A vibrant football subculture is flourishing in Tokyo, where the sport intertwines with creativity, fashion, and community. This dynamic intersection of sport and culture takes centre stage in a new short documentary directed by James Copson, founder of Manchester based production company Anattic, and produced by Jack Ward of creative agency Ear to the Ground. Shot by Director of Photography James Stier, the film offers an immersive look into Tokyo’s alternative football scene, as seen through the eyes of footballer and community leader Kei Chisaka.

In Tokyo, football serves as more than a game; it is a platform for self-expression and connection. The documentary introduces Kei Chisaka, a young athlete who embodies this movement. As both a footballer and a community leader, Kei bridges the worlds of grassroots football and creative expression. Viewers follow him through a day in his life, exploring how young players in Tokyo are redefining the sport by integrating elements of streetwear, music, and art.

The project draws on insights from Ear to the Ground’s Fan Intelligence network, a collective that explores the subcultures shaping modern sports and culture around the world. “Working with and speaking to football fans as part of my day-job, it was clear that there was something unique about Kei and the creative football scene in Tokyo that we wanted to show to the world,” says Ward. “Collaborating with Kei, a leader in Tokyo’s grassroots culture, was pivotal in capturing the creativity and community that is defining the future of football in the city.”

Kei Chisaka represents a growing movement of players in Japan who are bypassing traditional football structures to embrace the game on their own terms. For Kei and his peers, football is not just a competitive pursuit but a shared experience intertwined with lifestyle, artistry, and togetherness. By rejecting the rigidity of professional football, these young players have rekindled their passion for the sport, finding joy and camaraderie in its purest form.

“Kei takes us on a journey through the city’s football scene, where sport meets creativity and community,” says director James Copson. “It’s about fun, expression, and belonging, rather than chasing fame or fortune.”

For Copson, the project aligns with his long-standing passion for storytelling and uncovering the human stories behind subcultures. “I’m drawn to sub cultures, people and community mostly, which is what drew me to Kei’s story. I love unique and non-mainstream aspects of all sport, grassroots passion and the underground groups of enthusiasts who play for their own reasons.,” he says.

“It’s more visceral and real. I wouldn’t consider myself a hardcore football fan and have often been conflicted, with different family members supporting either Manchester City and United, leaving me on the fence, not sure which way to go. It can get pretty hardcore. I think that’s what’s lead me away from the mainstream and more towards these unique communities, where the football comes with fashion, lifestyle, music and culture.”

“At Anattic we are a relentless team of storytellers dedicated to delivering the best still and moving image across advertising, campaigns and experiential content. Our number one aim is to elevate emotion.”

Since founding Anattic nearly a decade ago, Copson has led a team committed to crafting evocative still and moving imagery. The company’s work spans advertising, campaigns, and experiential content, collaborating with global brands and capturing moments with football stars like Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka. But for Copson, projects like this – focused on grassroots stories – are particularly special.

The collaboration between Ear to the Ground and Anattic captures the essence of Tokyo’s alternative football culture, where the sport intersects with broader cultural movements. By spotlighting Kei Chisaka and his community, the documentary offers a window into the future of Asian football culture – a world where the game is not just played but lived as a vibrant, creative expression – much like Europe and South America.

This cinematic portrayal of Tokyo’s football subculture not only celebrates the city’s unique scene but also underscores the universal power of the game to inspire connection and creativity.

Don’t miss out on Lower Block’s latest news and features. Subscribe below and give us a follow on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. 

You may also like…