gaps between industry stakeholders, making the Board’s work more collaborative and efficient.
I’m also dedicated to mentorship. Our field thrives on shared knowledge, and I want to ensure the hard-won wisdom of our veterans is preserved. I’m committed to building a pipeline where that experience flows directly to the next generation, empowering the talent that will lead our industry tomorrow.
- Boosting Our Impact and Value for Every Member
I propose two key pillars to increase our membership’s value:
Going Global & Bringing it Home: I will engage with international partners to push Japanese content globally, ensuring this success translates into fair profit distribution and concrete benefits for creators right here at home.
Fixing the Workplace: It’s time for an update. I want to lead initiatives to improve working conditions and discover “hidden gems” of talent that the current system often overlooks.
I’m committed to a community where both fresh talent and seasoned pros can thrive. I would be honored to have your support!
Yamaguchi, Satoshi
Section Affiliation: Japan
Job Title or Description: VFX supervisor / Previs Supervisor / Technical Producer
I joined IMAGICA in 1997, where I began my career in film production.
Prior to that, I worked as an engineer at an electronics company, where I acquired the foundational 3DCG skills. Building on those skills, I have been responsible for special effects shooting and compositing in films, commercials, and other projects.
Around 2000, I recognized the importance of pre-visualization (previz) in VFX work. I actively worked to promote previz adoption in Japan, and in 2013, I founded ACW-DEEP Inc., Asia’s first previz-specialized company. I take pride in having spearheaded the previz business in Japan.
Currently, I am working to apply the digital imaging technologies cultivated through film and commercials to industries like manufacturing and construction.
For a detailed profile, please refer to the following site.
https://www.deepsfx.com
Candidate Statement:
I joined VES in 2011.
By then, the internet had already become widespread, making it easier to access global VFX technology information. However, obtaining information about pre-visualization (previz) technology was still challenging. Therefore, my primary goal in joining VES was to gain access to the latest previz technology information.
To achieve this, I attended seminars held in LA several times and expanded my network to acquire information. Thanks to VES, I was able to gain various insights that helped me commercialize my work.
With the establishment of the Japan Section, I believe we now have a foundation to share my accumulated experience with fellow members. However, the Japan Section is still in its infancy, and we must actively build its environment from here on.
Should I be elected to the Board of Managers, I intend to work diligently to create pathways enabling members to achieve success in VFX as a business.
I look forward to your continued support.
Dillinger, Jeffrey
Section Affiliation: Japan
Job Title or Description:
Candidate Statement:
I have had the fortune to spend time as a VES member in regions that have had active sections and seen the positive impact that they can have on their local VFX communities. It is with that experience that I wanted to bring the same opportunity to Japan. I am excited to combine that knowledge and experience with the ideas of other members in Japan and build something special here.
私はこれまで、活動的なセクションを有する地域でVESメンバーとして過ごす機会に恵まれ、そうしたセクションが地域のVFXコミュニティに与える前向きな影響を実際に目にしてきました。その経験から、同じような機会を日本にももたらしたいと考えるようになりました。日本の他のメンバーの皆さんのアイデアと、私自身の知識と経験を融合させ、特別なものを築いていけることをとても楽しみにしています。”
Hanawa, Mei
Section Affiliation: Japan
Job Title or Description: VFX Producer
Candidate Statement:
I can contribute to the Visual Effects Society as a Board candidate in the following ways.
First, I will help promote VES to the younger generation and strengthen outreach in Japan. As the PR lead at Spade & Co., I have managed our social media presence for the past eight years, building consistent communication with creators and industry audiences. I am also among the younger members in the VES Japan Section, which gives me the energy and mobility to actively support events, share updates quickly, and engage new members in a friendly, approachable way.
Second, I will support international connection and knowledge sharing. Although I have been a VES member for less than six months, I attended SIGGRAPH Vancouver last year and had opportunities to connect with members from other countries. Going forward, I plan to participate proactively in global gatherings and professional exchanges, then bring back insights on emerging workflows, industry trends, and community activities to the VES Japan Section. My goal is to help our local community stay informed, connected, and future-facing—while making VES more visible and accessible to the next generation of VFX professionals.
Kinoshita, Rumiko
Section Affiliation: Japan
Job Title or Description: VFX Producer
Candidate Statement:
1)
I have worked across various roles within the VFX industry on both domestic and international projects, collaborating closely with studios in different regions and production environments. Through this experience, I have been involved in coordinating workflows, supporting communication between teams, and contributing to projects from both creative and practical perspectives. More recently, I have been involved in the establishment of a small studio’s Canadian branch and am in the process of strengthening connections with the North American VFX industry.
