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ミナトスタジオ
From Kobe to the world — Changing society through the power of visual storytelling.
Discover
Minato Studio
Minato Studio
Minato Studio is a film production company based in Kobe, Japan, founded by
a group of passionate creators with strong ties to the Kansai region.
Our mission
Our mission is to produce films that resonate deeply with the human heart—stories that bring hope, offer healing, and create connection.
We focus on narrative dramas and documentaries that explore
social issues, human resilience, and emotional truths.
Since 2021, we have led independent screening campaigns
across Japan for "To Heah the Heart" , (NHK Special Drama).
Through this journey, we have met countless individuals affected by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, the Great East Japan Earthquake, and other devastating disasters.
Their voices and stories have become the foundation of our work.
We believe in the transformative power of films
—its ability to soothe pain, inspire hope, and foster understanding.
We wish our films to travel—not only across Japan but throughout the world.
If you are looking for an authentic, socially conscious film production partner in Japan,
OR if you're searching for stories that move, heal, and inspire,
we invite you to connect with Minato Studio.
Let’s create something meaningful—together.
Meet the Team
Minato Studio CEO / Producer
HORINOUCHI Reijiro
Reijiro Horinouchi began his career at
NHK (The Japan Broadcasting Corporation) in 2003, where he developed a strong foundation in both program and drama production.
In 2012–2013, he refined his craft by studying Hollywood-style production techniques in Los Angeles, gaining a global perspective on storytelling and production workflows.
In 2025, he established Minato Studio to pursue emotionally resonant, socially conscious film projects with international potential.
His major works at NHK include the widely acclaimed morning dramas Come Come Everybody, Manpuku, and Beppin-san; the historical series Hana Moyu; ; and the feature film The Harbor Lights.
Reijiro is known for his human-centered storytelling, empathetic approach to real-life themes, and commitment to producing films that offer healing, hope, and connection.
Through Minato Studio, he continues to create impactful works that resonate with audiences in Japan and beyond.
2023 ELAND'OR AWARD
🏆Best Producer of the Year
Come Come Everybody
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🏆 Broadcasting Culture Fund Award
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🏆Japan Drama Academy Awards
To Heal the Heart
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🏆 Winner of the 46th Broadcasting Culture Fund Award for Best Program
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Producer
AHN Sungyang
AHN Sungyang is the founder of The Harbor Lights film project and the lead producer behind its critically acclaimed works.
In 2020, he produced the NHK Saturday drama To Heal the Heart, where he played a key role as the liaison with the families depicted in the story. He also contributed as a cultural consultant, offering valuable insight into the experiences of the Korean diaspora in Japan. His connection to the story runs deep—he is the younger brother of Dr. Ahn Katsumasa, the psychiatrist whose life inspired the drama’s central character.
Following the drama’s success, Ahn continued his work as producer for the feature film adaptation of Living to Heal, which remains in active theatrical release across Japan.
With a passion for telling real-life stories and amplifying marginalized voices, Ahn is dedicated to producing films that promote healing, empathy, and meaningful social dialogue.
In addition to his work in film,
Ahn is also a Certified Administrative Procedures Legal Specialist (Tokutei Gyoseishoshi) and a Social Insurance and Labor Consultant (Shakai Hoken Roumushi) actively engaged in promoting Business and Human Rights (BHR) principles in
Japan.
To Heal the Heart
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🏆 Winner of the 46th Broadcasting Culture Fund Award for Best Program
