Text and photos by Arato Ogura
Gear Expo Tokyo Show & Workshop was held at Toho Godzilla Studios on December 3 and 4.
The event was co-hosted by JSC (Japan Society of Cinematographers) and JSL (Japan Society of Lighting Directors), a first attempt to create a real hands-on and educational event for current and the next generation of DPs and lighting technicians.
Each day was limited to 60-70 participants due to Covid prevention measures. The mornings were used for equipment demos and trials.Each manufacturer was given time to explain their products on stage. The afternoons had workshops led by JSC and JSL instructors.
A small set was prepared and had actors, showing actual camera movement and focusing techniques, while the lighting department was explaining wireless lighting control and LED technology.
The camera instructor was Sohei Tanikawa, JSC. The lighting instructor was Kenjiro So, JSL.
Exhibiting manufacturers included:
- AOTO
- Angénieux
- Aputure
- ARRI
- Astera
- DJI
- Fujinon
- IDX
- Kinoflo
- Leitz
- OConnor
- Sony
- ZEISS
While it is still small compared to BSC Expo, Micro Salon or Cinegear, all participants welcomed this new event and expect it to become our Japanese version of a professional cine trade show — hopefully expanding and continuing.