By drawing on these experiences, I hope to contribute to a well-organized and sustainable structure within the Japan Section board, helping to clarify roles and decision-making processes so that volunteer efforts can remain effective and manageable. I also aim to support realistic and ongoing collaboration with the VES headquarters and other sections, grounded in an understanding of day-to-day production realities.
2)
I would like to support initiatives that share Japanese VFX projects and international collaborations not only from a technical standpoint, but also through the lens of production structure and professional practice. Creating opportunities for members to learn from real-world examples can help broaden perspectives and encourage meaningful exchange.
In addition, I am interested in developing activities that address career growth at different stages, from early-career artists to more experienced professionals. By fostering open dialogue around career paths, international collaboration, and the evolving nature of our industry, I hope to help make the Japan Section a practical and welcoming community that supports both learning and long-term professional development.
Matsumoto, Ryo
Section Affiliation: Japan
Job Title or Description:
Candidate Statement:
As a compositor at Shirogumi Inc., I have worked across a wide range of projects, including feature films, television, commercials and more. My role has naturally evolved from hands-on compositing to leadership positions such as Compositing Lead, Compositing Supervisor, and Associate VFX Supervisor, as well as serving as an on-set supervisor.
A defining chapter of my career was being part of the VFX team for Godzilla Minus One. Through that experience, I felt firsthand the moment Japan’s VFX industry truly reached a global standard. I am convinced that our potential for further growth is immense.
The launch of the VES Japan Section is a wonderful milestone and a huge leap forward for our community. As a member of the Board of Managers, I want to help bridge the gap between our local talent and the global industry. I hope to contribute to this exciting new era and help our industry shine on the world stage.
I would be honored to have your support.
Kikuchi, Ren
Section Affiliation: Japan
Job Title or Description: Senior Specialist Business Development – Visual Compute APJC
at Amazon Web Services
Candidate Statement:
I bring nearly 25 years of experience across the visual effects and content production industry, with a background spanning production environments, client-side organizations, and the technology sector. While my membership in the Visual Effects Society is relatively recent, my career has long been closely connected to the global creative community the Society represents.
I have worked directly as an artist, supervisor, producer, and production executive, giving me firsthand insight into how creative, technical, and business priorities intersect throughout the production lifecycle. Rather than approaching the industry from a single role or perspective, I bring a broad, experience-based view shaped by many years of hands-on work across different parts of the ecosystem.
Having spent comparable portions of my career in both Japan and North America, I have developed strong communication skills grounded in an understanding of cultural and organizational differences. I continue to work actively with stakeholders in both regions, which allows me to support clear communication, trust-building, and collaboration across VES sections.
As a Board member, I would contribute practical insight informed by experience, along with an understanding of emerging areas such as cloud, AI, and virtual production. I am also interested in how the Society can engage constructively with public and governmental sectors through dialogue and education, while remaining non-political and community-focused.
I am committed to respecting the unique practices of the Japan Section while thoughtfully incorporating global best practices, helping ensure the Society remains inclusive, forward-looking, and responsive to its members.
Doki, Nobutaka
Section Affiliation: Japan
Job Title or Description: VFX Producer / VFX Supervisor
Candidate Statement:
Over the past 25 years, I have been involved in VFX on approximately 160 productions, primarily films and television dramas.
Primarily as a VFX supervisor, I have collaborated with many Japanese VFX productions. Japan is home to many talented VFX designers. I believe that deepening exchanges with the world will lead to the improvement of Japanese VFX technology, and of technology around the world. I would be happy to contribute, even in just a small way, to making this a reality.
I also teach at a vocational school, and I would like to find ways to narrow the gap between students studying VFX in Japan and VFX around the world.
Oda, Issei
Section Affiliation: Japan
Job Title or Description: Executive Director / VFX supervisor
Candidate Statement:
- Creating a Communication Space
Leveraging my experience organizing clubs and online events, I will be able to propose concrete ideas for creating a communication space between young and senior members of the Japan VFX Section and for Japan Section members to constantly share new information.
- Passing on Skills to Young VFX Supervisors
Leveraging my experience and connections as a VFX supervisor on over 100 films, including those I have directed myself, I will create a forum inviting film directors and on-site staff from Japan and abroad to share the skills required of a VFX supervisor, from planning to filming and final finishing touches.
Yoshizawa, Yasuaru
Section Affiliation: Japan
Job Title or Description: composite supervisor
Candidate Statement:
“The VES portal offers a wealth of valuable information, such as the ‘Member Resources’ section. I would like to explore the possibility of translating these materials into Japanese to ensure they are accessible to our local members.
Additionally, I recognize that the English documentation required for VES Award nominations can be a significant barrier for many in Japan. I would like to discuss how the Japan Section might provide support in this area to encourage more local submissions.”