Ken Okano

Bio

Ken Okano is a producer/director based in Osaka, Japan. He has been involving in production for over 20 years. His career started at a production company in NYC; then he moved back to his hometown, Osaka, where he established his own production company, Spyce Media. From there, he has worked on numerous projects with production companies and broadcasters throughout Asia.

His signature project is Samurai of Fukushima, co-produced with History Channel Asia in 2012. He has also produced cultural and travelogue programs, and the company has often provided production services to foreign production companies and broadcasters. Currently, he is working on a documentary project for a Singaporean channel.

Reflection

Kaihogyo is one of the most difficult practices in Enryakuji temple. Only selected monks can try. So far less than 50 monks have completed this practice in the last 500 years of the temple’s history. Roughly calculated, it happens only once every 10 years. I am honored to witness and film this significant historic event for Sacred.

The shootings took place in the middle of the mountain in the dark nights. We had to walk and sometimes run on the trails where the monk walks thru. I felt that I was purified, and I appreciated to be a part of nature and the sacred ritual.

The monk told us that Kaihogyo is for the chosen people, but not for anyone. Thus, neither Enryakuji temple nor any monks want us to explore what is actually going on during the practice. We have limited access and restrictions regarding the shooting. Yet, somehow, we managed to shoot significant moments as well as beautiful scenes. Because of that reason, the scenes we filmed are very valuable and one of a kind. I hope everyone enjoys the scenes we filmed.